Spectral DMC-6 Analog Preamp w/Phono and DSM-10 Power Supply - SkyFi Serviced

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General:
A look inside just about any Spectral component will knock your socks off. This sort of attention to detail, quality parts selection, and layout must surely result in a better sounding preamp.

In terms of build quality it's only matched by brands like Nagra and T+A.

Like most super high-end preamps, the DMC-6 features an outboard power supply to keep the noisy bits away from the signal path. The DSM-10.

This preamp also contains a truly legendary phono section for MM (Moving-Magnet) and MC (Moving-Coil) cartridges. The output stage is more robust than most and drives low impedance loads and long cables very well.

The simple yet super high-quality analog controls are a delight to use with great tactile feedback. You have 5 inputs, balance, volume, record select, and mode - just about every feature you would want and nothing more.

And take note that unlike modern Spectral units, this preamp does not require MIT/Spectral cables.

We serviced this unit by replacing a series of capacitors which age over time to ensure the next owner has a great experience.

This will come with a power cord, manual, and original box.

Nice video of similar unit in Italian:

SkyFi Service Notes:
• These preamps suffer from age related failure of the RDE branded capacitors on the main board. We replaced all of the troublemaker capacitors with Nichicon Muse series audio grade electrolytics.

Phono Loading Notes:
• This preamp has adjustable cartridge loading and gain. It is currently configured for MM (Moving-Magnet) phono cartridges. 47K loading with gain at 75%.
• If you would like us to adjust the phono stage for your specific cartridge before shipping please let us know.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
• Front and top of faceplate has misc. small scratches that are barely visible in our photos.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA inputs and outputs, removable IEC power cord.

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained.. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Just the unit and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Original MSRP:
$4,091.00

Specs:
Frequency response:
1 Hz to 6000 kHz

Total harmonic distortion:
0.10%

Gain:
72dB (MC)
52dB (MM)
20dB (line)

Input sensitivity:
100mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio:
102 dB (line)

Output:
15V (Pre out Max)

Finish:
Silver

Weight:
20 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1986

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCB’s for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope. We then switch to a 1KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected. If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.