Doozy of an amp question


Still looking for my eternal love.

A forever amp. At least for now. I cannot try them out in my system as they are both beasts and it would be a nightmare getting them, paying for an audition and then returning them

I am having to go on instinct.

I have narrowed it down to two very different kinds of amps at two very different price points. And I have chosen these two because of reviews in magazines and the positive comments here and on other forums.

 

My pre is an Arc Ref 10 and my speakers are Dalis.

I am look at a tube Mc 1502 which I can afford right now or a Sim 861 for which I would have to wait to save for.

I realize it’s tube vs SS but both have their positives and a SS can have tube like characteristics which I like.

 

I’ve heard Mcintosh and liked it a lot but never heard this model.

I’ve never heard Sim but the reviews and comments about the 861 have been absolutely rhapsodic. And somebody whose opinion I trust said Sim is an excellent brand. But is this a flavor of the month model?

 

Has anybody heard both these amps. Any thoughts, opinions, advice?

 

 

roxy1927

Showing 3 responses by overthemoon

I haven’t heard the specific amps but I have owned McIntosh C2600/MC 302 and currently Moon /Simaudio 791/860A V2. 
 

The Moon is more dynamic and detailed than McIntosh in my opinion. It was an upgrade to me. 

I believe the Moon amp sounds ‘close’ to Audio Research Amps - I didn’t want to deal with tubes  

Ultimately follow your ears  Mc will have resale and the Moon has a 10 year warranty (neither will leave you high and dry)


 

 

Fuel for thought- regarding 761 vs 861…

If you want to pilot the sound consider buying a 761 and if it doesn’t fit your needs (i.e. want a little more) buy a second and run them in mono. 

@roxy1927 I'm sure there's a controversy with some.  Moon has a history of designing amps for bridging via selector switches on the rear. 

It's just one option as there are many excellent options shared by others on this thread.