Simaudio

[Doug Lax]

I went and heard Simaudio Moon Evolution gear! It has a very nice detailed sound and was is also very musical. I know Robert is pleased with his 7 does anyone else own any Sim ? I was alo very impressed by the build quality and the looks

[cmalak]

Doug...I have auditioned Simaudio gear extensively and lived with the Supernova/P-7/W-7 combo for a week. On another occassion while my Ref 110 was being serviced by ARC, I lived with the W-8 for a week. As you describe, the Simaudio sound is very neutral, extended at both frequency extremes, clean and highly resolving, and very musical. Did a nice job imaging and soundstaging as well. I ended going with my ARC gear because I just preferred the even more 3D holographic presentation of ARC tube gear, with it's inherent bloom and that liquid organic presentation. I think Simaudio gear is great!

[Doug Lax]

Tubes are hard to beat on that palpable thing


and ARC is really great gear !

[cmalak]

Doug...I don't mean to steer you away from Simaudio because I think it's wonderful (I almost purchased it). I was just trying to communicate my bias explaining my decision to go with ARC. If you are looking to replace your Marantz gear and you liked the sonic signature of Simaudio (I sure did) and you want to stay in SS land, I would put Sim gear at the top of the list. You would have to spend significantly more (like 2X...think Burmester) to better it.

[Doug Lax]

Cyril

I was thinking about a two channel system an integrated, cd player, turntable and some vintage GMA Diamante speakers Which work great with tubes. Ireally like that old speaker but in black.


So the VSi60 wouldn't be out of the question either

[BlueChiaro]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Doug...I don't mean to steer you away from Simaudio because I think it's wonderful (I almost purchased it). I was just trying to communicate my bias explaining my decision to go with ARC. If you are looking to replace your Marantz gear and you liked the sonic signature of Simaudio (I sure did) and you want to stay in SS land, I would put Sim gear at the top of the list. You would have to spend significantly more (like 2X...think Burmester) to better it.

Well put, Cyril. As mentioned, I really love my gear, and there is nothing it does that I don't like. Granted, there are different sounds to be had with other gear, but that's a personal preference thing. I haven't rotated through lots of gear, so I don't have many things that I've spent significant time with, but I'm certainly content with what Simaudio has done (and is doing) for me.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by Douglax

Cyril

I was thinking about a two channel system an integrated, cd player, turntable and some vintage GMA Diamante speakers Which work great with tubes. Ireally like that old speaker but in black.


So the VSi60 wouldn't be out of the question either

Doug...I am not familiar with GMA Diamante speakers. What are the specs?

[Doug Lax]

Specs from stereophle
Green Mountain Audio Diamante loudspeaker Specifications | Stereophile.com

[Doug Lax]

[QUOTE= I don't have many things that I've spent significant time with.[/QUOTE]

I bet Sophia 3 changes that

[AudioNut]

I used to own a Simaudio I-7 Integrated amp and thought it superb. I sold it because I thought I needed more power for a pair of Eggleston Andra II speakers that I owned at the time and bought a Rowland Continuum 500 - a 500 watt beast.

Ultimately, I sold the Egglestons and the Rowland and bought a pair of Sonus Faber Guarneri Mementos and a McIntosh MA7000.

Now, which of the three was the best? I loved the ergonomics of the Simaudio and of the McIntosh, while I thought the Rowland was rather spartan in its controls, and certainly the functions of its remote control left a lot to be desired..

I wish that I had been able to directly compare the MA7000 and the Simaudio I-7 because I am certain that the Simaudio would be at least neck and neck with the Mc.

If I were starting over, I would never have sold the Simaudio because it is incredibly good and I never needed the additional power anyway. Besides, the Simaudio I-7 would be awesome on the Guarneri Mementos

The only thing that makes me feel not so stupid in these three trades is the fact that I was able to come out even through the good offices of Audiogon. I actually didn't spend any money to make the shifts.