Have anyone tried SPL Audio Elector or Director in a high end setup?


Hello and Happy Holidays!

I know that SPL is a pro audio brand but they also have a small line of hifi equipment. I was curious as to how the Elector and Director preamps would behave in a high end setup. Any real life feedback would be appreciated. 

pyrolator

I have the Elector and have compared it with a few other preamps I have.....

Luxman C-02

Krell KSL

Paragon System E (tube preamp)

 

My digital is a Denon DCD S-10 and analog is a Sonographe SG-3 with a Jelco 250ST and an AT VM540ML.

 

Downstream is a Pass Labs X350.5 to Krell Resolution 1’s.

 

There is a definite difference between all the preamps. The best way I can explain is the Krell is dead quiet but just lacks the instantaneous response of the Elector. It’s a bit like the difference between the PSB Stratus Gold I’s and the Magnepan 1.7’s on the speed department. One is nice and snappy but the other is smoking fast up and as down as it can (I have both inhouse before the Krell’s).

 

The Elector is like Switzerland.

 

The Luxman is nice and warm for solid state but I also have the Paragon System E which is a tube preamp on the phono/line, point to point silver solider connections with a solid state rectifier and such. I won’t leave tube behind, I run both and love the very different options available.

 

Suggest you run both the Elector to get the ultimate in neutrality/snap and a tube for such a bloom and warmth. The ALPS volume pot tried and true. They started out with pro gear and are amazing at it. Never tried their consumer crossover but would love to. If the opportunity arises to compare to a preamp over $10k I will and report back!