2. amps-preamps
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Berkeley direct to Spectral Amp?

Is it safe to use a Berkeley Alpha DAC run directly to a Spectral DMA 180? Spectral of course states that the amp should only be used with a Spectral preamp and MIT cables due to the high band width and possible oscillation. I do use all MIT cables but would like to run the BADA straight, as recommended by Berkeley. I also do not want to see smoke coming from the amp or my speakers! If anyone has the technical knowledge to evaluate this I would love to hear some thoughts.

I bought the amp just a short time ago and it had issues with the left channel so it is at Spectral now having all the transistors replaced. I had thought about selling it because of my fondness for the Alpha DAC but I think it would sound much better than the Krell FPB 600c I use now. I do not want to risk any damage to it, especially after the work that is being done but man is it a piece of work. If I could find a way to keep it I think I would get the clear top, this is turning into a sick relationship!

Is this a real risk? I just do not have the technical knowledge to know...? Any experiences or thoughts related would be greatly appreciated...
richard_stacy
ack's avatar
ack
115 posts
 
> that is fascinating lawrence. i am getting so much conflicting information as i research this. there is a post on the a/v guide forum that says berkeley uses spectral amps in their voicing, not sure if it is true

Yes, it is true - I have talked to them. The question is, do they use a preamp. Let me just simply say that, what you are asking to do, probably everyone does it and don't admit it; Harley did it and he is one of the few ones brave enough to say so... Guess what I do...
worldcat
160 posts
 
Why would you use a preamp anyway?
kops's avatar
kops
478 posts
 
I do not know how to call this?
There's no problem to connect a Alpha dac or any other dac with volume control (like dCS etc) in any amplifier.
Also for cables there are many times better cables out there than MIT.
This "obligatory" tactics are b.s.
The only thing is if you like what you hear or not.

I have a friend with full Spectral system and a dCS puccini player, when he connects his player directly he cries about the money spent on preamp.
There is no difference sonicwise.

Happy listenings.
richard_stacy OP
686 posts
 
kops...

the issue is not that the mit cables are "the best" rather their design is unique and prevents oscillation in spectral amplifiers. this is not marketing hype as many will attest to seeing them fry. it is not a sonic matter although fried amps do sound pretty bad!
nirodha35
50 posts
 
I have been using my dCS Elgar plus as a preamp directly into my Spectral 360s for some years. Never had any problems. Cables MIT Oracle 2.1 prolines.
A Spectral 30SS (of 30SL) is on my buying list but I really can't say I am unhappy now.
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