2. amps-preamps
  3. 1006623187

Sim I-5 vs. Plinius Integrateds. Which one?

Hello. Currently I'm using a Sim Audio Moon I-5 integrated amp with 70 watts/channel. It sounds awfully nice through my dynamic speakers. However, with the best of my "system buster" CDs it will occasionlly go into clipping if I play it at front row levels. I've been considering one of the more powerful Plinius itegrateds but, since I'm unable to hear them let alone A/B them, I'll ask for comments from anyone who can offer an opinion about these two products. I would entertain other suggestions as well. The two requirements are that it have a remote control and not cost more than about $3k new or used. Thank you!
pendragn
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
It looks like you have gotten some good advice aleady. At 3k I would consider the Musical Fidelity AC3R amp and pre, that said, my guess is that these will not play the "thunderous" rock level you would like; the Bryson that was suggested may be your best bet.
creeper
251 posts
 
If you are happy with the sonics of your Moon I-5, why not use it as a pre and pick up a W-5 amp? A used one with a decent used interconnect should be within your budget. Happy listening. Erik
pendragn OP
11 posts
 
Thanks to all of you who responded...good suggestions all. Just to clarify one little point: I don't listen to rock (Dire Straits is about the heaviest rock I listen to). The clipping I heard on my 92 dB efficient Tyler Linbrook Monitors was on a Reference Recordings CD of Stravinsky's The Firebird and also on a couple of other RR "system busters." I wonder if I've become a volume junky??:)
pipetman
45 posts
 
I got an I-5 hooked up to 91 dB Virgos and never run into any clipping problems. Guess, I listen at pretty moderate levels, though. With regard to the volume junkie, take care and don't ruin your ears!
Actually, I plan to get a tube power amp (probably a BAT VK-60) sometime soon and wondered, if anybody actually used the I-5 as a pre and can comment on its pre-amp qualities (the I-5 sounds a little too neutral to me, hence the tube amp).
More to discover