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 2 responses by zuesman

I own the SIM audio 861 upgrading from a SIM audio w8, this amp is phenomenal it will go up against amplifiers in the 40 to $60,000 price range from other companies and be as good or better yes $22,000 is a lot of money but it is a lot better than the 761 at least 25% better or more, I compared both and that's why I decided to buy the 861 it's definitely a beast of an amp at 125 lb but once you hear it you won't buy the 761 It's that much better.

just a little add-on comment I also believe that the sim audio 861 amplifier is better than the Macintosh amps.