Every now and then we get the opportunity to get a hands on experience and listen to some audio equipment that is a bit out of the ordinary. Here at Audio T Oxford we recently had this opportunity via the fine folk at SCV Distribution.

They asked us if we could arrange a demonstration for a local customer who was interested in putting some SPL Audio equipment into his domestic hi-fi, to drive his existing active speakers. We agreed happily.

For those of you not in the know, SPL Audio is a well known brand in the pro audio world. Also known as Sound Performance Lab, they are a prestigious manufacturer of studio equipment and hi-fi, founded in Germany in 1983.

What do we have here?

SPL Elector Pure Analogue Preamplifier

The SPL Elector Pure Analogue Preamplifier features 6 analogue inputs, three of which are balanced with 3-pin XLR connectors and marker LED indicators. On the reverse of the unit are two sets of outputs, one set direct and one dedicated for preamp routing, again via balanced XLRs. The Elector is also furnished with two exceptionally cool mechanical VU meters at the front!

SPL Performer s1200 Stereo Power Amplifier

the POWERFUL yet compact Performer Power Amp

SPL Performer s1200 Stereo Power Amplifier – a pure analogue power amp offering a clean 520 watts per side at 4 ohms (550W at 2 ohms), with 6 cooling fans! Although the customer is using active speakers at home, the power amp was required for this demonstration as we didn’t have any active speakers at the time.

SPL Phonos RIAA Phono Preamplifier

SPL Phonos RIAA Phono Preamplifier - catering for both MM and MC cartridges and a variety of loadings. All the equipment features SPL’s 120 Volt technology to deliver a wide dynamic range.

Our Impressions

Not only is this stuff built to practical pro-audio standards, it is also well made, beautifully designed and would grace any home listening room. Available in red, black, and silver finishes, with a mix and match faceplate on the power amp. You can also adapt the Elector to operate with a “One for All” programmable remote! No superfluous features, everything counts.

When we set up the system for the demo we were pleasantly surprised by a number of things:

How cool it all looked (those colours and VU meters again!)
How quiet it runs.
How well the small form factor and design fitted into a domestic situation.

Listening

This kit cuts the sonic mustard in a domestic environment, being exceptionally dynamic and insightful, with a delivery that is realistically weighty and powerful. You could spend a lot of time exploring music with this system and that is a good sign

We listened to some testing and dynamic music including Charles Mingus, London Grammar and Burnt Friedman.

The Demonstration

Our customer Mike demonstrated this system with an analogue front end, as he has a large vinyl collection, as well as a few digital tunes for good measure. This was followed up by a home loan, after which Mike decided to purchase both the Elector Preamplifier and RIAA Phono, which fitted into his system like a glove.

The demo SPL system - COMPLIMENTED by the Planar 6 and Dali epicon 6 speakers

Conclusion

So, thanks again to SCV for giving us the opportunity to try out something different. We remain very impressed by the SPL kit we heard and, best of all, we have another satisfied customer!

What do you think of this kit? Would you like to listen to it? If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

Thanks for reading.

Rob & Jon - Audio T Oxford.

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