SPECTRAL 100/DMC 20 preamp comments....

Mythtrip- Though not often, I must reluctantly agree with Brulee about his previous comments on the Spectral system! The sound of the MIT CVT Terminator cables and the Spectral pre/amp was beyond anything I've heard before or since. I'm not saying that you are guaranteed that level of performance, just that it is possible under the right conditions. To get the best from a Spectral system requires a complete commitment toward their products and recommended anciliary components which include the best MIT cables available. Very expensive system, but certainly one of the finest regardless of price.
I've since become another tube worshipper, but the memory of that Spectral/MIT system keeps me searching for higher levels of illusion. Good luck.

Mythtrip,
The comments above on Spectral/MIT parallel my own high regard for this system. In addition, since you are probably buying used equipment, I'd like to add the following: if you buy the MIT a/c equipment, take note of the fact that MIT has recently redone their products. Their Z-3 a/c cord is light years ahead of the Z-2, in fact , with my Spectral system it is trouncing every other power cord I've compared it to, for purity, timbral naturalness, speed and resolution. (It's unfiltered and unshielded, and is used with other filtering units like the stabilizer, isolation transformers etc). If you buy the rest of the system used, be sure to check out the Z-3's, even if you find a good deal on Z-2's. The difference (with Spectal) is worth the splurge.

No Doubt about it. This gear is unquestionably the worlds finest SS equipment. Complete neutrality, NASA grade build. Highest level of resolution. The only SS equipment I would even consider, after using tubes forever, is this. It is for real!!!!!!

I just heard the spectral 100 with the dmc 30 and thiel 1.6 loudspeakers. It was absolutely amazing!! Could be the best setup I've heard. My next step is spectral, without a doubt. I feel really greedy doing this, but hey, I've never been so sure about a purchase before. And I went in the room just to show my brother what the speakers looked like, not caring what was driving them. The question is - do I put down 7 or 8K for the 30, or go used with the 20 and save megabucks? Probably the twenty, though I wish I could do the 30. I'd rather put the extra money in a fund for my dad so he can maybe get a mercedes like he's always wanted.