(Top to bottom): SPL Phonitor se Headphone Preamplifier; SPL Phonos RIAA Phono Preamplifer; SPL Diamond D/A Converter; and SPL Elector Analog Preamplifier.
SPL
Proud Member of The 2WA Group Brand Family
Sound Performance Lab (SPL) of Germany is well established as one of high performance audio’s most sought after brands. Over the past four decades, SPL has continually advanced audio technology to new heights. As a result, leading sound studios throughout the world rely on SPL equipment when mixing and mastering Grammy Award winning recordings.
Major artists whose records have been mixed and mastered on SPL equipment include such diverse, legendary performers as Justin Timberlake, Mötley Crüe, Madonna, Rage Against The Machine, Sheryl Crow , Milton Nascimento, and Snoop Dogg—among many others. SPL contributes to their success by putting the finishing touches on their recordings with its proprietary SPL 120V Technology.
It stands to reason that the brand respected by the professional recording industry for its technological superiority excels at designing and manufacturing components for music lovers and aficionados, as well. SPL proudly offers a wide range of high performance, Professional Fidelity products for the home audiophile—a small sampling of which is pictured here.
Award winning SPL Audiophile Components are attractively finished in your choice of Silver, Red or Black.
SPL Performer s900
Stereo Amplifier
SPL Phonitor x
Headphone Amplifier & Preamplifier
Director-MK2
Preamplifier with DA Converter
The premise behind SPL’s proprietary VOLTAiR™ Technology is that the highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage. VOLTAiR™ is derived from VOLT for electrical power, and AiR for the limitless space in which music can breathe. The goal that resulted in VOLTAiR Technology was to develop a means by which listeners could experience music on the same level as the mastering sound engineer. The results are extraordinary—infinite dynamic range, a palpable sense of spatiality, and detail-rich, vivid, honest, and simply beautiful music and sound reproduction.
SPL’s 120V Reference Technology is utterly unique, operating at a DC voltage of 120 volts—four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps. Incidentally, the “120V” in this technology has nothing to do with the voltage from a power socket— rather, it’s about the operating voltage inside the device. 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, SPL has developed special, proprietary operational amplifiers capable of operating with a DC voltage of +/-60 V—SPL’s 120V SUPRA Operational Amplifiers. Otherwise, such high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers. The voltage from a power socket is transformed to the required, secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with a toroidal transformer. Rectifiers then convert this AC voltage into DC voltage.
Excerpts from Reviews
SPL Performer S900 Stereo Power Amplifier
“As impressive as the SPL Performer s900 may look at first glance: an 866-VA ring core transformer and 2 x 200 watts RMS output power at 8 ohms are quite substantial. The SPL Performer s900 consumes only about 20 watts in idle mode and remains cool even after volume excursions and high loads, thanks to its large heatsinks and sophisticated ventilation system. The size of the SPL Performer s900 immediately makes it clear what the main focus is in amplifier design: not just brute force, but low noise and quality through specialization. The compact size shows that attention was paid not only to power but also to thoughtful cooling. The SPL Performer s900 delivers mature bass authority, digging so deep that nothing is missed—even with large floor-standing speakers. The bass features a quick attack and an exemplary clarity in sustain and decay phases, making even short impulses sound well-defined. The s900 presents itself in practice with a pleasant tone that never feels intrusive even at higher volumes. The soundscape, with its characteristic flair, also appeals to tube amplifier enthusiasts. The sound is very musical, spontaneous, and organic—a special, almost lively touch that surpasses even more expensive amplifiers. In the midrange, the reproduction is extremely natural; voices and natural instruments are reproduced so authentically that no modifications are desired. The overall sound is relaxed, lively, and rhythmic, without harsh or wiry tones. Even with more raw recordings, the SPL Performer s900 maintains a natural balance and reveals the magic of the recording.”
—Jörg Dames
SPL Diamond D/A Converter
“From a build quality standpoint, this is built as well as anything I’ve ever seen. It is really well engineered and very precise… well executed. The Diamond uses the AKM AK4493 SEQ Velvetsound chip, which I truly love. It has its own character… warm and very detailed. The circuitry inside the Diamond doesn’t get in the way of the sound of that chip… clean, pure, unadulterated—absolutely wonderful! Because of the VOLTAiR technology, this thing delivers bass like—oh my goodness. It is beautiful, it is deep, nuanced and has great texture. Whatever is in the recording is what you’re going to get. Mid-range is wonderful. Female vocals sound absolutely gorgeous. It reproduces the piano beautifully. Transients are so dynamic and the decays are beautifully executed… Crisp and clean. This thing just digs deep and it gives an absolutely marvelous signal to the next piece of equipment in the chain. Rock solid center image, great width of image. Great layering, great depth, great detail. I felt like I could see into the sound stage.”
— Ed Holmwood
Old Guy Hifi
YouTube Channel
SPL Phonos Phono Preamplifier
“SPL products have completely convinced me from the very first time I heard them. With the Phonos, SPL has achieved a great success. Turntables with MM and MC cartridges can be connected to the Phonos. Start-up and operating this device are effortless. Voices are reproduced concisely and comprehensibly. Performers stand in the middle of the room. A three-dimensional stage is set up in front of the listening position. No matter which music genres, keys, pitches or ranges—the Phonos masters them all. The mechanical and electrical setup is well thought out and solid… leaving nothing to be desired in terms of operation. Details, dynamics? No problem for the Phonos. What else can you ask for?”
— Uwe Mehlhaff
Listening Experience (Hörerlebnis)
German hifi publication
Visit: www.spl.audio/en