Phono Circuit Difference Between Spectral Preamps?

You need to be VERY careful buying a DMC-20 with phono (and probably a similar DMC-12). Reason being, the significant heat build-up in the main unit tends to render the phono section useless in about 10-15 years, or so I've heard from dealers. Which means, you may need repairs and getting a new phono card probably isn't going to be an option. I would strongly urge you to contact Spectral about the life expectancy of the phono stage in the 20 and your options in case you need to repair one.

Oh I never heard that one, and I appreciate it. I guess because it sits there drawing 85 watts? (!) That's a heck of a lot for a preamp. They are HARD to get a hold of though. You have to have a dealer contact them. Is that the way we would run a business? Market share was never a big concern of theirs. LOL

Thanks Ack

I have always contacted Spectral via fax and got same-day response. Yes, it's because all circuits, including the phono is class A and the volume is very limited in the unit with no ventilation. Same problem exists with SDR-2000s, where eventually all caps need to be replaced (in the PS and main unit).

Because I owned both the DAC and the DMC-20, I now run my 30SL with a slow speed fan on top of the top plate.

@Ack question, I currently own the DMC 20 and soon will be upgrading to the 30ss s.2. Want to use the dmc 20 as my phone preamp. How is that done? Specifically do I use the volume controls on the dmc 20? Thanks in advance.

It is the heavy bias and regulation that runs through most of Spectral preamps. A few ventilation slots in the main unit's top plate and things would've been almost solved. However, the factory feels that any chassis open field would be grounds for stray interference and therefore oscillation.
Old time Spectral and owner here.