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Spectron Mk II, is it really that good.


I have been researching several of the new “green”, compact high power class “D” amps. It seems that the new version of the Spectron Musician III SE Mk II, is pretty much considered the king of the hill. Having no dealers near buy, I can’t actually listen before buying. My question is, there seem to be lots of happy owners, but are there any current, or former owners who are, were, not happy with the amp, or is it really that good.

FYI: Current amp is a PASS, X-350.5. A monster to move around, hot, cost a fair amount to run, but a wonderful sound.

All comments and opinions welcome.
bwhaler
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,407 posts
 
Are the Spectrons really special sounding in any way compared to other popular Class Ds like newer Bel Canto Refs or Wyreds?

The specs I see on the Spectrons do not look like anything special in comparison to other well received Class Ds. Am I missing something?

has anybody listened to both Spectron and either newer mkII Bel Canto or Wyreds?

Thanks.
bostonbean
241 posts
 
IMHO it would seem to me that the Spectron MKII amp would be a good match with you beloved Ohms.
spectron
130 posts
 
" Are the Spectrons really special sounding in any way compared to other popular Class Ds like newer Bel Canto Refs or Wyreds?"

If you really want to know then buy them and compare. Spectron and Wyred are sold direct with 30 days money back guarantee and I am sure you can find Bel Canto dealer who can lend you the pair.

"The specs I see on the Spectrons do not look like anything special in comparison to other well received Class Ds. Am I missing something? "

Yes, you are missing something: specs. For example, Bel Canto people will tell you that their amp will not drive speakers with impedance below 2 ohms (since Wyred are based on idenitcal ICE mass production module then it should be the same there) but Spectron is stable to 0.1 Ohm. Read more.

Don't buy amp on the basis of specs alone. Listen and listen in your home without sale pressure!
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,407 posts
 
Spectron,

Will consider that! There appears to be a lot of thought that has gone in the Spectral design.
bardsljr
4 posts
 
My answer is "yes, Spectron really is that good." I had all the upgrades available for the MkII: Bybee, V-caps, etc. I have had my Spectron for perhaps 10 years: used it first to drive a pair of excellent, but very current-hungry Totem Mani-2's, and now Totem Forest Signatures (the room in my new house required a smaller footprint). I pair the Spectron with an Audio Research LS-17 and am very happy with the combination- dead quiet, seemingly endless headroom, and great musicality. All in all, this pair seem to be about as neutral as one could imagine. I've heard a lot about how much better is to have 2 and use them in a mono-block configuration, and that is about the only thing I might consider as a next stage upgrade.-Jim
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