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Spectral DMA 180 Questions

Hello,

I currently use a Spectral DMA 50 power amp in a system that includes Thiel 1.6, Spectral DMC 15, Krell CD 300, and a project RM 5 running through a mccromack phono pre, with MIT cabling throughout.

I got the DMA 50 used several years ago, and it's fantastic. It was much more informative and fuller than the McCormack dna 0.5 I'd been using with the thiels, and it erased any remaining brightness that was there with the mccormack.

I now have the upgrade bug, and I'm considering replacing the DMA 50 with a spectral DMA 180, given that it has a more evolved design, more power, which might result in better bass and more accurate presentations overall. I've heard that the DMA 180 is on the warm side, as is the DMA 50, and I'd prefer this with the thiels. My questions :

1. What is the difference between the DMA 180 series 1 and 2, sonically?

2. What are the opinions in general of the DMA 180? Should I be considering other spectrals, such as the 100, 150 or 90?

3. As far as warmth, would the DMA 180 be a decent match with the thiel 1.6, which can sound bright with the wrong electronics. In my current setupd, there's no problem with brightness or fatigue.

I listen to rock, classical chamber and orchestral music, and old jazz.
Thanks!
robertd
robertd OP
76 posts
 
Thanks, Dr Joe.

I was thinking about the 180 because a friend of mine, a spectral devotee, had said there was some warmth there. I'm pretty much hooked on spectral, I think the 100 should be interesting, and I hadn't really thought about it before.

When I auditioned preamps, I did the 12, the 20 and the 15. They were all fantastic, but it just got better going up to the 15. Amazing steps forward in the newer designs, and I would expect something similar in their power amps. I know spectral didnt want to put something new out there unless it represented an advancement.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for the 100. One thing is they have these different versions, or series, and I don't know the trade offs.
lawrence_carmel's avatar
lawrence_carmel
14 posts
 
I agree with Joe on Spectral amp choices with the DMC-15. I would add to the list a DMA-150 series 2,(used $3000-$4000). My own history with Spectral amps includes the DMA-100 class A, 200, 180 series one, 150 series 2, 360 monos and now the DMA-250. The 180 series 2 has less grain,( warmer then the series one). The 150 series 2 is even warmer then the 180 S2 but with a much leaner bottom end and less dynamic due to the smaller power supply design of the 150. if you have the budget I would go with a 250,(Used $5500-$6000). The 150,360 and 250 series are compatible with the Mit Oracle series spk cables. The 180 series is not. early Mit 850 evo is the best cable you can use with the 180. A nice match with a 150 S2 is MIT V2.1 oracle spk and rca int. The used prices are droping on mit V2.1 with the new .2 series out now. I found the 2.1 cables alittle warmer then the V1.1. The V1.1 cables offer a lot more resolution and extension.
drjoe
130 posts
 
Lawrence is right on the money .We have talked many times and he also
knows Spectral very well.
No... Lawrence and I are not Spectral shills. We just appreciate what
Spectral does. If you don't do it right I can see why many don't like the
sound. This stuff is the ferrari of audio. Needs very fine tuning.
Joe
robertd OP
76 posts
 
Lawrence and Joe,

Thanks for your comments.

Robert
hikejohn
69 posts
 
Lawrence and Joe,
Some years back I had a DMA 150 DMC 30, earliest version...now I Ayre monoblocks/VTL 6.5 pre...I like the system...but wonder how things have progressed in Spectral land

John
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