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Wadia 850 and Spectral DMA 150 matching without pre-amp

Can I directly connect a Wadia 850 to a Spectral DMA 150 without using a Spectral pre-amp?

I understand that the Spectral pre-amp give very current output (upto 1 amp) and a maixinum voltage of 100v peak for the power-amp. The guy at my local audio shop advised that Wadia/Spectral power amp direct connect would give poor dynamic range. However, I am not quite understand the reasons behind it.

Would anybody give me some advise.
vtin
vtin OP
17 posts
 
I have received the following email from other Audiogon member:

" I have a Wadia 850. The dealer I bought it from was also a Spectral dealer. I asked about that possiblity. They told me that they had DAMAGED a Wadia 850 by directly connecting it to a Spectral amp.

I think the problem is that the Spectral input will force the Wadia into ocillation at high frequencies. Most amps cut off above 22Khz or so, but not the Spectral. Certain cables might attenutate higher frequencies.

Be careful trying this!! "

I have consulted a few high end audio experts and they all advised me that the above problem is not possible.

Your advise would be much appreciated.
gregm
3,411 posts
 
Vtin, that's interesting. Maybe the Spectral, being wide-bandwidth, presents an uncontrollable load for the Wadia... but why?

The only difference b/ween yr Spectral & other amps is that the former easily goes up to 8Mhz vs. the latters' usual 20-30kHz. I would expect the choice of cables to be critical (I mean electrically) in this case...

Maybe Detlof (who's using Spectral), Sean or others can clarify?
nathanu's avatar
nathanu
93 posts
 
I was running a Wadia 850 direct with a Densen DM-10 Amp. Current passed directly through and blew out my speakers. After sending the 850 back to Wadia (before they moved to Ann Arbor, MI), I learned that the Densen and Spectral are both constructed with similar architectures with wide bandwiths. I subsequently replaced the Densen with a Jeff Rowland, and the problem never reappeared.
vtin OP
17 posts
 
Hello Nathanu,

You blew out your speakers (what speakers did you use?) but why send your Wadia back?

Did you blew your tweeters or the bass?
robertd
76 posts
 
I know you're never supposed to use the spectral power amps with non spectral pre amps. The wadia might be acting like a preamp, sending a signal in to the power amp, but it ain't the "spectral" signal that the amp needs. What do others think about this??
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