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
roxy1927 OP
134 posts
 

Yes as somebody said above it is the Epicon 8 and I don't want an amp with a fan.

I can go into the city and listen to the amps and they want me to listen to the 761 which would save me a lot of money from the 861. Then I read that the 861 on this site is 25% better. That's a lot of better but also a lot of money and I may be overdoing it. I listened to Mcintosh at Harry's of VPI house. It was great but he has quite a setup along with Blades. Unforgettable.

But boy is that 1502 heavy but a lot cheaper.

Post removed 
roxy1927 OP
134 posts
 

I have a pre so I am looking for an amp. The 761 sounds like it would be very good but then people on this site say the 861 is so much better. But 22K!!!

jl35
4,011 posts
 

My Epicon 8's loved my Pass XA`160.8 mono blocks, and are now loving my friends much less powerful and expensive BAT VK-80 tube amp...

zuesman
188 posts
 

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.

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