In this YouTube video, Steve Guttenberg (The Audiophiliac) takes a close look at SPL HiFi devices, especially the Director Mk2 preamp & DAC and the Performer s900 power amplifier. Coming from his long-standing reference setup, Steve explores SPL’s professional roots, VOLTAiR technology, and how these compact components perform in real listening sessions.
The focus: transparency, dynamics, and what SPL brings to high-end home audio.
Enjoy watchting!
Roots:
“SPL started out in 1983 as a pro-audio company designing studio gear like compressors, equalizers, and mastering equipment, and they still do.”
“At the core of all SPL components, both pro and consumer, is what they call VOLTAiR technology. In plain terms, this means 120-volt internal operating voltages (±60 V).”
“SPL’s approach aims to deliver increased headroom, lower distortion, and higher signal-to-noise ratio.”
Performance:
“SPL delivered noticeably better dynamics and stronger bass impact, while preserving strengths in purity, clarity, and transient response.”
“With the Pure Audio Project speakers, the SPL again delivered more dynamics and low-end authority.”
“Transparency, resolution, and inner detail were all superior with the s900.”
Impact:
“Pushing the system further with my reference DAC and the soundtrack to Isle of Dogs, the SPL combination delivered extraordinary clarity and control.”
“In the end, the SPL Director Mk2 and Performer s900 caught me off guard.”
“These components pursue a different path – clarity, transparency and precision – and they do so convincingly.”
Conclusion:
“I found myself spending more time listening to the SPL gear than my usual electronics.”
“So what do I really think of this combination? It awakened something in me.”
“The transparency never became fatiguing, even with less-than-perfect recordings.”
