Spectral DMC-30SL Studio Reference Preamplifier - Special Version

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Here is a masterpiece of a preamp from Spectral.

When the top is removed from any Spectral unit, our technical staff always gathers around where you're likely to hear a bunch of oohs and ahhs.

The component selection, layout, and build quality is like nothing else we've seen. If any piece is worthy of a clear cover it's this one!

Sonically this preamp is flawless and ultra transparent.

There is vitually zero influence on the signal going through it.

If you want to know what this sounds like, just connect your source directly to your amplifier!

This preamp has 5 single-ended and 1 XLR balanced type inputs, 1 tape loop, and a set of single ended and balanced outputs. Plus an input programmable as a bypass.

This listing is for a complete set with the preamp, its original box, manual, and remote.

$9000 MSRP

On the occasion of our twenty-fifth anniversary Spectral is pleased to introduce a special reference preamplifier design for serious music enthusiasts. The new DMC-30SL Reference Preamplifier commemorates twenty-five years of state-of-the-art preamp design at Spectral beginning with the company’s first product, the revolutionary MS-ONE Systems Evaluation Preamplifier introduced in the mid 1970s. The Spectral MS-ONE redefined high-end preamplifier performance, introducing instrumentation design techniques and ultra precision components to the audio industry. Now the new DMC-30SL again redefines the art of preamplifier design with a comprehensive array of engineering breakthroughs which set new sonic standards and raise the bar on signal accuracy in the most demanding music applications.

The foundation for the new product is our own critically reviewed Spectral DMC-30 preamplifier representing a breakthrough in high-end preamp design and technology. The DMC-30 delivers remarkable musical realism and has established the benchmark of value and sonic accuracy among high performance preamps. It is in fact the outstanding performance of the basic DMC-30 which led to an exploration of how far its design could be taken, in a special version called the DMC-30SL.

The Spectral DMC-30SL reference preamplifier builds on the outstanding performance of the DMC-30 with newly developed amplifier technology, power supplies and critical parts evaluation without respect to cost. After months of blind listening tests utilizing ultimate quality recorded sources, and an exhaustive two year circuit development program, our “special version” was finalized. The result of this endeavor is simply the finest preamplifier ever offered by Spectral Audio in our long twenty-five year history.

NEW SHHA TECHNOLOGY
Once every decade or so Spectral engineers assess our fundamental amplification topologies in light of the ongoing evolution in high-tech analog practices and premium discrete component technologies. Since the development of ultra high quality analog circuitry is an evolutionary as opposed to a revolutionary process, fine analog circuitry born of care and thoughtful refinement tend to work and sound best, even if they were not designed just yesterday. Spectral’s most recent reevaluation of our fundamental amplifier topologies occurred in the late 1980s resulting in some of our most highly regarded analog and digital audio components. Now Spectral introduces a new implementation of our ambitious premium discrete analog signal technology in the form of an ultra high-performance gain cell.

The new SHHA Module (Spectral High-speed Hybrid Amplifier) takes Spectral’s wideband, fast-settling discrete circuit topology to a new level of performance and signal linearity. Using newly available premium discrete component technologies, Spectral engineers have developed a dense, highly optimized surface mount layout topology for higher signal speed and ultra-fast signal extinction. Reduced size of the new all fet, fully balanced topology results in improved cross-coupling and noise isolation for ultra-quiet operation. Even more remarkable given the compact layout of the SHHA module is the exceptional nature of its power capabilities. The SHHA module is a high-current powerhouse producing full output a 1MHz and one full ampere, setting new standards for headroom and drive capability in a preamplifier line section.

FURTHER REFINEMENTS
The SHHA line section technology is only part of the unique advances incorporated in DMC-30SL. New power supply topology and precision shunt regulators for all sections offer superior isolation and remarkable 8dB improvement in signal-to-noise over the excellent DMC-30. Power supply transformer capacity also doubles to accommodate massive shielding arrays for improved line isolation and field containment. Cost-no-object component technologies such as hand-trimmed bulk metal resistors and custom polystyrene film caps occupy sensitive signal locations such as gain setting and feedback. Improvements are not limited to performance advances alone. User convenience benefits also as the DMC-30SL incorporates surround sound input programming for home theatre integration.

APPROACHING THE IDEAL
For music enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, the benefits of the DMC-30SL are invaluable. The DMC-30SL offers a unique level of dynamics, dimension, lifelike detail and transparency while offering a rare combination of remote control convenience and functionality. Superb low frequency detail and articulation exceed any previous Spectral design. Through improved circuit settling speed, resolution and transient decay are presented with the natural timbre of the event while providing more low level information than ever before. Staging and image holography are further improved over the DMC-30 and set a new standard. In summary, the DMC-30SL represents Spectral’s twenty-five years with distinction, opening important new doors to the musical experience.

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier. We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.