Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Spectral DMA 90 Amplifier (SS) by tennisdoc40

Model:	DMA 90
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$3095
Description:	100 Watts @ 8 ohms, 200 watts @4 ohms, High Bandwidth amp. Needs to be used with Spectral Pre-amp.
Manufacturer URL:	Spectral
Manufacturer URL:	Spectral

Review by tennisdoc40 ( A ) on January 24, 2003 at 13:02:40
IP Address: 64.12.96.202

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for the DMA 90

I have had these amps for 6 years now, and might consider changing to another spectral product.
First, let me say I am not a fan of Spectral. They seem arrogant about their products, and tell their dealers that they can't have competing lines. They are not customer friendly
These amps have run flawlessly for 6 years, and have brought out the best in any speaker attached to them.
After reviews of some tube and SS stuff, expecting to be blown away by magic midrange, or incredible treble. Each time, I've come away with the thought, hey mine's better. This has gone for budget as well as high end gear.
You need to drive them with an active pre-amp. They recommend spectral, and this is probobly with way to go. the dmc-12 preamp is reasonably priced, inaudible as far as I can tell, and for 500 you get a phono section that should keep any analog fan happy.

Product Weakness: inability to use different cables
Product Strengths: clarity, soundstage, lack of coloration

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	spectral
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	spectral dmc 12
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	rega planar 3, theta digital
Speakers:	audio physic avanti
Cables/Interconnects:	mit/spectral
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	classical, vocals
Time Period/Length of Audition:	6 years
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	as above

Product Weakness:	inability to use different cables
Product Strengths:	clarity, soundstage, lack of coloration