THE POWER VAULT The Focused Power output section of the DMA-360 is only one of the many Spectral innovations designed to create the ultimate in amplifier control and resolution. A unique transformer architecture supports the critical requirements for lowest noise and high power capability of the powered output section array. In traditional high-end power amplifiers, output transformers are located away from active amplifier circuitry for purposes of noise isolation and construction ease. This virtually universal method extracts a significant sonic price, however, because of the speed and regulation losses which are imposed by the long power supply wiring harness. In addition, the EMI and noise which radiate from the supply harness invariably contaminate sensitive low level circuitry by noise modulating the musical signal. Spectral engineers have long recognized the problems associated with power supply noise contamination and have proposed a unique solution in the DMA-360 Monaural Reference Amplifier. The Power Vault electromagnetic field containment system virtually eliminates EMI radiation to the amplifier signal path circuitry as well as power and regulation losses through the traditional power supply harness. The architecture starts with Spectral's elaborate high performance custom power supply transformers. These unique designs are the result of years of research and development to maximize isolation and regulation. Each transformer features individual isolated windings to support each individual output transistor in the amplifier output section. The twin power transformers are mounted between massive machined mounting plates for damping and resonance control. The combined 38 lb. Transformer structure is then mounted on a constrained rubber floating suspension system similar to a fine turntable suspension. The finished transformer assembly is then suspended inside an EMI, RFI tight welded aluminum containment box located directly beneath the DMA-360 output section. The resulting transformer Power Vault containment system results in an uncompromising solution to the universal power supply noise problem. The high-current power transformers are now intimately sited next to their own high-current output devices with extraordinary noise isolation. The high-speed driver circuitry of the DMA-360 operates in a pristine environment free of the noise radiation and phantom signals which plague other power amplifiers. Dynamic range limitations are removed with a sonic clarity and quietude which are palpable.

ULTRA PREMIUM DISCRETE CIRCUITY Small signal circuitry is based on Spectral's proven discrete circuit multiple cascode double push-pull FET technology. Premium silicon array construction, similar to circuitry in the DMC-20 Reference Preamplifier, is applied to the DMA-360 to achieve enormous internal dynamic range capability. This reserve is linear class A with many times greater dynamic capability than program demands. It allows high current drive for quick controlled response from the very large output V-FETs as well as isolation from their internal electronic activity. Unhindered by interferences and slow cumbersome response of conventional practice, these parts operate with unyielding control and exacting precision. Reproduction is clean, effortless and highly holographic. Audio amplification paths through the DMA-360 are direct, inherently linear and simple. These minimalist configurations have always sounded and measured best but normally become ponderous and overburdened when protection and support functions are added. The DMA-360 takes a different route to solve the sonic problems of amplifier protection circuitry. To maintain the pristine signal path, a sophisticated analog computing ancillary system is thermal and opto coupled within the amplifier. This "hands off" operational management system observes device loading and power dissipation as well as speaker damaging out of range signals. It takes control without circuitous cross interfering connections to electronics in the signal path, leaving the musical signal pure and totally untouched.

A REMARKABLE TOPOLOGY The DMA-360 utilizes custom FETs and high speed bipolar transistors in a dense, fully balanced topology to achieve high-current launch and ultra-fast settling capability. RF (radio frequency) design techniques are employed to achieve a DC coupled power band with intrinsic bandwidth to almost 5 MHz! Input Stage. The shielded input stage utilizes a balanced, double cascode design using matched differential pairs of J-FETs. The cascode design derives its own ground reference and produces extremely high levels of isolation from the preamplifier and between the stages of the DMA-360 itself. Gain Stage. The gain stage utilizes super high frequency (RF) bipolar transistors matched in a cascode configuration to bring the circuit gain into the power device realm. Output Stage. The output stage consists of eight individually powered VMOS-FET output amplifiers. This precision amplifier array features individual push-pull drivers, high-speed power supplies and individual biasing to function as a single ultra-fast, high current output section. The result of these techniques is unprecedented fast settling and remarkable intertransient silence.

ULTIMATE AMPLIFICATION