Spectral Amp

I own a Spectral preamp and power amp. No, the Spectral amp will not "blow up" if driven by only a CD player. But, Spectral power amps like high output, current and voltage, preamps. Spectral preamps do both of these things. You will not realize anywhere near the amp's potential without the proper preamp. CD players don't have enough oomph to drive these amps properly. The sound just lays there. If you are going to spring the money for a Spectral amp, get a Spectral preamp.

Spectral recommends MIT cables for their equipment. While some people have used other mfg cables, this is an area of concern you should consider before purchasing Spectral. I also find their equipment a little dry and not musical to my ears (my opinion). I suggest you go listen but ask about the cables.

I heard the spectral amp/preamp driven by the Wadia CD player at a dealer when I was listining to Revels. I asked if the CD could drive the amps directly and was told they tried it and that the music sounded lifeless. This matches my own experience in my system driving poweramps directly from DAC's that from the spec's should have no problem with the amps. More detail but less musicality. I also find Spectral dry.