edorr saidIf I end up swapping out my Spectral 360SS II for BHK, the preamp/no-preamp field is wide open again and I’ll try some different options (keep spectral preamp, remove preamp, insert ARC tube preamp, wait for PS Audio tube preamp)
Spectrals love Spectrals (also MIT cables and Avalon speakers ) A pre-amp is a delicate piece of equipment, that should match the power amp. For example, I tried Pass Labs x1 preamp with other power amps and I did not like the sound. But x1 sings with PassLabs amps. Spectrals are even more picky.
Speaking of pre- of no pre- - the results are very mixed. Paul likes PWD (I and II) direct to amp and I found it awful. Paul likes DS with a tube preamp (but he’s got long cables), and I prefer DS connected directly. And your mileage may very vary