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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
 
Bozo,

Thanks for the response, preamp compatibility is is not an issue, since I'm currently using a spectral preamp, the DMC 15, and the right interconnects. The mccormack is just a phono pre that feeds the spectral pre.
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
Spectral, Krell and Thiel. My ears are bleeding from here.....

Shakey
robertd OP
76 posts
 
Someone buy that man a tube!
drjoe
130 posts
 
If you can afford it, get the DMA 250 or a DMA 100 if you can get by with less
power. Both are rear on the used market. Don't pay attention to the
obvious Spectral haters. Remember to each hie own.
Joe
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.
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