My recollection is that Spectral and Goldmund have the highest slew rates among solid state amplifiers (1,000 volts per microsecond, I think). Atma-Sphere is certainly among the fastest tube amps, with a slew rate of 600 volts per microsecond. Note that 50 volts per microsecond is a typical solid state slew rate, and 25 volts per microsecond is probably typical for a push-pull tube amp.
Since I'm an Atma-Sphere dealer that's where most of my experience lies as far as "fast" amplifiers goes. Atma-Sphere amps really like to be driven by Atma-Sphere tube amps, using balanced connections. I would expect likewise that there's a very good synergy between Spectral amps & preamps, and between Goldmund amps & preamps.
I would not see the Spectral/MIT combination as some kind of sacred bond. I bet Spectral amps sound just fine with other high-quality cables.
Best of luck in your quest!
Duke
Since I'm an Atma-Sphere dealer that's where most of my experience lies as far as "fast" amplifiers goes. Atma-Sphere amps really like to be driven by Atma-Sphere tube amps, using balanced connections. I would expect likewise that there's a very good synergy between Spectral amps & preamps, and between Goldmund amps & preamps.
I would not see the Spectral/MIT combination as some kind of sacred bond. I bet Spectral amps sound just fine with other high-quality cables.
Best of luck in your quest!
Duke