2. amps-preamps
  3. 1219705654

Spectron Musician III - Can anyone comment on it?

I am currently on the hunt for a pair of amplifiers that have massive peak power capability with excellent micro dynamics and neutral presentation. I am driving a pair of Martin Logan Statement E2's

The Spectron Musician has been reviewed exceptionally well everywhere I looked and seems to fit the bill but I just can't get over 25 years of snobbery telling me to avoid switching amps because linear amps just sound better and, hey, the name on the faceplate ain't Krell or Mark Levinson!

Can I PLEASE get a few people with experience listening to these amps tell me why I should or shouldn't buy them?

I desperately want to buy a pair of the BAT VK-600SE's since I own mostly all BAT equipment but to produce, say, 110db peaks one would comfortably need several thousands watts of power in the bucket to meet the challenge. I don't think the BAT amps have that under the hood.

Advice?
sashua

Showing 7 responses by bostonbean

bostonbean
241 posts
 
I do not have an ultra high end system like some of you other guys but the Spectron Musician III MK2 is part of it and I absolutely love it. Mono-block would be the ultimate along with all V-cap/Bybee upgrades. Don't know a thing about BAT amps but I am thinking about getting a BAT pre-amp just because the guy at Spectron loves them.
bostonbean
241 posts
 
I believe you can order the Spectron built for mono only so that you do not need to do anything outside the amp like y-cables or anything like that. talk to Simon for more info. As far as upgrades I see Rafael has weighed in but also check with Terryakhan. He has 3 of these amps all with the upgrades and looking to go with a 4th.

Going with upgrades on an amp that is just going to drive the bass doesn't make much sense imho.
bostonbean
241 posts
 
The Spectrons do take some break-in time so when they first come out to the box you may not entirely like what you hear. But after 400-500 hours your will be re-listening to all of your lp's and cd's as if it were the first time.
bostonbean
241 posts
 
4 Spectron mono blocks with a BAT Rex and ML Statements. That will be some system. I'll bet Simon at Spectron will will work very closely with you to get you exactly what you need.
bostonbean
241 posts
 
TMB, Thanks for sharing your impressions of the mono-block setup. I highly value your opinion.

I have a more modest setup, Pioneer receiver, Gallo 3.1's and the Spectron MKII with V-cap and Bybee upgrades. I am awed with what I get from the Spectron amp in my system. The soundstaging and presence of music is amazing.
bostonbean
241 posts
 
Chicago, I have the V-cap and Bybee upgrades and the sound coming out is mind blowingly wonderful. Regarding palpablity...you get in spades! I would strongly urge that you talk to Simon at Spectron and get his take of the two different options. That is just my IMHO.

By the way, I have a BAT REX and the BAT top of their line cd player coming. If you guys are interested I'll let you know how that works out.
bostonbean
241 posts
 
Dev, Believe it or not I am currently using Gallo 3.1's. I know, all of you are shaking your heads...all that expensive front end equpment for $3000 dollar speakers, but I actually love 'em. I am actually looking into the Wilson Sophia's but I am not in any big hurry. If and when I get new speakers they have to have a small footprint.

I am currently using a Pioneer receiver as a pre-amp. Quite an upgrade, huh? I know, more money than sense.
More to discover