2. amps-preamps
  3. 1074835594

Upgrade to Simaudio or keep my Classe?

My system consists of mostly Classe components including CP-60 Preamp, CA-400 Amp, DAC-1 DAC. Transport is a Theta Jade and Speakers are Arcarian Systems Alon V MK III. Interconnects are Audiotruth Diamond x3 and Speaker Cables are Dragon SE Tri-wire. I also have a Rel Stentor II Sub and all equipment is powered by a PS Audio P5oo.
I am thinking of upgrading to a Simaudio Moon P-5 Preamp, Moon W-6 or W-10 Monoblocks, and Moon Eclipse CD Player. Is this actually and upgrade or pretty much the same quality as what I already have. If it is an upgrade, what benefits should I be able to hear (more details, better soundstaging, etc). What cables and IC work best with this Sim setup. I'm thinking o Cardas Golden Reference.
I would appreciate any thoughts or ideas. I'm new to Audiogon. Thanks in advance.
Mike.
classeman
timo's avatar
timo
610 posts
 
In my opinion, Classe' has historically been a bit warm sounding gear. SimAudio, on the other hand, has been more neutral sounding.
sonicbeauty
324 posts
 
I once owned both of these...Classé sounded warmer and refined, Sim: quicker, and more spectacular on short litening runs, but also dry and not involving musically speaking, listening fatiques comes quite early once the initial ''wow-have-you-heard-these-cymbals?'' effect has vanished. Don't mean to discourage you but, I feel going to Sim Audio might actually be a downgrade in this case, it all depends how you like your music.
mitch2
3,976 posts
 
Your components are good and appear to be synergistic with each other. Is there anything specific you are trying to improve on?
The biggest upgrades recently have been in the digital domain and that may be where you will see the most improved performance for your money. I would recommend trying a cd player/dac upgrade to something like Audio Aero Capitole or Electrocompaniet EMC 1 UP 24/192, or one of the other really good units (audition first).
I also own the Alon V's (MkII) and I have enjoyed the improved performance I have received by upgrading to the alnico HF and LF drivers used in the Circe, so that is a direction you might also try. I am currently trying different cables and would be interested in hearing more about the Dragons. I have Alon's Black Orpheus, which are good, but I think there might be better for SS equipment.
arkio
74 posts
 
The W10 is a most definite upgrade. These are awesome sounding amps which will outperform esoteric amps costing much more than themselves. I once heard them in direct comparison to a Gryphon amp at twice the price and the Sims were as good. Sim audio stuff sounding fatiquing? Please... these amps are top of the line. I suspect it was your speakers or pre that was the culprit there. I have owned Classe 200, Bryston 3B, 4B, Levinson 331 and most recently the Sim W5, and I can tell you the Sim, at least in my system sounds much more musicaL, transparent with a wider soundstage than I have heard at this price level and well beyond. The W10 is again in a whole upper level.
Go listen to them, you must at this price point.

good listening.
More to discover