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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 4 responses by mthieme

mthieme OP
74 posts
 
I felt the same way, I can't afford the Cadillac, and that doesnt make the Chevy a waste of time.
mthieme OP
74 posts
 
It's interesting you should say that, because I've always thought Sim had a house sound more on the warm side, and the Moon systems I've heard always impressed me as having a full midrange and detailed highs. As for the W3, I thought some more power might yeild better, more controlled bass. The Focus 2020 have 3 12" woofers each, and although they are highly efficient thats still alot of cone to move.(maybe I'm wrong in that conclusion, but the experimentation is half the fun). 95db sensitivity, 4 ohms ,10-600wpc leaves a huge window of choices, and I'm not locked on any particular amp, but the source is next on my to do list
mthieme OP
74 posts
 
I will seek out the Nova for a listening session after reading these remarks, thanks. It makes me mad though, the more I think about it, to be told that decent digital starts at 5k as he put it. I thought it seemed exclusionary,(is that a word?) and kind of contrary to the idea of spreading this hobby amongst the average guys like myself, who can't afford a reference transport and dac from Levinson, yet still want a safisfying system. I don't mean to get too philosophic here but the irony hit me today with my family talking about the things we are thankful for, when I'm rolling 6 thousand dollar cd players around in my head. I'm sure I can be completely happy with something less than a state of the art piece.
mthieme OP
74 posts
 
I have sent Costa questions 3 times and have recieved prompt replies every time. I wonder if he is inclined to not judge their products himself but to let the consumer decide? For what it's worth, the Stargate Aurora combo was reviewed in Home Theater last month I believe.
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