Spectron III SE vs. Signature III SE MK2

I recently had a used mark 2 for a couple of weeks but it had some issues, not related to audio performance, and I returned it to the owner. On the basis of that experience and several conversations with Simon at Spectron I replaced my monoblock SF Power 3's SE+ with the new Spectron III SE with both V-cap and Bybee options.

Very happy with the performance, compared to the Power 3's, Bryston 4BSST's, EAD Powermaster 2000, Musical Fidelity Nuvista and Granite Audio 860's (which were the best) the Spectron is utterly revealing, accurate, and transparent. This amp really allows you to hear the subtle differences in your source materials and source equipment more than any other amp in my system. Nothing warm and fuzzy here and you do have to get used to a sonic signature that does not have the sugar coating of tubes. I believe monobloc's could be better, as they always have been for me versus stereo amps, but even with the stereo version right now it is clear that other amps can only sound different, unlikely though to be "better".

Tons of power, lots of control, quiet, no distortion, pure signal. I do use the Remote Sense cables and balanced mode. Musicality is defined by the Spectron as accuracy and speed, not a sonic signature, IMHO.

Radicalsteve, thanks. I know this is hard to quantify but do you believe the V-cap and Bybee upgrades are worth it? Especially if you decide to go monoblock somewhere down the road and the extra costs these options would add in a second amp. thanks again.

Hmm, that is a good question!

I really can't fault the new amp or ask for more - especially as I put a personal emphasis on transparency, crystal like sound, drive and control, but of course no glare or strident tones. I must say that for me, the Mk2 definitely had the transparency and control , but it was a bit "hard", maybe sterile - or put another way, lacking emotion. The III SE with upgrades is very musical, lots of PRAT, so no regrets and looking back. I would imagine the amp w/o upgrades will still be a spectacular performer compared to anything out there.

For me (in hindsight), the extra cost at the time (cough cough) will never leave me looking for an upgrade other than going the monoblock route. I don't know if the upgrades are retrospective - Simon can let you know that.

I have always been on an upgrade path, but this time around my ears tell me that any benefits will not be in this department for years to come, other than monoblocks, which is just more of the same! If you don't like this amp, then the problem lies in system synergy.

the upgrades are worth it IMHO.