Sim I-5 vs. Plinius Integrateds. Which one?

I would agree that if you're speakers are not happy with that amount of power you may want something easier to drive.
Bel Canto is coming out with a new integrated version of the eVo around the new year. With 120W on tap it will probably cost somewhere in the vicinity of the price you are looking for. this might be the on to wait for.

Hi, Penragn. I second Sdcambell's suggestion using the pre in the i-5 and slap on the best deal you can swing on a bryston. I've heard bryston amps on sim pres-amps and they swing together very well....however might I should mention the sim amps sounded even better than the bryston on a sim pre....if you locate a sim 4150se power amp you could get a lot of amp for a very reasonable price as they are [like my 4070se], now discontinued. The 4150 is 150 into 8 ohms and doubles easily into 4 ohms....This would give you a chance to experiment with higher power without breaking the bank....good luck. whatever you choose do try it on the sim first, and good hunting....bluenose

It looks like you have gotten some good advice aleady. At 3k I would consider the Musical Fidelity AC3R amp and pre, that said, my guess is that these will not play the "thunderous" rock level you would like; the Bryson that was suggested may be your best bet.

If you are happy with the sonics of your Moon I-5, why not use it as a pre and pick up a W-5 amp? A used one with a decent used interconnect should be within your budget. Happy listening. Erik

Thanks to all of you who responded...good suggestions all. Just to clarify one little point: I don't listen to rock (Dire Straits is about the heaviest rock I listen to). The clipping I heard on my 92 dB efficient Tyler Linbrook Monitors was on a Reference Recordings CD of Stravinsky's The Firebird and also on a couple of other RR "system busters." I wonder if I've become a volume junky??:)