"How does the Spectron compare to the Sander Sound Amp"
These are very different designs. Spectron is class D and Sanders, as he explain his bias, is class B - may be A/AB but for 3 watts only
Spectron peak power 3400 watts, Sanders 2000 watts;
Duration: Spectron 500msec, Sanders: "momentarely";
Peak voltage, Spectron 120v, Sanders - 90 volts .
Weakness in design: Sanders uses usual negative feedback which produces odd orders harmonics and Spectron's negative feedback is 10 times faster - so practically no odd harmonics, particularly at the peaks when sound can reach ear piercing levels
Sound - I listen to Sanders but it could be not in optimal system so I will not comments here
Al; The Best
Rafael |
I understand the V-cap is a 600 hr break in and some may jump to conclusions. I agree, I have read similar break in time for V-caps. I think they stated at the Tempo Electric shootout that the V-caps had the longest recommended break in time (400hrs) among the caps in the shoot out. |
In the defense with regards to 6moons and others;
I understand the V-cap is a 600 hr break in and some may jump to conclusions. |
I find all this cap discourse quite fascinating. Some say V-caps are the greatest thing. some say the opposite. I think it may come down to component matching and personal preference.
One case that highlights this is Srajan Ebaen's Supratek Cabernet Dual preamp. He had the caps changed to V-caps just to have them resersed back to the old caps a few months later. At the other end, there are some Supratek users that simply swear by the V-caps.
I'll certainly check with Simon when I go for the MK II upgrade.
|
There is a cap shoot-out on audiocircle ,too,
but I don't know how to link.
On the (audio central) section of (audio/video), under (my capacitor comparisons:mundorf)etc.
Also look up in the v-cap website for their reviews and there is a good Chinese shoot-out.
Check with Simon on his thoughts with your amp topography
and Bybee plus / minus the v-caps and his custom cap in the Mk2.
Go for the best sound for you. Simon knows better then I regarding the nuances of the upgrades (as always UMMV)
I am too soon to give a sound review on my amp yet, as a life situation has postponed some plans.
Not to worry, still to come!
Rod |
I came across this interesting capacitor shootout:
http://www.tempoelectric.com/caps.htm
V-cap was named 'best in class'. With the popularity of V-caps, it seems that it will be a popular upgrade for Spectron amps.
When I send my amps for the MK II upgrade, the V-caps option will be at the top of my list.
What are your thoughts on the V-cap upgrade?
|
Great! Good start towards answering that proverbial question,
"Whats different for the New Spectron Musician 3 SE Mk2?"
JPS wiring, very interesting.
Rod |
I want to add a bit to my post upthread. Before I started upgrading my equipment several years ago, I owned a Crown Macro Reference amp. 700 watts or more. Industrial strength amp in every way. I can refer you to an article by Sam Telig about the amp:
http://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/1292crown/
My point is that I am familiar with high power amps, and I built my heathy portion of Heaathkit's and Eico's and Dynaco amps and integrateds back in the day, 1960's mostly. So I know what lower powered tubes can do. A friend has a set of 300B jewels we listen to alot. Higher power amps, whether solid state or tube, find finesse and ease difficult. Some systems are hefty, some quick, some tuneful and full of PRAT.
My system always sounded best to me with higher power. I had a Parasound A21 for a while and it was pretty damn good, too. But it lacked an airiness with treble transients that I like. The PS Audio HCA-2 was quick as can be but lacked the strong control my woofers needed. I never really gave my horn a thought about control issues until I got involved with the SE Mk2.
Maybe I am wacked, but every register, whether below my crossover of 1200KHz or above seems more disciplined. The Spectron has achieved something in my system that I just have not experienced before. Accuracy of decay, deep tonality, AND this elusive finesse thing. Transitions are smooth. Quiets are in fact quiet. Transients clear regardless of intensity. This is the unique thing to me, and not unimportant to people who treasure music. It comes through the maze of wires, resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes and connectors clean and strong.
Yep, Wayne Gretzky is still the best analogy I can come up with, obscure or not. This amp is "The Great One." |
Oofer,
Great post. I have the MK2 in my upgrade queue, after I get the Stereovox LSP-600C speaker cables in a couple of weeks. These amps react very well with the best equipment out there.
|
And for anyone interested in learning a little more about what's new on the Mus 3 Mk.2, Audiogon has just posted the relevant press release from Spectron:
http://cgim.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/pr.pl?spectron&1211997406&v
Guido |
Okay, I will post this now knowing full well that I have only about 100 hours on the upgrade. Also, that my amp spent years as a regular Musician III. I can't give you a comparison of the SE to SE Mk2. Skipped that stage, sorry.
However, I thought, as did Simon when I talked with him today, that my initial out of the box till now, 10 day, impression would be useful. Evidently I have the first SE Mk2 upgrade delivered.
I have two amps, a PS Audio HCA-2 with heavy upgrades from RAM and the Musician III. There was never any doubt as to which amp sounded better. The Spectron had the power, the headroom, and the control to make any comparison useless. the HCA-2 is a great amp--for the price. Really, it has a fine sound, is very sensitive to input power, and IC's, PC's and the like. At its best, it is clear and a trend setter towards Class D hitting the big leagues.
The Spectron, the second it plugged into my system, was an eye opener. It had power in spades, and made bass control and tonality an instant difference. I listened to it for a while as a III, before the upgrades. It was obviously a great amp as is. It had more of everything. I won't get into the differences between the PS Audio and Spectron. They are amps playing in different leagues.
My speaker system is on the sensitive side. I use JBL L-200t3's supplemented with LCY super tweeters and ACI Force Subs. 93db sensitivity is the usually quoted spec for these rare speakers. They are consumer versions of the 4425 studio monitor. I have owned them since new and loved them the whole time. Everytime I try new speakers, on a trail basis, I just like the JBL's better.
The reason I bring the speakers up is twofold. One, obviously I don't need 600 watts of power to get these things moving. Two, they have always shown me differences in the equipment I have been moving in and out of my system for years.
I have one word to describe the difference between the Spectron Musician II and the SE Mk2 upgrade--Finesse. Not subtle, not just on certain sources and software. Finesse across the broad spectrum of what one might hear in any decent recording, any source. The upgraded amp makes music sound more resonant, more real, more clear, more more.
Spectron has had the power issue down for years now. They have always made hard to drive speakers, like B&W 800 series, or Gallo Reference 3's, Von Schweikert's. Hard to drive speakers need the iron fist of power to sound their best. Finesse on the other hand has been the provence of flea powered amps, 300 B's come to mind, SETS of all kinds, and the like with sensitive speakers.
Well, the Spectron Musician III SE Mk2 is both iron fisted and tuned for finesse. It is, frankly, a unique combination of control and ease. You might consider this the advantage of headroom. One might see the difference between the M III and the SE Mk2 as hockey's Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretsky. Both great players, one just has more finesse. The hockey reference is a bit obscure, I know. Let me try again.
Charles Barkley/Michael Jordon. Roger Maris/Willie Mays. John Adams/Thomas Jefferson. I hope you get the idea here. The Mk2 is just more balanced in a magic way, not just a better performer but a stellar talent.
We can get into the nitty gritty of using JPS wire for output, of better power supply and storage, of binding post changes, and I still don't have a really clear idea of what all IS a Mk2, but I know it already sounds better than the regular M III. Voices are clearer, cellos more resonant, massed strings more defined by type and placement. And the darn thing isn't even close to breaking in enough to get to the more subtle stuff.
Anyway, being first in line makes things not as polished as being twentieth. The unit was delivered without an upgrade to the rail fuses--they will be replaced, but with a HiFi tuning power in fuse. The confusion over the content of what a Mk2 really is. I started a real dust up over asking a simple question about what a Mk 2 is in another thread, but I didn't intend to. I was just anticipating my new unit coming in.
Now that it is here, I am happy I spent the money, entirely satisfied with the unit, and I will report again when the M III SE Mk2 gets settled into its own pace, at about 1000 hours. I'll write a review. |
How does the Spectron compare to the Sander Sound Amp? They both are designed to drive difficult loads down to a short. Has anyone compared the two? |
|
RKMCV, I am not surprised about very long break in time on Spectron. . . seems switching amps require inordinate amounts of time to yield their very best. . . anyone who has not had the patience of nursing any of these these devices to their ultimate performance point is denying themselves a very wonderful experience. |
I saw that Wayne Donnelly @ enjoythemusic.com said it took
him 6 months of use
before he knew the Spectron Musician 3 amp was fully ready
to declare it a Best of 2006 award.
This was a stock '06 M3.
Review recap under their amp archieve "best of '06" |
Hello,
I think two weeks of playing is good enough for the initial review, FYI:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?ramps&1208544976&read&3&4&
When I will get 1000 hours or so, I will add some - the same as I did with stereo amp, an year ago when I did comparison with VTL Siegfried mono pair.
Meanwhile, I can only join Isanchez in his statement that the pleasure from monoblocks more then doubled on my B&W802D!
... my head is dizzy a bit !!!!
All The Best,
Rafael |
Baranyi,I am using the Stages - easier to drive than your Scintilla's! |
Radicalsteve,
Which Apogees are you powering with Spectron? This is written by a curious Scintilla user. Bob |
I think the Bybee Super Effect Units need at least 200hrs to open up too.
The V-caps need some 500hrs I've heard. |
Thank you Radicalstuff, excellent info. Please do keep us posted as the sound develops further. I wonder how many hours of break in are required for Spectron to yield its very very best performance? Some other switching amps that I have had the opportunity to test and that -- unlike Spectron -- utilize ICE modules for power conversion, likely take over 1000 hours to break in completely. . . so, be patient and keep posting your listening notes here. |
I have just acquired the new Spectron, with the full upgrades Simon offers on new units and just passed the 200 hour mark - but I believe there is still some settling down to occur. Us audiogeeks are always seduced by our new toys, so I will try to be absolutely objective.
I bought the Spectron to replace Sonic Frontier Power 3's that had been heavily modified and upgraded across the board. I would put my Power 3's up against anything out there, tube or SS. My rationale to change was purely to get a truthful sonic signature without the excessive heat in the summer, recognizing that I was not going to get a tube sound.
So far, I am not "blown away" but I am impressed and not regretting my move. The Spectron definitely has more detail, less veil than any of the tubed equipment I have had - including single ended triodes etc. The Spectron is also more faithfull to a live sound than a SS amp, and I have had a few good ones in this system as well. At this point, I can't see any reason to think about another amp, other than a matching Spectron to bi-amp. I did get the Bybee upgrade and oil caps.
The Spectron is a good match with my ARC Ref3; it runs ridiculously cool, no noise, total control top to bottom, but it is not lush, it does not color the signal and it is remarkably effortless driving my Apogees, very quiet driving my Raven/Focal hand-built MTM's. If I had to sum up so far, it has poise, clarity, definition and gives a confidence that it delivers the most musical response from whatever you feed into it. Just be aware that it will highlight any deficiencies in your system or your room acoustics.
Bravo Spectron! |
"Spectron philosophy/practice"
Dear Mdrummer01: thank you for your kind words. We found even cheaper source for very high quality fuses:
AudioAcmelabs.com - ceramic, silver, cryo - at $12 each. Its good info for owners of older amplifiers. For new amplifiers we will install these fuses at no cost to our users.
Here is a few more things which will dramatically improve performance of Spectron amplifiers.
1) Acoustic Revive QR-8 Quartz Resonator "...Place these little adhesive backed smoky quartz disks on any surface that may have vibration/resonance issues to reduce vibration borne problems. Other devices may reduce resonance, but they often add their own at the same time..."
http://www.tweekgeek.com/_e/loc/product/QR-8/Acoustic_Revive_QR_8_Quartz_Resonator.htm
2) The Acme Audio Ebony Wood AC Connector: - "...will utterly shock you with what it does to the sound characteristics of your existing power cords. Try one on either end of your source's power cord to experience a smother, warmer, more liquid midrange and enhanced dynamics..."
http://www.tweekgeek.com/_e/Acme_Audio_Tweaks/product/AcmeEbonyClamp/Acme_Audio_Ebony_AC_Connector_Clamp.htm
When I use word "dramatic" - this is exactly what I mean. The effect is disproportional to their price -at least in my own system and few others.
I made agreement with Michael Garner from http://www.tweekgeek.com/ Call him at (303) 653-6341, and tell him that you are Spectron customer - he will provide you about 20% discount on this product.
Please be aware that Spectron or I personally have no financial interest in any of our recommendation.
We do have interest, obviously, in your recommendation of our products and services to your friends.
Thank you again
Simon |
I have to agree about changing the 4 internal power supply fuses. In my system it makes a signinficant difference. |
I have to add my two cents about Spectron philosophy/practice and upgrading an already fine amplifier. I bought a pre-owned Musician IIISE about two months ago from a member here on Audiogon. The unit did not work properly upon arrival; I have no reason to believe the (reputable) previous owner had any problems with it. With the warranty in effect I shipped it from Minneapolis to California. The total turn around time, including shipping, was 12 days…and I followed the shipping progress to Spectrum Service from Minneapolis. According to my calculations, Spectron did not have it for more than a day….I could be a day off…but I don’t think so. Simon T. filled me on the option I had to purchase four HiFi Tuning fuses from a partnering business, which I did. Say what you want/read the other threads, but this tweak added substantial gain and detail to the amp. Goes with out saying I recommend this to any Spectron owner. Thank you Simon and the ‘pit crew’! |
After I heard the Bybee Super Effect Speaker Bullets this winter(a jaw dropping audio experience), I had a chance to test the Bybee Super Effect Ultra Power Cord.
My review is here on Agon.
I spoke with Jack Bybee about this new device of his,
a generational leap compared to his other products.
I did jump at the chance of Simon's upgrade to put
Super Effect in my Signature Edition Plus.
Time will tell!
|
No, I didn't get the bybee upgrade. It wasn't available at the time. I'm not sure I would have gotten it anyway. Hard to say.
Look forward to your hearing about your experience with your new arrival. |
Great post above! Good to hear your impressions.
Did you get the bybee upgrade too?
I am looking forward to the arrival of
a new born Plus coming into my household.
Bravo to Simon for the genetic improvements as you describe,
and standing over the arduous labor and delivery,
insuring a healthy arrival.
I am quite the demanding and worried father
but find each post reassuring as well as the kid glove handling by Simon. |
btw, sorry for all the typos, spelling errors and incorrect use of homonyms in the above post. Dratted forum won't let you go back and edit posts. |
I'm a long time Spectron user. I've had the Digital One and the Musician II (not to mention a flirtation with the Musician II Hybrid, which- btw - is an incredible value) as well as a plethora of other amplifiers - both tube and solid state. About a month ago I took delivery of my Musician III SE Plus (capacitor upgrade). I was a very restrained and immediately plugged the new amp into my computer system to break in. Well, I finally put the amp into the main system. I must say, it's quite a piece of work.
I believe Simon has a lot to do with this new direction that Spectron has taken. When I got my first Digital One, I approached John (Ulrick) about possibly changing some of the parts in the circuit to higher quality "boutique" components because of my experience with rebuilding tube amps and speaker crossovers etc. __My__ ears heard a difference. Well, he wasn't to open to the idea at the time. Well times change, and it's obvious that along with a brilliant design, now Spectron has taken that next step in to creating something truly superlative. Again, I think Simon has been instrumental in this final stage. Bravo!
Most of the professional reviews I read of the amplifier sound a little milquetoast to me. What's funny is that - as far as I know- at least 2 of these professional reviewers have purchased an MIII. After hearing the amp for myself, I can better understand why the reviews read the way that they did.
This amplifier is soooo even handed about how balances its attributes that it might come off as sounding non distinctive. It's not juicy, it's not obviously airy (although it's certainly not lacking), it's not weighty/meaty (like some Krells can sound in the nether regions) but it's bass is probably the best I've ever heard. Although I've heard a more glamorous midrange with some tube amps (my dabbling with a VAC Renaissance 30/30 comes to mind), I've never heard anything that got the midrange this __incredibly__ good without drastically messing up something else (soggy bass, rolled off highs etc etc.) The dynamics of the amp are truly amazing. I've never ever heard a solid state amp this dynamic, especially the micro. I've heard some tube amps that were maybe a little bit more suave (colored?) with the small gestures, but nowhere near as able to track complex orchestral micro dynamics. The bass has really taken me a while to wrap my head around. At first I could see where someone might think it was lean. It's not. After listening to things with complex bass lines I've come to the realization that I'm used to hearing the bass with more distortion. Even complex lines come across with appropriate (and plenty of it!) weight, but without any of the bloat, blurring, or overhang I'd gotten used to hearing.
I could go on, but this post is already rediculously long. Let's just say that despite having good expectations of the MIII SE Plus, I'm still pleasantly surprised with just how good it is.
Enjoy! |
I agree, XLR for balanced mono and RCA for single ended stereo ops seems an ideal configuration for a flexible monoblock offering. |
I too heard the Spectron M3 SE at Steves house in Denver last October RMAF '07.
This was at the premiere of the SP-TECH Revelation new crossovers. Wow, what an unlimited resource of purity and power, never constrained or congested regardless of the
barrage of music we put through the system.
I didn't get to hear the Mono setup Steve later had, but I can only imagine "the more is better" manifest.
When looking at amps that can change from stereo to mono, there are several methods in the marketplace.
The John Iverson Eagle 200 became a new mono block (with factory inside changes) called the Eagle 400... a dedicated change over with no variable to switchback except with factory change.
The BEL 1001 amps switch from mono to stereo but RCA inputs
only.
Of course the Bryston SST designs are bridged to make monos at inception, and some can be changed from voltage to current bridging but with factory only changes.
Probably the most elegant way is what Simon has devised for the music lover from New York per above.
This is what MBL and Belles have for stereo to mono change over, RCA for 2 channel stereo amp, and Balanced XLR for the mono amp.
This I think will have the broadest appeal, to me too!
Rod |
I have my upgraded SE amp for a couple of months now, and can honestly say that in its upgraded status it is excellent!
Smooth,dynamic,detailed,transparent with a deep and wide soundstage.It has an ease and grain-free sound even when the music gets loud and complicated which is uncanny,like it's just coasting along.
I like to tip my hat to John,Toni,and Simon at Spectron for not sitting on their laurels and
improving an already top-class amp,bravo!
Joe |
"Another change in policy is that factory repair takes precedence over production -"
Hi Simon,
I just had to chirp in and applaud that decision. I've been open to an amplifier upgrade for a little while now, and one class D amplifier just became interesting to me.
Regards |
I also took delivery of a pair of Spectron M3 SE but I haven't had the chance to hook them up in monoblock mode. In fact, I'm just listening to a single amp in stereo mode at the moment. The first thing I noticed when connecting the amp was how quiet it was. Perfectly quiet, absolutely no transformer noise, and only very, very minimal hiss from the tweeters when standing with my ear to within 1ft distance from the tweeter. I have some really "dirty" city electrical power supplied to my home in Cleveland, OH, I've had amps ranging from 20 Wpc (a tube amp) up to 600 Wpc (an older version of Spectron M3 amp) and several in between and always had some kind of transformer noise. Not this time. Likewise, I always had some hiss audible up to 3 ft distance from the tweeters, not bad but still there, again not this time.
Second impression: there was a blackness between instruments, an organic, meat on bones feeling to each audible sound, a precision in extracting the last detail and presenting it in an utterly unforced, natural manner that was very addictive.
I lack the necessary cabling to wire the amps in monoblock mode, but for now I'm happy with what I'm getting as it is.
The rest of the system: von Schweikert VR7 mk2 speakers, the older style one piece model, Audio Logic MXL34 DAC, Benchmark DAC1 USB, Pioneer transport, PC music server, nude resistor volume control, Acoustic Zen and BNC cabling. I listen to jazz, classical (wide variety, from choral to orchestral and everything in between), electronica, down tempo, trip hop.
I will post a formal review of this really awesome amp at some point in the hopefully near future.
As much as I like my other components, I have to admit that the Spectrons are in a different league sonically and I warmly recommend them to anyone in the market for a mid to high power amp, regardless of topology. Be sure to ask about the v-cap option (the so called "signature Edition Plus"), highly recommended. |
Dear Guido,
As I wrote above it is my belief that there is no free lunch, still...
I have had interesting discussion, yesterday, with the buyer (D.Y. New York) who was ordering monoblocks and did not want to spent a fortune to pay for the second pair of his very expensive interconnects. Nor did he wanted to use "Y" connector since, in his opinion, additional termination would degrade sound.
We agreed that the optimum solution is for us to make connection between XLR inputs making the monoblock for XLR yet keep RCA inputs disconnected keeping them in stereo mode.
The advantages in this solution is that if he cannot use one amplifier for one or another reason then he always can use the second one in stereo mode.
Secondly, our policy today is that vast majority of repairs (nearly 95%) do not require sending the entire amplifier to us - amp is modular, and most of the user can un-plug modules and ship them to us by air. Another change in policy is that factory repair takes precedence over production - thus we fix it almost same day and ship back by air, and when user receive them, in a few days, he plug them in and end of the story... so disadvantage of having hardwired connections can be felt only for a few days at most.
Finally, I have had, yesterday, additional discussion with production (as you know I am not production engineer) and now, when requested, we can remove this connection without much "danger" to amplifier itself.
I think that our approach to yesterday's D.Y. request is the best illustration of our philosophy to work with each user individually (when needed, of course) until non-superficial solution is reached.
Thank you - I hope I explained our minimalistic approach to this kind of problems.
Simon |
Hi Simon, now I understand. Would a board-level topology redesign let you optimize a model for mono operation instead? I am concerned that the addition of a 'Y" splitter may also cause some degradation because of the additional connector. One more solution is to ask the manufacturer of the ICs from Pre to amp to create a long "Y" split wire that would split just at the connector plugged into the pre. . . no extra connectors that way, but this may add some semi-significant cost to the setup. G. |
iSanchez,
Its true balanced mode and if I recall correctly, rejection of noise and buzz was measured as more then 60 dB (don't hold me to this number!). Plus, amplifier intrinsic distortions, as small as they are now have opposed signs and thus largely canceled.
If you would look on our web site - John Ulrick and I wrote the article (http://spectronaudio.com/tech1.htm) representing my and his philosophy - you start building the amp first by understanding your engineering goals and then by achieving the best specs you can possibly to achieve. Then and only then you can think about "soul" of music and go from engineering into music - if you recall I am also concert pianist by education and it helps me immensely but ONLY after engineeringly we are both happy.
So, in this article, we proposed that amplifier distortion, as pleasant for the ear it could be (e.g. poorly designed tube amplifier produce huge euphonic 2nd order harmonics) - is not only "pleasant" garbage and irritant - to my ears at least (and I am a tube-man!!!) but also is a murky ugly veil between you and music.
Now, you removed largely whatever distortion Musician had and window into music is opened wider - you can hear its sweetness, detail etc of music, blackness between notes etc etc.
That was (part of the) theory and as I understand from you and few other early adoptees of the monoblock approach - it seems to work.
I hope I am right. However, even if I am wrong I am immensely happy with early reports I have.
Best Regards,
Simon |
Spectron,
Thanks for explaining the pros and cons of the different mono-block configurations. The only thing I wasn't aware of, or didn't remember, was how the internal wiring is done to bridge the amps internally, as opposed of doing this eternally by the end user via an extra pair of ICs. It's clear now that the external connection will be the obvious one here.
I decided on not using internal connections mostly because of flexibility. I thought that I could have assemble a simple system in my office with the other amp, or if something ever happens to one amp, which I much doubt considering the built quality, I can keep going with one while the other one is out.
I'm not an engineer so I may be wrong here, but my reading of this is that the internal wiring will add to the signal path, whereas the use of the extra interconnect will not change anything internally for the signal, hence producing a shorter way for the signal to travel. Now that this is more clear to me, I'm even happier with my decision.
One thing that still puzzles me, and perhaps Spectron can answer, is why there is so much improvement with these amps in balanced mode. I know that based on the specs the power triples and the headroom doubles. In my experience with other brands however, more power alone and more headroom alone do not guarantee better and/or more efficient performance. I've heard another brand of amps in a similar configuration and I remember hearing more noise when the amps doubled, and a quieter sound with half the power. With the M3 SE, I hear the opposite. The sound is better timed, which yields better control of the silence between musical notes.
|
Hello Guido,
We can do internal connection of input(s): XLR and/or RCA - its not a big deal for production - provided its ordered prior to amplifiers assembly.
However, the end user must realize that going from stereo to monoblock mode (by any manufacturer) does require INTERNAL or EXTERNAL connection and then question arise - who will do it - manufacturer internally and for modest fee or user, externally, by adding additional pair of interconnects. On the surface, the answer is simple: manufacturer. However, as the rule, we do not use input wire - from inputs the signal goes directly to the boards, thus, we introduce our own hook up wire for this connection, and its OBVIOUS that the sound quality will be better if all input wires will be the same i.e. two pairs of interconnects - rather then pair of interconnects made of silver wire and our connection made of different metal or alloy.
Another negative against manufacturer's solution is loss of flexibility - If you use two pair of interconnects then your amp can go from stereo to mono and... back anytime you choose. If we use internal connection then this input can be used ONLY as monoblock (well there is another input you still can use in stereo).
In summary, if someone is ordering monoblocks and want to make us internal connection we will gladly do it. I spoke a while ago with production and arranged it including the small fee for material and additional labor.
Yet, nobody who ordered monoblocks and talked to me about alternatives - ordered internal connection - everybody wanted to have flexibility and choice of their wire.... so far including even iSanchez.
I hope that you will not ask us to adjust gain, flip phase switch etc.
My philosophy is to give the end user as much freedom as possible but if somebody knows what he wants and want to exchange some degree of freedom for convenience - its fine with me too.
As a rule, I want to work with our users.
Hope it helps.
|
Hi Isanchez, if you think about it, the move to a bridgeable offering may benefit Spectron greatly as well. . . I venture to guess that up to 25% of current owners would be interested in adding a 2nd amp to their stable. . . not to talk about new customers. Simon, what say you? |
Dob,
It'll take some burn-in time before the two Spectron amps can sing together. I first started just burning-in the new one for about a week. Then I just couldn't resist and connected the two in balanced mode. The sound didn't settle in until after 3 weeks of playing music for about 14 hrs a day. After that, they really started singing together. Once you listen to them in balanced mode for a couple of weeks, there is no going back to a single amp. The images will be more focused and much better defined than using one amp. And then there is that easiness of the sound that's so addictive.
Guidocorona,
I completely agree with you. I think that mono-blocks should be a natural evolution for Spectron amplifiers.
iSanchez
|
I am not surprised about your mono findings. . . perhaps some day Spectron will make its amp finally bridgeable to mono via a external switch, or internal jumpers, or reversable factory hot rodding. |
Isanchez,
I also received second amplifier a few days ago. I feel its too early for me to make any responsible report but from the first second I am literally shocked by the effortless presentation and fast powerful slam.
To be continued. ...
Rafael
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I finally got the second Musisican III SE up and running in balanced mono-block configuration. When I ordered the second one, I was simply expecting a small improvement over using a single amp with my Maggies 3.6. I was wrong, very wrong. I don't like to quantify the quality of sound, but if I had to, I'd have to say that adding another amp more than doubles the listening pleasure.
A single SE produces a very articulate, taught and well controlled sound from top to bottom. Two amps in balanced mode bring all these qualities to a whole new level of performance that I honestly didn't expect. The sound is now more articulate, more effortless and way more three-dimensional than using a single amp. There is a more defined and refined sense of space between the instruments. This is something that a single amp is really good at. What is added to this is the depth of each instrument and their position in reference to the listener.
Instrument spaces are clearly defined with a single amp, but with these two amps in bridged mono-block configuration, the instruments are layered and coordinated much more precisely. I don't want to imply that a single amp does not provide this level of definition, it's just that two in balanced mode will orchestrate and coordinate each instrument in such a way the makes it quite easy to "see" exactly where each instrument is located in the soundstage. I can now tell precisely if the contrabass guitar is left and in front of the drums, or if the piano is in front and to the right in the soundstage. I can almost get up and measure the size of each instrument and how much space there is between them. That's how articulate the sound is now. I've listened to systems costing up to 150k and this is a phenomenon I had not experience before. This is quite an accomplishment IMHO.
Regards,
iSanchez
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Spoke to Spectron today, they did some circuit changes and no longer needed the Hi-Fi fuses on the cap board. The one in the main fuse socket made the most difference. Sorry for the misinformation.
Took a quick listen the sound already is improving from about 10 hours ago. Once it breaks in about a month I'll post my impressions. |
Mdrummer01,took a look inside the 4 fuses on the cap boards were regular fuses,only the main fuse in the back is a Hi-Fi tuning fuse.
Does anybody's transformer make a slight buzzing sound on their unit? Before I sent my M3 for the SE mods it was dead quite. I'll let it break in for a several hundred hours and see what happens. |
Snopro: Thanks...looking forward to your post! |
If I am not mistaken, when I talked to Toni a couple months ago she said part of SE upgrade were Hi-Fi tuning fuses.
I should be getting my amp back this week I'll take a look inside and let you know. |
Guidocorona: Right you are. The way I initially came across the fuse tweaks options was through another Mus3 owner who had spoken to Simon at Spectron. The least expensive fuse tweak option is somewhere between $100-150...a relatively small price for a bump in performance...unless there is already experience out there to the contrary. |
Mdrummer01, put 2 or 3 hundred hrs on the Mus 3 before you start fiddling with tweaks. . . or you will never know if your tweaks are effective or not. Before fiddling with tweaks, it may also be a good idea to check with Simon Thacher at Spectron for advice. |
