Input on Spectral DMC 30SL

I only used this pre for a while last year (nothing wrong w/ it, I couldn't afford it); so what follows is worth, around $0,01.

*If your idea of a good pre is a pleasantly rounded, 50 - 16kHz sound, the 30sl is a very bad idea.

*If your future includes Spectral amps, the 30sl is a good idea.

*I don't know how well this pre will mate with yr Krell. Keep in mind that the 30 is a wide-bandwidth design: it is designed to amplify anything from dc - daylight (figuratively speaking). The Krell isn't.

*The highs are deliciously powerful, clear and stable, with a very slight touch of artificiality.

*Being very extended in the high frequencies, you get the impression this is a very "fast" pre. You should also find that the audibility of low frequencies is improved.

*Finally, the pre's high resonant frequency puts any harshness, sibilance, whatever... well beyond audibility -- if you do have sibilance, harshness, etc... it's not the 30SL.

*Ideally, this pre would benefit from a wide-bandwidth / hi-res source which you don't use (apparently ?).

*I used this pre as source driving variably a 10kOhm load Or 10k & 33k (two amps, that is).I teamed it with Symphonic Line Krafts (wide bandwidth as well) & a Genesis bass amp.

Concluding, I enjoyed the sound. It is a seriously good performer. In other words, it doesn't distort as many other pre's do; It doesn't falter when the dynamics are high; and certain difficult sounds (cymbals; brass; etc;) sound OK.

greg thanks for all the great information. what i gather from your post is the 30sl, although a very good preamp, may not be the best fit for my current system, unless i get the spectral amps. part of my reason for posting this thread was to get some idea, from the experience/knowledge of others, if it would mate well with the krell amp. it seems your thoughts suggest the krell kct may be a better sounding preamp with the stuff i have.

any other thoughts out there?

Your cheapest choice would be:
Computer outputing AES/EBU digital into Berkeley Alpha DAC, Spectral DMC 30SL, and Spectral DMA 250.

This is not exactly what you are asking, but it may shed some light to help with your decision making.

I had a DMC-30 mathced up with either a Krell FPB-300 stereo or 350M mono amps and grew to find the combo to sound overly analyical and sterile/bright.

I eventually moved on.

As previously suggested, unless working toward an all spectral system, this may not be your best option.

barrelchief...exactly what i am asking! really great information, thanks. i have growing concerns about this synergy. i do lean toward the analytical preference in sound but certainly not to the point of sterile and bright. what did you end up replacing it with?