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Mephisto II, Sim Moon Eclipse How do they compare?

I'm curious, What are your thought's on these two players? I am looking to get a dedicated CD player (currently using a Pioneer DVD player). I want something High End, but I don't want to have to spend $6000-$8000 to get something either. So for this reason I have been looking at used players. The two that really caught my eye are the Sim Moon Eclipse, and Audiomeca Mephisto II. How do these players stack up? What are your thoughts? Any input will be most appreciated.
hifigator
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Yoweeee,Nice parts Brian !!!And thanks for the cd info.
hifigator OP
10 posts
 
Thank you Brian, your input was very helpful. It's going to be a very tough call as both players are not only some of the best looking around, they both offer the features I'm looking for. From what I read on the Sim Moon Eclipse, the older version had HDCD decoding, the new version does not. Would you recommend getting the newer player over the older one with HDCD? And if so why? Also, what is a good used price to look for on a Sim Moon Eclipse? From what you've told me and from the reviews I've read, the Sim Moon Eclipse is one heck of a fine CD player. Might be just what I'm looking for.

BTW, sounds like you've got one awesome setup. Fine choices in audio gear. I'll bet it sounds great!

Thank you again.
camboinc's avatar
camboinc
18 posts
 
Hifigator,
on the sim- try to find one with the HDCD chip (older version) for around $2400-2700, the new one for $3400 or so. I'm not sure if the upgrade is significantly different sonically as I have owned both. The older one requires a single 75ohm bnc to bnc interconnect to bypass the HDCD chip. It is absolutely necessary to reap the benefits of this fine player. I had a fairly inexpensive Sonoran plateau (cactus i think it was)bnc interconnect that sounded fantastic ($200 new direct from the manufacturer on the internet). i tried the inexpensive but well rated stereovox HDXV cable ($75 retail) and the sonoran killed it. As you saw from my current rig, i spend money on cabling when it works. i have tried lots and lots of stuff but in the case of the sim the reasonably priced sonoran did the trick. If you need any more info, jst repost or email me. Best of luck to you buddy!
Brian
kops's avatar
kops
478 posts
 
Both are very good and you will be satisfied.

I choosed Mephisto II.
hifigator OP
10 posts
 
Camboinc,

Thank you very much for your most helpful input. The Sim seems to be one heck of a player. If I can I would prefer to get the newer version without the HDCD chip. I have a question, does it make a difference getting the full size PSX power supply instead of the one that comes standard with the unit. And thanks also for letting me know about BNC cables (if I get an older Eclipse this will be very important). Thanks again and I'm happy to hear that you're really enjoying your Sim :)
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