Product Highlights

Recommended Line Conditioning for Spectral Systems

Today's listening environments are awash in lineborne digital noise pumped onto the ac line by the many computer based and microprocessor-controlled products which are now so common in our daily lives. Some of the most notable digital noise generators are even allowed to live side-by-side with our sensitive analog audio components in the form of the ubiquitous digital processor DAC and the CD transport. The toroidal power supply transformers employed in these digital audio components have insufficient primary to secondary isolation and virtually assure that high frequency digital clocking and switching noise are coupled directly onto the ac power line. Susceptible low level components such as the system preamplifier resist only so much line noise before cross-coupling occurs between power supply regulating components and the sensitive audio signal path.

AC line noise and digital cross-coupling into the analog signal path are a major issue in today's music systems and much of the basis for poor sound quality since the advent of digital audio. Fortunately, significant advances have been made by Spectral and MIT in identifying these problem noise sources and developing successful methods for noise control and isolation. Spectral engineers emphasize maximum noise isolation in the design of custom transformers and ultra-regulation in power supply design of Spectral components. MIT engineers, headed by Richard marsh, have developed the MIT Z-System of ac line, noise control and conditioning components which precisely compliment the high resolution design of the Spectral components. The combined efforts of the two companies result in the unique performance of the Spectral/MIT system, a combination of reference components which redefines the state-of-the-art in high-resolution music reproduction.

The MIT Z-System and Spectral Components

A few seasons ago MIT developed the first of the Z-Series line treatment products drawing on their experience engineering the exotic MIT-MultiCap line and various premium passive component technologies. Spectral and MIT dealers had been asking for an integrated approach to line treatment and system building and eagerly supported the innovative new products. Spectral systems benefited enormously from the exceptional noise isolation and proper component star-rgrounding which the Z-Series units offer. The current Z components from MIT are the second generation of ac line management products in the series and add considerable to the flexibility and refinement of the originals.

The premium high-speed, low noise circuitry designed for Spectral components is arguably the most revealing and advanced available in audio. Exploiting the full potential of Spectral's high-resolution signal technology is only possible when integrated with the MIT Z-Series ac line components. The following recommendations should assist those looking to optimize their Spectral systems with the addition of MIT Z-Series products.

Z-IsoStrip and Z-IsoDuo
	$1,095.00 & $1,495.00

There is not a Spectral system out there that is not in serious need of line isolation and filtering for critical front-end components. The Z-IsoStrip and Z-IsoDuo offer transformer and filter isolation of their duplex outlets to block line induced noise and distortion. A single Z-IsoStrip works well in more basic Spectral systems to isolate the line borne noise generated by digital source equipment(CD players, processors, transports etc.) from the sensitive analog circuitry of the preamplifier and other components. Due to the higher power requirements of Spectral front-end components, only one Spectral component should be used with the 130 watt rated Z-IsoStrip. For more ambitious systems, the new Z-IsoDuo line conditioner features two fully independent sections and twice the power capability of the Z-IsoStrip allowing it to support both Spectral preamps and processors optimally with one unit. The MIT Z-Series isolation products are the essential line treatment for Spectral components and the only system which will realize their potential.

Z-Center
	$1,495.00

The MIT Z-Center ac line treatment component is similar to the Z-IsoStrip discussed above with the addition of a Z-Stabilizer circuit for amplifier use. All the benefits of Z-isolator are available in the MIT Z-Center, however it is recommended that Spectral amplifiers not be used along with the front-end components. Critical isolation of the high-current EMI and magnetic fields of Spectral amplifiers are best kept at a distance from other sensitive low level components. We recommend use of the independent Z-Stabilizer Mk II for optimum line treatment with Spectral amplifiers.

Z-Stabilizer Mk II
	$995.00

Spectral dealers were elated when the original MIT Z-Stabilizer was introduced. Previously we have been unable to recommend any available line conditioner or isolation product on the market due to the clear sonic aberrations apparent when used in the Spectral system. Richard Marsh's innovative parallel circuitry in the Z-Stabilizer solved all previous sonic concerns allowing the first optimum match with Spectral's high resolution power amps. The Z-Stabilizer works in concert with Spectral amplifiers to reject differential mode noise and RFI as well as improving mains Power Factor. No one who has evaluated the combination of the Z-Stabilizer allows the unique purity of Spectral's high-resolution amplification to be fully appreciated.

Z-Cord II
	$175.00

Over the years we have tested many ac line cords for use with Spectral components and for a number of reasons have rejected virtually all of them. The specially shielded ac line cord supplied with Spectral components is the finest of its type, UL listed and made for us by Belden. However, we make one clear exception when it comes to the Z-Series line cords from MIT. Although we do not ship them with our products, we recommend these cords above all others. The Z-Cord II is a more ambitious version of the original Z-Cord and receives out highest recommendation. This cord features two passive noise filters to block the ac line noise transmission and is similar to in-house line cords we have used at the factory for years. In concert with the full Z-Series components, the Z-Cords complete what is clearly to most effective system for line management available. For the full realization of the Spectral high-resolution music system, these are the cords.

Entry level high-end audio systems are just as prey to ac line noise and digital noise contamination as the most ambitious reference system, maybe more. Yet it is in these systems that there is usually a reluctance to invest in any serious line treatment. The Z-Cord II provides a practical alternative to those who cannot invest in the full MIT Z-Series system. These little wonders provide meaningful line noise isolation which is critically required if the full Z-Series components are not employed. Replacing the line cords of the preamp, amplifier, and digital front-end results in a shattering performance improvement. If there is a more cost effective way to improve the musical performance of a basic Spectral system, have not heard it. Consider the MIT Z-Cord II a mandatory accessory.