SPL
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SPL (Sound Performance Lab)
SPL makes very high quality amps, preamps, DAC's and headphone amps in Germany. They are a unique pro audio company as their products both measure well and are designed by audiophiles. Unlike more pro products they are musical and not analytical. We were shocked at the price performance that they offered.
Elector stereo preamplifier
$2,969.00
The SPL Elector is a full analog preamplifier for the lover of pure analog technology. With motorized volume control, retro-look-VU-meter, tape monitor and the superior VOLTAiR technology the Elector brings analog sources to new life. It is our favorite basic solid state preamp in the under $4000.00 price range. The fully balanced Elector has 3 RCA and 3 XLR balanced inputs. It has a full tape loop with XLR preamp outputs as well as a set of fixed RCA outs to add a headphone amp. It uses their patented Voltair high current system that supplies 4 times the DC rail voltage (120v) of most other systems that use 30 volts. The patented Voltair technology delivers greater headroom, better dynamic range and lower noise. Reviews have been superb.
In the Stereo times review Terry London summed with:
Read the entire review at: http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/sound-performance-lab-spl-elector-preamp--performer-s800-amplifier-and--m1000-monos-by-terry-london/
The Elector preamp is available in black, silver or red finishes
Analog inputs
• 6 analog stereo inputs
• 3 x XLR, balanced (10 kOhm)
• 3 x RCA, unbalanced (47 kOhm)
• Max. input level: +32,5 dBuOutputs
• 2 analog stereo outputs• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• RCA, unbalanced (Direct Out)• Impedance: 75 ohms (balanced)
• max. output level 32,5 dB
Frequency range: 10 Hz (-0.1 dB), 200 kHz (-1.2 dB)
• Crosstalk at 1 kHz: -108 dB
• THD: 0.00992 % (0 dBu)• Noise (A-weighted): -102.5 dB
• Dynamic range: 135 dB
Internal Voltages
• Analog: +/- 60 V
Power supply
• Mains voltage (switchable): 230 V AC / 50 Hz or 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuses: 230 V: T 500 mA; 115 V: T 1 A
• Power consumption: max. 40 VA
• Standby power consumption: 0.7 W
10.95 in W x 3.94 in H x 13.27 in D
9.37 lbs (unit only)
11.9 lbs (shipping)
Performer S800 stereo/mono power amplifier
$3,749.00
Available in black, silver or red to match the elector preamp
HiFi Statement
In reviewing the elector preamp with S800 stereo amp and m1000 mono amps Terry London said:
"All three SPL pieces offer three very apparent characteristics that lead to an overall beautiful/relaxing musical experience for the listener. An overall silky-smooth presentation that rivals the grainlessness of the best tube-based gear. A top to bottom balance where all frequencies are woven together in a natural, seamless manner. They also offer great overall macro-dynamics that give the music the drive and pop to get your foot tapping to the music's beat."
Specifications
Line Inputs & Line Outputs
• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• Input impedance: 10 kohms
• Input trimming
Line Inputs & Line Outputs
• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• Input impedance: 10 kohms
• Input trimming: 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps
• Input sensitivity: +6 dBu
• Output impedance (Slave Thru) is defined by the connected device
• Crosstalk: -110 dB (@1 kHz)Speaker outputs
• 2 pairs binding posts with ø4 mm cable hole (screwable) and banana plug; fully encapsulated
Output power
• 2x 285 W RMS into 4 Ohm
• 2x 185 W RMS into 8 Ohm
• 1x 450 W RMS into at least 8 Ohm in bridge mode: 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps
• Input sensitivity: +6 dBu
• Crosstalk: -110 dB (@1 kHz)Speaker outputs
• 2 pairs binding posts with ø4 mm cable hole (screwable) and banana plug; fully encapsulated
Output voltage
• 74 V Peak-to-Peak (stereo)
• 180 V Peak-to-Peak (bridge)
• 35 V RMS (stereo)
• 86 V RMS (bridge)
Damping factor
• > 300, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, at 8 ohms (stereo)
• > 190, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, at 8 ohms (bridge)
Frequency response
• 9 Hz to 100 kHz +0, –0,03 dB
• < 9 Hz to 200 kHz +0, –3 dB
Performer M1000 mono amplifier
$10,000.00 a pair
Available in black, silver or red
SPL makes very high quality amps, preamps, DAC's and headphone amps in Germany. They are a unique pro audio company as their products both measure well and are designed by audiophiles. Unlike more pro products they are musical and not analytical. We were shocked at the price performance that they offered.
Elector stereo preamplifier
$2,969.00
The SPL Elector is a full analog preamplifier for the lover of pure analog technology. With motorized volume control, retro-look-VU-meter, tape monitor and the superior VOLTAiR technology the Elector brings analog sources to new life. It is our favorite basic solid state preamp in the under $4000.00 price range. The fully balanced Elector has 3 RCA and 3 XLR balanced inputs. It has a full tape loop with XLR preamp outputs as well as a set of fixed RCA outs to add a headphone amp. It uses their patented Voltair high current system that supplies 4 times the DC rail voltage (120v) of most other systems that use 30 volts. The patented Voltair technology delivers greater headroom, better dynamic range and lower noise. Reviews have been superb.
In the Stereo times review Terry London summed with:
"One of my favorite solid-state amplifiers is the Pass Labs XA-25 because of the density of tonal colors, its effortless presentation, and its ability to create “meat on the bones” imaging. I kept thinking about what the SPL s800 reminded me the most of in my collection of amplifiers. Then it dawned on me; it was the wonderful Pass Labs XA-25. However, now add on a lower noise floor, unlimited power to drive virtually any speaker, and more extended/deeper/tauter bass frequencies."
"I hope it is apparent with what I shared and described in the review that I was mightily impressed with SPL’s Elector preamplifier and both the s800 and m1000 amplifiers. The physical appearance of all the pieces is quite attractive; the build quality and engineering live up to what you expect from a high-level German company. Now, add on the list of sonic superlatives such as a grainless silky-smooth overall presentation, quick, powerful macro-dynamics and speed, seamless integration of all frequencies from top to bottom, and rendering of tube-like timbres and image density. I believe the combo of the Elector preamplifier and s800 stereo amplifier is one of the great bargains in high-end audio. At their total retail price of $5,898, which is not inexpensive, these two pieces get you to a level of performance that competes with far more expensive pieces of equipment."
Read the entire review at: http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/sound-performance-lab-spl-elector-preamp--performer-s800-amplifier-and--m1000-monos-by-terry-london/
The Elector preamp is available in black, silver or red finishes
Analog inputs
• 6 analog stereo inputs
• 3 x XLR, balanced (10 kOhm)
• 3 x RCA, unbalanced (47 kOhm)
• Max. input level: +32,5 dBuOutputs
• 2 analog stereo outputs• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• RCA, unbalanced (Direct Out)• Impedance: 75 ohms (balanced)
• max. output level 32,5 dB
Frequency range: 10 Hz (-0.1 dB), 200 kHz (-1.2 dB)
• Crosstalk at 1 kHz: -108 dB
• THD: 0.00992 % (0 dBu)• Noise (A-weighted): -102.5 dB
• Dynamic range: 135 dB
Internal Voltages
• Analog: +/- 60 V
Power supply
• Mains voltage (switchable): 230 V AC / 50 Hz or 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuses: 230 V: T 500 mA; 115 V: T 1 A
• Power consumption: max. 40 VA
• Standby power consumption: 0.7 W
10.95 in W x 3.94 in H x 13.27 in D
9.37 lbs (unit only)
11.9 lbs (shipping)
Performer S800 stereo/mono power amplifier
$3,749.00
Available in black, silver or red to match the elector preamp
The Performer S800 stereo power amplifier is the first SPL power amplifier. It is 185 watts/channel into 8 ohms and 285 watts @ 4 ohms. It can be run mono at 450 watts. It uses the SPL exclusive Voltair tecnology for wider dynamics and low noise levels. It is a fully balanced design with XLR inputs. Reviews have all been exceptional.
"The Performer s8oo is the first power amplifier from SPL - and it's hard to believe when you experience it. Neutral and unobtrusive, subtle as well as dynamic, it reproduces music with captivating openness and ease. It doesn't exaggerate and yet it is able to provide a deep insight into space and sound colours".
Dirk SommerHiFi Statement
"All three SPL pieces offer three very apparent characteristics that lead to an overall beautiful/relaxing musical experience for the listener. An overall silky-smooth presentation that rivals the grainlessness of the best tube-based gear. A top to bottom balance where all frequencies are woven together in a natural, seamless manner. They also offer great overall macro-dynamics that give the music the drive and pop to get your foot tapping to the music's beat."
Specifications
Line Inputs & Line Outputs
• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• Input impedance: 10 kohms
• Input trimming
Line Inputs & Line Outputs
• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• Input impedance: 10 kohms
• Input trimming: 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps
• Input sensitivity: +6 dBu
• Output impedance (Slave Thru) is defined by the connected device
• Crosstalk: -110 dB (@1 kHz)Speaker outputs
• 2 pairs binding posts with ø4 mm cable hole (screwable) and banana plug; fully encapsulated
Output power
• 2x 285 W RMS into 4 Ohm
• 2x 185 W RMS into 8 Ohm
• 1x 450 W RMS into at least 8 Ohm in bridge mode: 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps
• Input sensitivity: +6 dBu
• Crosstalk: -110 dB (@1 kHz)Speaker outputs
• 2 pairs binding posts with ø4 mm cable hole (screwable) and banana plug; fully encapsulated
Output voltage
• 74 V Peak-to-Peak (stereo)
• 180 V Peak-to-Peak (bridge)
• 35 V RMS (stereo)
• 86 V RMS (bridge)
Damping factor
• > 300, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, at 8 ohms (stereo)
• > 190, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, at 8 ohms (bridge)
Frequency response
• 9 Hz to 100 kHz +0, –0,03 dB
• < 9 Hz to 200 kHz +0, –3 dB
Dimensions & Weight
11" wide x 3.94" high x 13." deep
Unit weight: 28.2 lbs
Shipping weight: 30.9 lbs
Performer M1000 mono amplifier
$10,000.00 a pair
Available in black, silver or red
The Performer M1000 is the big brother of the highly acclaimed Performer s800 and delivers 1000W into 2 ohms, 750W into 4 ohms and 420 W into 8 ohms with ease. VOLTAiR technology is what we also call the SPL 120V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. This makes the Performer m1000 an outstandig device in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom delivering an exceptional sound experience with invincible serenity, transparency and realness.
Overheating protection circuit- The Performer m1000 is actively cooled with six temperature controlled fans. The noise of the fans does not exceed 19 dB – therefore the fans are inaudable.In the unlikely event of overheating the Performer m1000 will switch off at about 70° C at the heat sink and the Temp LED (2) on the front indicates the overheating. After the temperature has fallen below 55° C, the amplifier automatically switches on again.
Output voltage
• 180 V Peak-to-Peak
• 64.6 V RMS
Output impedance: < 0.031, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Damping factor: > 280 at 1 kHz and 8 ohms
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 80 kHz
Director MK2 Stereo preamplifier with DAC
$3,699.00
Sample rates
32 Bit
• Encoded PCM (kHz): 44.1, 48 , 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6, 768
• DSD: DSD1 (DSD64), DSD2 (DSD128), DSD4 (DSD256)
Outputs
• 2 analog stereo outputs• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• RCA, unbalanced (Direct Out)
• Impedance: 75 ohms (balanced)
• max. output level 32,5 dBu
Measurements
• Frequency range (analog): 10 Hz (-0.1 dB), 200 kHz (-1.2 dB)
• Crosstalk at 1 kHz: -108 dB (analog); -108 dB (digital)
• THD: 0.00992 % (analog 0 dBu); 0.0014 % (digital -1 dBfs)
• Noise (A-weighted): -102.5 dB (analog); -100.2 dB (digital)
• Dynamic range: 135 dB (analog); 115.2 dB (digital)
Phonitor se headphone amp
$1,399.00
$1,869.00 with DAC
The Phonitor se is the entry model into the world of VOLTAiR headphone amplifiers. It delivers 5 watts into a 250 ohm headphone. The Phonitor se has the same audio signal amplification as its bigger brothers Phonitor x and Phonitor xe and therefore offers the same sound experience. The DAC768xs is optionally availablefor $400.00 at time of original purchase. It uses the Voltair high current system that supplies 4 times the DC rail voltage (120v) of most other systems that use 30 volts. The unique Voltair technology delivers greater headroom, better dynamic range and lower noise.
The SE offers superb performance in a German engineered and built product. It uses the exclusive Phonitor matrix circuitry
Phonitor XE headphone amplifier
$2,199.00
$2,999.00 with DAC
The full Phonitor Matrix, Volume remote control, VU meter in retro look, with the premium DAC optional and the preeminent VOLTAiR technology make the Phonitor xe the best headphone amplifier in the SPL line. This state of the art headphone amp competes with any of the best amps we have heard.
Phonitor X Headphone amplifier with preamplifier
$2,849.00
$3,299.00 with DAC
Add a preamp to the Phonitor XE above and you have the Phonitor X. For under $3,000 you get a superb preamp, DAC and world class headphone amp.
Overheating protection circuit- The Performer m1000 is actively cooled with six temperature controlled fans. The noise of the fans does not exceed 19 dB – therefore the fans are inaudable.In the unlikely event of overheating the Performer m1000 will switch off at about 70° C at the heat sink and the Temp LED (2) on the front indicates the overheating. After the temperature has fallen below 55° C, the amplifier automatically switches on again.
Output power (Sine at 1kHz)
• 1000W into 2 Ohm
• 750W into 4 Ohm
• 420W into 8 Ohm
• 1000W into 2 Ohm
• 750W into 4 Ohm
• 420W into 8 Ohm
Output voltage
• 180 V Peak-to-Peak
• 64.6 V RMS
Output impedance: < 0.031, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Damping factor: > 280 at 1 kHz and 8 ohms
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 80 kHz
Director MK2 Stereo preamplifier with DAC
$3,699.00
The Director MK2 is a state of the art preamplifier with exceptional internal DAC
The Director Mk2 is the derivative of the reference preamplifier Director. The all new high voltage digital to analog converter now supports 32 bit and sample rates up to 768kHz as well as DSD256. Besides the four digital inputs there is a total of six analog inputs – two of which are balanced with XLR connectors. Fans of analog tape machines or external audio processing can insert their beloved gear in the Tape Monitor loop. VOLTAiR technology is the unique SPL 120V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. This makes the Director Mk2 an outstandig device in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom delivering an exceptional sound experience with tube-like smoothness, serenity, transparency and realness.
The Director Mk2 is the derivative of the reference preamplifier Director. The all new high voltage digital to analog converter now supports 32 bit and sample rates up to 768kHz as well as DSD256. Besides the four digital inputs there is a total of six analog inputs – two of which are balanced with XLR connectors. Fans of analog tape machines or external audio processing can insert their beloved gear in the Tape Monitor loop. VOLTAiR technology is the unique SPL 120V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. This makes the Director Mk2 an outstandig device in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom delivering an exceptional sound experience with tube-like smoothness, serenity, transparency and realness.
"Frankly, the sound of the SPL even startled me. Because it replaced the ... preamplifier and my... Directstream DAC... and I liked it better at first sight than this almost ten-thousand-euro duo. The Director Mk2 impressed from the first bar."
Wolfgang Kemper
HiFi Statement
Analog inputs
• 6 analog stereo inputs
• 2 x XLR, balanced (10 kOhm)
• 4 x RCA, unbalanced (47 kOhm)
• Max. input level: +32,5 dBuDigital inputs
• 4 digital inputs
• AES/EBU (XLR), balanced
• Coaxial SPDIF (RCA)
• Optical TOSLINK (F06)
• USB (B)
• 0 dBFS = 15 dBu
• Converter Chip AK4490-Velvet Sound
• 6 analog stereo inputs
• 2 x XLR, balanced (10 kOhm)
• 4 x RCA, unbalanced (47 kOhm)
• Max. input level: +32,5 dBuDigital inputs
• 4 digital inputs
• AES/EBU (XLR), balanced
• Coaxial SPDIF (RCA)
• Optical TOSLINK (F06)
• USB (B)
• 0 dBFS = 15 dBu
• Converter Chip AK4490-Velvet Sound
Sample rates
32 Bit
• Encoded PCM (kHz): 44.1, 48 , 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6, 768
• DSD: DSD1 (DSD64), DSD2 (DSD128), DSD4 (DSD256)
Outputs
• 2 analog stereo outputs• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• RCA, unbalanced (Direct Out)
• Impedance: 75 ohms (balanced)
• max. output level 32,5 dBu
Measurements
• Frequency range (analog): 10 Hz (-0.1 dB), 200 kHz (-1.2 dB)
• Crosstalk at 1 kHz: -108 dB (analog); -108 dB (digital)
• THD: 0.00992 % (analog 0 dBu); 0.0014 % (digital -1 dBfs)
• Noise (A-weighted): -102.5 dB (analog); -100.2 dB (digital)
• Dynamic range: 135 dB (analog); 115.2 dB (digital)
Phonitor se headphone amp
$1,399.00
$1,869.00 with DAC
The Phonitor se is the entry model into the world of VOLTAiR headphone amplifiers. It delivers 5 watts into a 250 ohm headphone. The Phonitor se has the same audio signal amplification as its bigger brothers Phonitor x and Phonitor xe and therefore offers the same sound experience. The DAC768xs is optionally availablefor $400.00 at time of original purchase. It uses the Voltair high current system that supplies 4 times the DC rail voltage (120v) of most other systems that use 30 volts. The unique Voltair technology delivers greater headroom, better dynamic range and lower noise.
The SE offers superb performance in a German engineered and built product. It uses the exclusive Phonitor matrix circuitry
The highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound™ premium DAC chip is used as the converter chip in the optional digital-to-analog converter, which thanks to its new architecture reproduces superb sonics.
It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768kHz, which corresponds to 16 times the CD resolution. Direct Stream Digital (DSD) is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256.
Phonitor XE headphone amplifier
$2,199.00
$2,999.00 with DAC
The full Phonitor Matrix, Volume remote control, VU meter in retro look, with the premium DAC optional and the preeminent VOLTAiR technology make the Phonitor xe the best headphone amplifier in the SPL line. This state of the art headphone amp competes with any of the best amps we have heard.
“With the Phonitor xe, SPL delivers the ultimate device for all headphone enthusiasts, who value neutrality, preciseness and control, combined with great musicality.”
Dr. Martin Mertens
EAR IN
“The fineness and transparency with which the music is depicted is just awesome – what a richness of detail!”
Volker Frech
Lite Magazin
Up to six (6 !) stereo sources can be connected to Phonitor xe: XLR, RCA, USB, Coax, Optical and AES/EBU
The highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound™ premium DAC chip is used as the converter chip in the optional digital-to-analogue converter, which thanks to its new architecture reproduces the finest sound details.
It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768kHz, which is equivalent to 16 times CD resolution. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256.
The analog output of the DAC chip must be filtered by a low pass filter. Phonitor xe has two of them: One for PCM audio and one for DSD audio, since different roll-off frequencies are required.
And in contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low pass filters here are built using VOLTAiR technology, which provides a plus in dynamics and headroom.
Phonitor X Headphone amplifier with preamplifier
$2,849.00
$3,299.00 with DAC
Add a preamp to the Phonitor XE above and you have the Phonitor X. For under $3,000 you get a superb preamp, DAC and world class headphone amp.
“With the new DAC768xs module, the Phonitor x really shows its phenomenal qualities as a headphone amplifier and preamp, even with digital sources connected.”
Dr. Martin Mertens
EAR IN
“The Phonitor x is one of the most extraordinary headphone amplifiers on the market ... with a meticulous level of detail and unrestrained musical playfulness. Period."
Holger Biermann
Low Beats