Follow-up to my earlier post:
I have had the Sim Audio W-3 in mysystem for a few weeks now. All I can say is 'Boy, what a difference'. Taking into account the act that it has a long (3 weeks or 300 hours) of burn-in time, it sounds great. As I mentioned previously, I am using the CJ-14PVLS, a Rega Apollo CD, Kimber SiverStreak Interconnect and B&W 805 speakers.
I can hear much greater detail at the loow-end, there is no harshness, just smooth notes emanating from the sweet-spot and I have also noticed that it plays much louder at lower settings than my old Mac did. I don't play it loud intentionally, its just that you really get the full effect of tis Amp's capabilities at higher listening levels. Base is full, warm andnot at all dull.
I will say that the B&Ws must be replaced. I don't feel that they do justice to AMP of this level and quality. Oh, and the build quality is superb. I e-mailed SimAudio to alert them that the passive on-off switch is not located where they described it in the manual (which was written for the W-5 and 7). It is located on the left-hand underside of the unit and quite small. I almost diod not even think to look for it there.
Bottom line, I am keeping the Amp and replacing ther speakers. I should note that the W-3 is quite revealing on equipment and recordings that are flawed.
I hope this info helps with yuour decision.
Good luck,
Steve
I have had the Sim Audio W-3 in mysystem for a few weeks now. All I can say is 'Boy, what a difference'. Taking into account the act that it has a long (3 weeks or 300 hours) of burn-in time, it sounds great. As I mentioned previously, I am using the CJ-14PVLS, a Rega Apollo CD, Kimber SiverStreak Interconnect and B&W 805 speakers.
I can hear much greater detail at the loow-end, there is no harshness, just smooth notes emanating from the sweet-spot and I have also noticed that it plays much louder at lower settings than my old Mac did. I don't play it loud intentionally, its just that you really get the full effect of tis Amp's capabilities at higher listening levels. Base is full, warm andnot at all dull.
I will say that the B&Ws must be replaced. I don't feel that they do justice to AMP of this level and quality. Oh, and the build quality is superb. I e-mailed SimAudio to alert them that the passive on-off switch is not located where they described it in the manual (which was written for the W-5 and 7). It is located on the left-hand underside of the unit and quite small. I almost diod not even think to look for it there.
Bottom line, I am keeping the Amp and replacing ther speakers. I should note that the W-3 is quite revealing on equipment and recordings that are flawed.
I hope this info helps with yuour decision.
Good luck,
Steve