Simaudio Moon W-5 Amplifiers
Simaudio Moon W-5 Amplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[Aug 24, 2018]
bbkingdom
Strength:
hi been used krell mcx250 mark332 bryston7bst audioresearchvt100 parasound3500 . this amp have the strongest control similar as 3500 and very great tonal balance which shows much more detail . the bass was super tight compare to mark .high n mid was totally different to mark n krell as they both exaggerate on human vocal and bass (things being bigger ) .u can say its on a little lean side but once u match the right cable the dynamic was terrific . the high was silky n smooth with a little sweet n warm . one of the best amp i ve been in hifi world so far . remind the w5 was super great value since the same structure of w5 =w8 . dont hesitate to get one if u find one . Weakness:
a little lean Price Paid: 4000
Purchased: Used
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[Jul 20, 2014]
gino
Audio Enthusiast
it sound like the mark levinson 335 power amp used to have with little less power The sound is smooth relaxation sound is so Natural . the best amp you can get at this price for about .2200$ used |
[Feb 14, 2009]
Paul@audiophileheven
AudioPhile
Price Paid $2200 used @ audiogon
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[Oct 31, 2004]
K512
AudioPhile
Strength:
As above.
Weakness:
None, although one should note that this dual-mono amplifier is rather massive and weighs ~75 lbs. This review is for the W-5 LE (Limited Edition) dual-mono amplifier. I recently purchased the fully balanced Simaudio Moon LE system From Archive Audio, including the W-5 LE dual-mono amplifier; Eclipse LE CD player; and P-5 LE preamplifier. Speakers: Induction Dynamics ID1. Cables: Signal Cable Silver Resolution balanced interconnects, and a "double run" set of Signal Cable Silver Resolution speaker cables. Prior to discovering the Moon LE gear, I was seriously considering vacuum tube gear. However, upon hearing the Moon LE products I immediately fell in love. The reference grade, fully balanced, fully differential Moon LE components sound neither like tubes nor solid-state. It is so transparent as to have no sound of its own-- it sounds better than "solid state" and better than "tubes". Simply put, it just sounds RIGHT. Imaging and soundstaging are precise, natural, and stable. The attack and DECAY of musical notes is as good or better than many tube designs. In addition, the P-5 LE and associated LE gear (along with the Signal Cable Silver Resolution cables) reveal a level of sonic detail through the Induction Dynamics ID1's that one might normally expect only from electrostatic headphones. The fully balanced Moon LE gear is completely free of any hint of solid state edginess, grain, hardness, brightness, sibilance, etc. Rather, the sound of this reference gear is perhaps best described as fast and accurate, yet smooth and full-bodied, never fatiguing. Indeed, this gear is highly inviting, and I find it hard to get to bed on time these days! Driving the Induction Dynamics ID1's, bass extension is concert-like and extremely articulate. Mid-range? Total bliss. Upper registers? Extraordinarily detailed, delicate, and graceful. Construction, build-quality, appearance, and the "feel" of the controls (etc.) is reference grade. These products are overbuilt to very high tolerances. Completing the warranty registration entitles the original owner to a full, 10 year warranty. I've previously auditioned a variety of high-end electronics, most noteably Spectral and Edge; as well as Audio Research, VTL, Rogue, Bryston, and McCormack. Among all of these, the Moon LE gear sounded the best to my ears. (My second choice would be Spectral, although this gear can tend to sound over-analytical and "clinical" at times.) It is a fairly common practice among many audiophiles to spend a considerable amount of time and money extensively experimenting with the mixing-and-matching of a variety of components from different manufacturers, searching and hoping for optimal system "synergy". That said, I would note that the sonic performance of the fully balanced, fully differential Moon LE *system* delivers the full measure of seamless "intra-system" synergy that its designers intended. In terms of sonic and technical performance, the sum is seemingly greater than its parts. A few comments on the W-5 LE dual-mono amplifier: Describing this amplifier as like the proverbial "iron fist in a silk glove" would be a gross oversimplification, but generally true! The W-5 LE sounds RIGHT at most any volume level. Its prodigious power (and power reserves) exert a highly firm and controlling grip on my Induction Dynamics ID's drivers, particularly the speakers' integral subwoofers. The sound of this magnificent amplifier might best be described as oh-so powerful; yet precise, detailed, nuanced, delicate, transparent, elegant, fast, well mannered, utterly quiet, and extraordinarily musical. Unlike any other amplifiers I've heard, the W-5 LE casts a soundstage, imaging, and dynamics that (I'll say again) just sound right. I will also mention that despite the W-5 LE's prodigious power capabilities and reserves, it runs quite cool, even when driven vigorously for many hours at a stretch. In summary, the Moon W-5 LE dual-mono amplifier is surely one of Simaudio's crowning achievements. It is an amplifier that lays to rest the tubes vs. solid-state dichotomy, because (like the other products in the fully differential series of Moon products) it defies categorization-- it sounds neither like tubes nor solid-state. Instead (here I go again) it just sounds RIGHT. Similar Products Used: As above. |
[Jun 30, 2003]
Alex
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Everything. Build, quality, highs, mids, bass, soundstage, detail. Female voices, i.e. Diana Krall-breathtaking with fantastic 3d imaging. Can you tell I like this puppy?
Weakness:
I didn't come across it earlier! Thanks to the comments posted I joined the "W-5" Club! What a piece of enjoyable equipment! I traded for a Meridian pre-amp and I will never look back. I have been using a Krell 300iL with an Audio Research LS-15 plugged into the pre section, bypassing the Krell's pre. I don't want to equipment bash because all units have their own unique qualities. The W5 seems to be in the front of the line. It just plays music and it does it very well! I can sit and enjoy the sound without having to critic the rest of my system. In the past I have owned Krell, Plinius, Bryston, Aragon, J.Rowland, Threshold, Linn, McCormack, and a host of other units that don't come to mind right away. I am always chasing the "stereo carrot" that is in front of my face. I think I can finally relax now. I have my Krell in trade mode for a Meridian 508.24 cd player which should be a good combination with the Sim Audio. I am using the Sim Audio, Audio Research LS-15, Krell 280cd, Panamax stabilizer, PSB Gold speakers, Oval Nine wires, and Signal Cable xlr's. The sound is smooth, detailed, liquid with great resonance. I thought that the Krell produced a great soundstage, and it does, but nothing like the W5. It is rich and makes the music come to life. I would like to thank you guys for posting your comments and pointing me in that direction. Thanks... Similar Products Used: Krell, Plinius, Conrad Johnson, Bryston, Jeff Rowland, McCormack, Linn, Threshold, Classe' |
[Apr 11, 2002]
Rudeman
AudioPhile
Strength:
Rock solid imaging, effortless, huge sound, balance and inner detail
Weakness:
It''s still transistor - but only barely A rock solid, tell it like it is, stable, exceptionally well constructed piece of gear. This amp reveals every change you make in your system, and drives my current speakers effortlessly. I''ve listened to it through Celestion 300''s, Energy veritas V1.8''s and V2.8''s, and its revealing nature has shown me the virtues of all of those speakers. It has won me over with its reliability, smooth, YBA like sound, and steadfast resolution in the lower octaves. This amp will drive what you own, and anything you would care to own. Volume is not an issue; the louder you play it, the louder it gets - no compression or weakening of the loweer octaves. Works fabulously with smaller woofers - and makes them sound much biggger! I''ve used some serious gear over the years, and this piece has proven itself over and over again. Similar Products Used: Cary CAD80M monoblocks, Adcom(!), Bryston and Conrad Johnson |
[Jan 22, 2000]
Chad
Audiophile
Strength:
Looks(www.Simaudio.com),Transparency,Build Quality(Like a tank 72 pounds),Powerful,Articulate yet Smooth(oxymoron)
Weakness:
Takes a long time for unit to break in... So your in the market for a world class amp. One that doesn't require a second mortgage. Look no further, you have found it. Don't get me wrong here. This amp is not cheap. However, it's a value compared to others such as Levinson, Krell, Classe' etc.. The Moon W-5 is a overachiever on the power rating spec.(175x2@8ohms) It will play loud without sounding strained or losing focus. There is no grain or glare in the sound.(typical of solid state amps) Allowing you to listen for hours without fatigue. Imaging front to back and left to right is amazing. Tonally how does the W-5 sound? Bass is powerful, deep and extremely tight. If you have speakers that won't behave in the lower frequencies. They will with this amp. The midrange is relaxed, smooth maybe slightly laidback. Treble has just the right amount of detail, spaciousness and luster. This is one of the best amps money can buy.(In my opinion of course) Similar Products Used: Krell,Levinson,Classe',Bryston,AR |
[Feb 09, 2001]
Steve Herrala
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Speed, Build quality, dynamics, tight bottomend.
Weakness:
Bright Blue LED (for some) I have been meaning to do a write-up on my favorite amplifier to let others know of its capabilities. Had to jump in with all of this flaming going on.. What's up with this?? I think I might have the answer why in my write-up below why the difference in opinion. Similar Products Used: Class'e, Bryston, Pass, Jeff Roland, Aragon,Plinius |
[Oct 07, 2000]
John
Audiophile
Strength:
Wide deep soundstage, detail and low frequency timbre and speed, effortless power.
Weakness:
None that I have noticed. I have just upgraded my system with this amp and am amazed at the difference it has made. My loudspeakers(B&W 801 Seies 2) are now presenting a panoramic soudstage in what can't be described as an ideal room. The Moon drives them with ease giving me higher volume levels and incredible soundstage depth. On the Stereophile Test CD everything is exactly as it shoud be, both in position and tonality. You can tell how a recording was miked, as well as the size of the original venue. Similar Products Used: Adcom, Aragon, Krell |
[Jun 09, 2001]
TheEAR(s) Hearing Aids
Audiophile
Strength:
Great construction quality,grip,speed,liquid midrange,will drive just about any load.
Weakness:
NONE at this price. Outstanding product,my first ever high quality amp was the Celeste 4070.Since then I am sold to Celeste amps. Similar Products Used: Bryston 4B,Classe 300,Krell FPB600,ATI 2505(a five chanel amp)and some others |