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Phono Circuit Difference Between Spectral Preamps?

Hi all.

I am the happy owner of a Spectral DMC-6 Series 2 Preamp. It is the quietest phono section that I have ever had. I am thinking of upgrading to a DMC-12. My question is: By chance is that the same phono circuit, or did they get better with the DMC-10 and DMC-12? If they did get better, can you explain the differences?

Thank you!

Dave
davespectral

Showing 3 responses by ack

ack's avatar
ack
115 posts
 
> Spectral is eventually supposed to come out with a SOTA dedicated phono

Oh you mean the DMC-25 they demoed 7-8 years ago? I wouldn't hold my breath any longer.
ack's avatar
ack
115 posts
 
You need to be VERY careful buying a DMC-20 with phono (and probably a similar DMC-12). Reason being, the significant heat build-up in the main unit tends to render the phono section useless in about 10-15 years, or so I've heard from dealers. Which means, you may need repairs and getting a new phono card probably isn't going to be an option. I would strongly urge you to contact Spectral about the life expectancy of the phono stage in the 20 and your options in case you need to repair one.
ack's avatar
ack
115 posts
 
I have always contacted Spectral via fax and got same-day response. Yes, it's because all circuits, including the phono is class A and the volume is very limited in the unit with no ventilation. Same problem exists with SDR-2000s, where eventually all caps need to be replaced (in the PS and main unit).

Because I owned both the DAC and the DMC-20, I now run my 30SL with a slow speed fan on top of the top plate.
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