SPEC RSA-M99 integrated amplifier – SPECtacular

Playback

After a few songs, we know we have something special on our hands. First of all, this amplifier retrieves a tremendous amount of information out of every recording. You hear an awful lot of microdetails. Through the balanced inputs, the low is a bit too emphatic in our room, but through the single-ended inputs, everything is balanced. YMMV. We also recently opted for the RCA connections on the Moon. XLR, by the way, is not necessarily superior to RCA for this reviewer. Notable features of the SPEC RSA-M99 are its resolving power and dynamic character. It is also a very good amplifier for those who like to listen at low volume because this amplifier sends a tremendous amount of power through the speakers. In addition, it is a very quiet amplifier that brings tremendous quietness to the reproduction.

Listen

Kacey Musgraves made two fine albums in recent years, “Golden Hour” and “Star Crossed.” This time she sings on a song by fellow singer songwriter Madi Diaz. “Don’t Do Me Good” is a typical song about an unhealthy, all-consuming love. Diaz starts strong but when Musgraves drops in, the song goes to an even higher level. Musgraves’ voice sounds flawless through the SPEC RSA-M99 and floats elusively between the Revels. The track “Same Risk” is another strong song and shows that Diaz can stand her ground on her own as well. The lyrics are recognizable and even somewhat predictable, but it is still enjoyable. The SPEC RSA-M99 performs the song flawlessly and full of inspiration. It gives us a lump in our throat.

We grew up with pop music and we still love it a lot. The American singer SZA released her second album “SOS” a while ago on which there are a lot of strong tracks. The song “Special” is full of deep bass but the SPEC RSA-M99 knows its way around that . It even scares the Revels. Finger snaps sound “snappy” without getting shrill. Then again, the song “Gone Girl” begins with sea sounds in which a voice is audible somewhere far away. The SPEC RSA-M99 makes this sound effortless. Vocals are nicely centered with a stable soundstage around them. Hi-hats sound direct and metallic. No coloration or rounded highs with this amp.

Belgian singer Coely has been through a difficult period, but has since been completely reborn. On her new album “Alive,” she deals with her past and her burnout. Coely has an amazing voice. “Runaway,” the last track on the album, really connects with us and shows us how special this artist is. It is a song about her mother who also difficult moments in her life. The Spec RSA-M99 conveys the emotions of the song to the listener. The piano sounds beautiful and supports the whole song. Alive, the title track, is full of tight beats that the SPEC RSA-M99 effortlessly controls and sends through the speakers full of impact.

Time for a good old compact disc. “Crimson/Red” by Prefab Sprout. The latest album from this great band, yet almost a decade old. A gem full of rock-solid songs. On “List of impossible things,” the excellent placement and imaging stands out. Something the SPEC RSA-M99 does above average. Every part of the music is aligned, delineated and precise. Vocalist Paddy McAloon’s voice sounds natural and open. This is an amplifier that does vocals justice, and the Spec also rewards a good recording. The SPEC RSA-M99 clearly shows that we are using a different source.

We also listened to The Orb, Waxahatchee, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Dave Matthews Band, Angel Olsen, Naima Joris and Kurt Vile.