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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
lawrence_carmel's avatar
lawrence_carmel
14 posts
 
Rumba,
I asked Spectral and Mit's Bruce brisson the same question. They told me that the Oracle series spk(V1.1,2.1,3.1 ultra wide) is not compatible and the 180 series. The amp my oscillate and damage the output devices. If you are running V2.1 spk at this time I would call Mit or spectral and talked to one of there tech's that has been there long enough to know the 180 amps history. One sign that the 180 amp my be oscillating is if it is running hotter then normal. At the time I had my 180 I was using 850 ref spk and I was interested in upgrading to V1.1. They told me that the Oracle series can be modified to run the 180 safely but I decided to upgrade to a 150 S2 then 360 mono's and now a 250 with V1.1.
rumba
3 posts
 
Lawrence,

Thanks for the info - I'll contact MIT.

Curious as to how the Spectral 250 compares to the 360s for you?

Thanks!
lawrence_carmel's avatar
lawrence_carmel
14 posts
 
Rumba,
I found the 250 to be more refined then my earlier pair of 360 amps and the 250 is fuller in the bass at low levels. If you were planning on upgrading from your 180 S2 I would go with a 250 or upgrade your pre amp to a 30SL W/Gen2 modules or the new 30SS. If you have a DMC-20 or standard DMC-30. The pre amp upgrade will provide better overall results then a amp change.
rumba
3 posts
 
Hi Lawrence

Wow I'm surprised that the 250 is fuller than the 360. I have a dmc 30sl with gen 1. Did you upgrade to Gen 2 ?

thanks
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Is it really a MUST to run spectral power amp with Spectral pre ? When I visited Wilson Audio they were using Spectral poweramp and Nagra PL-L tube preamp in their listening room, with all transparent cabling. And the system sounded great !
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