I have a spectral DMC 12 pre-amp and DMA 90 Power amp, what level of Naim pre-amp and amp would I need to switch to for superior results. I doubt if the Nait 5 would do it. Spectral has good pace and rythm.

current system
Spectram DMC 12 Pre
Spectral DMA 90 Amp
Thiel 1.5's
Linn, Linto, Lingo, Arviv
Naim CD 5
Naim Hi Cap for CD 5
Symposium Audio Issolation platform shelves in Target stands
Symposium Roller-blocks.

I don't think any of us on the forum has great experience of the Spectral gear. A few questions: how much did the Spectral cost, how much do you want to spend, and how much power does the amp have?

I would guess you need at least a 250 to drive the Thiels, which are reputedly quite power hungry. So that means 102-hicap-250 minimum.

Why don't you go to Innovative and compare? I'm guessing they sold you your gear, and they may be the only place that sells both Spectral and Naim.

And tell us the results, of course.

--Eri

Jay--

Not heard the exact Spectral pieces you have but have heard several others and thought it pretty good. My initial reaction to your question is that you would probably need something like 82/Hicap/250, mainly because the Thiels like to have a grippy amp and are a little bit bright--which would not complement a 102, which does not organize treble information nearly as well as an 82.

Eric's advice is spot on--go visit Innovative and compare them, and see what you think.

Cheers,

BobP

I believe the current entry level Spectral pre/power combo including cables etc is around the £10K. So really you will need to look at 52/Sc/135's as a minimum. I thought the spectral amps were the best thing I heard at the hi-fi show this year; they were probably the top of the range models though and I dread to think what they cost. But, ultimately it sounds as though your current amps are not doing it for you. If you have the cash why not try a Nap 500 over the 135's?

I bet the cheapest Spectral setup can be had for $10k in the US, so that's 82/1 or 2 hicaps/250 here. 52/Scap/135s would be $19,000 at retail.

--Eric

Make sure you audition the Naim gear in your system before switching over. I think the Spectral gear you have is pretty decent and might not be worth upgrading unless you spend some really big bucks on the upper level Naim preamp/amp combos. If you have some money to toss around, a source or speaker upgrade might be just as significant.
Good luck!

To Woodface

The spectral amps at the show were the current entry level at ~£10000, these I believe are the only ones presently imported into the UK.

Cheers

Jason