2. amps-preamps
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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
jsalerno277
190 posts
 

I know you are looking for SS benefits in amplification but there is something to be said for the combination or your preamp with the ARC Ref 160. To my ears magic in musicality.  I do not like the Mac 1502.  To me, recessed mids.  I have not heard the SIM 861 but have read and heard good things about it.  Also consider auditioning a Burmester 218 or 909.  Tube like qualities of liquidity, staging and imaging with solid state control, speed and dynamics.  Also, accurate timbre.  

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rsmith73
34 posts
 

ARC Ref 160 with your preamp and you are done IMHO.

dinov's avatar
dinov
845 posts
 

I must admit I’m a McIntosh fan so with that would be my recommendation, both for sound, build quality, resale value, and being able to be repaired. Since you already like the sound I think you’ll be happy with the amp for a very long time. Also I wouldn’t worry about Bose buying them, they’ve been bought and sold many times throughout their 70 plus years (people forget about Clarion) and they’ve maintained their autonomy producing a first rate product with world class customer service and support. Just my opinion and I hope this helps with your decision. 

eurorack
42 posts
 

Not sure of the orientation here. "my speakers are Dalis" reads like, "my car is Ford" -- Is it a Fiesta or a GT?

Knowing only "ARC REF 10 and Dali", an ARC amplifier would pair with the ARC 10, but who knows the rest.

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