The best integrated yet.
Written: Feb 13 '01
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Pros: Sound and build quality. High current makes up for...
Cons: ...low wattage. No phono section.
The Bottom Line: Believe it. You can get better-than-separate sound from an integrated amplifier.
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| cooper8168's Full Review: Sim Audio Moon Series i-5 Integrated Amplifier |
If you are curious about this product, then I'm sure you've heard this line before in your research: "Separates are always better and integrated amplifiers are only for people on a budget." Hogwash. While that comment was true as recently as five years ago, with integrateds available from companies like Levinson, Jeff Rowland, YBA and Plinius, the line between separates and integrateds has definitely been met and perhaps even crossed. In my opinion, the Simaudio (it's one word, not two) definitely crosses the line and is better than a majority of the separate systems out there from any manufacturer at any price.
I can hear the so-called audiophiles out there now gasping with collective breath, but I'll put my ears up against anybody's. I am a recording engineer/film-score mixer and my credits speak for themselves (visit my website for more info). This integrated amplifier sounds awesome, period. With the right speakers, you absolutely cannot beat the Simaudio I-5. What are the right speakers? A speaker that is slightly forward and fairly efficient. The speakers used in my evaluation were the Merlin TSM and the Vandersteen 2Ci. The Vandersteens are already famously laid-back, but the Merlins absolutely sang with the I-5. Sources were a 2001 Rega Planet CD player and an Alesis 96khz High Resolution hard disk recorder, all utilizing Kimber cabling. My 96khz master mixes were just as I remembered them when I mixed them in the studio. CD's took on a new life. In fact, I got so excited that I actually polished off a bottle of wine while plowing through my CD collection, and I am amazing myself with my ability to find the keys on this keyboard as I write this review! I won't get into what CD's I played right now, but trust me, you won't do wrong by giving the I-5 a listen.
If I had to categorize how the I-5 sounds against other amplifiers, I would say that it's sweet but powerful, in comparison to say, a Bryston, which to me can sound powerful yet analytical. Don't get me wrong - in the studio I swear by Bryston and Aragon, but remember that a studio environment is just what I said - analytical. We don't listen to music in the studio, we listen to instruments and hopefully blend them into the music that you eventually hear on your CD. In my leisure time, I'd much rather listen to an amplifier that conveys an emotional experience rather than, oh, a paycheck. The Simaudio I-5 does just that. I actually forget about trying to figure out what went into the making of the recording and just get involved in the music. And what about when I listen to one of my own recordings? Well, I listened to Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill", which I recorded and mixed, and the I-5/Merlin combo reminds me that "JLP" was my first major album. Where's the bass? Where's the dimension? Where's the depth? Well, at least it sold a bucketload of copies. Next up was Catie Curtis' self-titled 1997 release on Rykodisc (RCD-10602). There we go! The mix was wide open, imaging was perfect and the bottom was as solid as I remember it in the mastering studio. Simaudio made me realize that I used to suck as an engineer but that, thankfully, I've gotten much better. Thanks Simaudio!
In conclusion, of all the integrated amplifiers currently available, maybe, and I mean MAYBE the Jeff Rowland sounds better, but you'll pay a heck of a lot more. Don't worry about the 70w/channel power rating. It's backed by a lot of current and won't have any problem driving most loudspeakers. And let's not forget about the look. My girlfriend the interior designer (not to say that I have more than one girlfriend in more than one profession - I only have one) hates almost everything I buy, but she actually gives the I-5, and all of Simaudio's products for that matter, a big thumbs up, but only in black. She's a Francophile, what can I say? Simaudio should think about advertising in Metropolitan Home! Anyway, I digress. Buy this amp. You won't be sorry, and neither will your better half.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2600.00
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Epinions.com ID:
cooper8168
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 4 members
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