2. amps-preamps
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Simaudio W7 amp sounds not quite expected

I currently have the Simaudio Moon W3 and like the sound a lot.  So I thought getting the W7 would be an upgrade but having bought online it's a bit of taking a chance.
Last night having heard the amp in my system for the first time, the sound is not quite what I expected.  Reading some of the review, I thought it would be a bit forward, neutral.  But what I heard was the complete opposite.  It's somewhat recess and a bit warm.  There is not enough mid range present (like the W3) and the sound is somewhat withdraw and lacking involvement.  The vocal is a bit recess than I would like.  For me the first thing any component needs to do is to effectively communicate the music, but the W7 at least in my system does not do that.  I have to say I am a bit disappointed. 

May be it's my preamp.  I am using single ended.  Anyway, I am getting a Pass Labs XP-10 soon so maybe hopefully it will work with the W7 better than my current preamp which is a Conrad Johnson 17LS.
andy2

Showing 5 responses by andy2

andy2 OP
1,557 posts
 
I agree that the W7 is more refined with better resolution and dynamics, but I wish it could be slightly more forward and slightly more nuanced.
andy2 OP
1,557 posts
 
That's a good suggestion.  I currently have QED  40 reference but only single ended.  Once I get the Pass Labs XP10 and using balance, hopefully it will help.
There is something in the midbass that I wish it could be a bit more speedy.  It's possible that the W7 has a lot more resolution so it reveals the weakness somewhere in the chain - maybe it's the preamp.
andy2 OP
1,557 posts
 
The power cable suggestion turns out to be interesting.  I currently use some beefy cables I bought from Amazon which has worked out fairly well in my system.  
I just swapped out with the power cable that comes with the amp.  Now the sound is somewhat opposite - the slight midbass hump is now gone but the sound is somewhat lean and leaning toward analytical.
I think I'll wait till the Pass Labs preamp arrives before making any more judgement.
andy2 OP
1,557 posts
 
This is a second hand amp that I bought so probably well broken in.  
andy2 OP
1,557 posts
 
I feel stupid because the problem is traced back to a faulty speaker connectors - for whatever reason it slightly short.  Now the sound is a lot more like it.  It's like the W3 but a lot better in every way.
But anyway, will wait for the Pass Labs XP10 to see how it will turn out.
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