The Spec 2 Test

[laatsch55]

Just had to do it. I've been itching to do it.

 

[laatsch55]

I'm not done yet either. Woujld have posted some THD & N readings but it was in the rack and that's a brutal place for sensitive measurements, doesn't help running those same sesitive cables right over the top of that massiv e toroid in the Spec. I had listened to it an hour before and i can guarantee it did not have 38 percent THD & N.

 

[NavLinear]

Lee,

The frequency response looks better than the WOPL 1000! I'm not suggesting anything by that statement - only that the high end rolls off at a higher frequency. Did you modify this one?

Again I really like the audio analyzer that you have - it is one of the best. The Pioneer Spec stereo hardware is top notch - must listen to it again when the opportunity comes up.

Dennis

 

[laatsch55]

Facts are hard to argue against Dennis. It does roll off higher, and at a greater output. It's got better highend response than the WOPL's that's for sure. However it does run out of gas at 330WPC's, that's about where the WOPL's stretch their legs.

And I agree on the analyzer, god it's nice. Not too many good used ones around though. New ones are 10-20K depending on options.

 

[ksrigg]

Looks almost flatter than the Phas Linear FR graph....well it is flatter. I know you already suspected that. How close do you think the THD is? Do you think overall the Spec is a better amp than the WOPL up to the 350 watt per channel poinjt? Sure looks that way, course I know your Specs are heavily modified as are the PL's. Wonder why all the "good stuff" was discontinued, and replaced by "not as good" stuff? Makes no sense to me. Who does make a "good" amp which is affordable today?

 

[speakerman1]

What kind of amp? Wattage? Price range?

Larry

 

[ksrigg]

I trying to compare apples to apples, so I guess one amp outputting 200 watts per channel and one outputting about 400 watts per channel. For price, I'll have to calculate the price from CPI or some other means....hold on....

1892.00 for the 200 watts per cnannel amp and 3,030 dollars for the 350 watts per channel amp...using the CPI to calculate the value of a dollar today vs a dollar from 1977

 

[laatsch55]

Krell, McIntosh, Conrad Johnson, Crown, etc. But I love my Spec's.
I believe the THD & N will be neck and neck.

And Joe is not done improving on these things fellers.

 

[laatsch55]

Oh------you said affordable-----NONE.

 

[ksrigg]

Yeah, today, representing the same value (if you believe the CPI cost index) a Phase Linear would sell new for :

Phase Linear 400 $1,899.99

Phase Linear 700B $3,029.99

Anything in that price range for the 400 and 700 watt output at clipping? Maybe a QSC or a Crown or something like that? Wonder how they would look on Lee's analyzer?

 

[laatsch55]

The newer Crown stuff Joe could tell you about. He keeps sharp tabs on them boys.

 

[Elite-ist]

Lee: Thanks for the print-outs. I can see a Pioneer Spec 2 would be an awesome amplifier for me to use. With summer around the bend (I hope), can you imagine the backyard barbeque with friends and family, and some tunes playing through the Horns powered by a Spec 2?

Nando.

 

[laatsch55]

Yep sure can Nando, seems that scenario is rather familiar. I'm not done either Nando. As soon as Larrt's pre is done I'll unrack the "2" and bench it. Needs the current limiters reset anyway. Found out the rack is a bad place to test.

 

[laatsch55]

Ok, due to Avionics scheduleing more crowded than mine, there is a Spec 2 enroute to be Laatsched. It will get the works. So we can now do a before and after on a Spec 2. Should be interesting.


Doing a shakedown of the "Original" 2 as we speak . The 700 needing the DC protect is on the bench and will get it's treatment tonight, the the 2 will get it's current limiters reset.