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Simaudio MOON LP5.3 RS or 300LP?

This isn't really a question I'm asking - more a point of interest.

I just purchased the 5.3RS and in the manual there's some blurb about the RS designation means a higher grade of PCB and capacitors are used.

To my surprise, on reading the review of the 310LP the exact same phrase was used - suggesting that was why the new model was introduced.

Pics of the internals also look identical

Now I'm not saying they are the same electronics, but is seems it might be possible?

Now the kicker - the MSRP for the 310LP is around $1800
The 5.3RS ? - I got it for $1350 !

Just in case fellow members are looking in that direction :-)

It sounds real nice as well, especially with a quality power cord - probably don't need the seperate power supply that they promote.

Back to the tunes :-)
williewonka
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Are y'all using balanced or single ended ICs with this? I was underwhelmed using RCAs.

I had a 5.3 with the power supply and much preferred the Avid Pulsus to it, which I have since replaced with the Musical Fidelity kW.

Sorry to rain on the Simaudio Moon 5.3 parade. But I found the bass and the treble considerably improved on the Avid when I compared them head-to-head.
williewonka OP
3,075 posts
 
Roscoeiii - I'm using single ended Essence gZero6 IC's from KLE Innovations - these are exceptional performers on any gear.

Regards
dinster
76 posts
 
Lewm, those loadings are correct for the MC input, and there is no step up transformer. It is bizarre, and I would like an explanation from Audia why they chose those levels. I emailed them and they have not replied.
Having said that it sounds great at 47k i.e.. no loading at all, and I'm currently running at 980 Ohm. If I understand correctly, the ideal would be no loading, but some phono stages can't deal with the high frequency peak in the megaHz range, and so sound edgy. As you load down you dampen dynamics and cause some phase shifts, but remove the high frequency peak.
dinster
76 posts
 
Thought I'd post a follow up, several months later. After my initial enthusiasm, my position has changed!! Just did an AB of the Flight Phono with the Sim 5.3/PSX, wow it is chalk and cheese! The Flight is just so much better in every respect, more detailed and extended highs and the bass, which was my initial complaint, is just all there and incredibly detailed. Just so much more air, and presence. Much more dynamic. Test records Cafe Blue and Sera Una Noche (La Segunda). More than that I get confused, one track is about more than my aural memory
Seems like the Flight Phono takes an incredibly long time to run in. During this time it went cold and edgy at least twice, even though my initial run in was with a CD and reverse RIAA equaliser for 2 days (not listening). It was worth waiting for it to come on line. Note to myself, don't judge a component on the first day or even week. Unfortunately it is just in a different league to the Sim, much as I liked the Sim. I guess my Sim is finally up for sale!
This must be a solid state thing, my Oppo 105 also went cold twice before it settled down, now if anything it is overblown in the bass.
Still at 980 Ohm loading and using balanced old fashioned AudioQuest Black Diamond (x3).
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