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Moon Nova or Eclipse?

I recently purchased a new pair of Legacy Focus speakers that I run with a Moon I5, AQ Diamondback IC, and AQ Mammoth speaker cables. I'm in love so far, but my need for a new source was laid bare almost immediately. My initial plan was a Nova and then a W3 or W5 amp when money allows. My local dealer has only the Eclipse on display, and told me the Nova was a waste of time. The Eclipse does sound wonderful, but I left confused since I have read many positive reviews on the Nova. Has anyone AB'd the two and found the Nova to be that bad? I'm wondering because I can get the Nova and W3 for a little more than the Eclipse.
Also, is it a horrible idea to biamp with amps of different power outputs? I'm wondering if the I5 on top and a W3 on the bottom makes sense. Thanks.
mthieme

Showing 3 responses by golden_ears

golden_ears
224 posts
 
Sonicbeauty (& Mthieme):
I think the degraded sound you were hearing from the I5 is more a result of the preamp section. SimAudio's amps have always been pretty good, but not their preamps. You had an integrated, so you couldn't separate the two to figure that out.
I've heard that their digital sources were or are EAD based, which would account for some of the edginess in the presentation.
golden_ears
224 posts
 
Sutts
SimAudio is the manufacturer, not a dealer. I would guess that their sales Rep. would be busy with business, perhaps travelling and talking to dealers - the person you should be talking to! They can't be expected to be at your beck & call. That's what the dealer is for.
golden_ears
224 posts
 
Okay Sutts. It's nice to know that some are responsive. However, the question you're asking is: (quote)

"All I want to know is how good the new Stargate processor is compared to the Attraction I used to own."

That is something that a dealer should be able to answer for you. If you're looking for an objective opinion, you probably won't get it from the manufacturer. What do you expect to hear? They'll give you the company line. The dealer may even do that, because he's selling them also, but at least he is selling other things.
You MAY get an objective opinion on Audiogon, but the only real way to find out which is better is to listen for yourself.
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