Without a doubt, the Moon W-5 is the way to go. It has much going for it, ergonomics, weight, looks, price, and of course the sonics. Sonically, it should blow the doors off of any Electrocompaniet equipment. Assuming you like music with detail.
I had owned the Moon W-5 for a time. It is a fast amp able to better illustrate inter-transient silence, initial attacks, better decays, appears to have more wpc than the stated 190 WPC, and has a certain sweet sound that you may just fall in love with.
I moved on to another amp, even better IMO than the W-5, and the new owner of my W-5 absolutely loves it.
I've owned about 5 or 6 amps over the last few year (the Moon being the second last). It was the Moon that convinced me that the amp is the key to any good sounding system. Assuming the surrounding components are at least adequate.
Below is what the new owner had to say of the Moon W-5:
"... Anyway, even before the room change, this combo sounds fantastic! All categories of critical listening are significantly improved by this set-up. The most striking things are the clear, taught bass that goes very low, the holographic imaging of the soundstage and the wide dynamics. I find myself putting off all kinds of things to listen a little longer. I really, really really love this set-up!! I can repeat all the usual statements that people make when they get a good set-up: I hear things on CDs that I didn't know was on them, I am enjoying (and hearing more) my old CDs better than ever before, the band sounds like its right in the room,etc., etc.
I think voice is one area that Is especially improved. The texture and timbre are so much more realistic. This is true for both male and female voice, but especially female. Holly Cole, Laurie Anderson and Shawn Colvin are right here in the room with me!! If only Shawn would sit on my lap!!
So yes, the things that you and Anna (Anna Logg of TAS is a member of his audiophile society) predicted (about the W-5) are present. I am a very happy audio nut."
Hope this helps,
-John
