Well, now I HAVE something to recommend.
I asked the same question many times and a lot of research was done since I couldn't afford buying-selling etc.
I first started with Mac gear and - total dissapointment. I tried MA6900 integrated then separetes (MA252 & MA 402). the sound was dull, lacked dynamics focus and detail no matter how I tweaked it. Highs were rolled off bass was wooly - total lack of exitement. I couldn't belive why people call Thiels bright. I craved for high frequencies.
Then I tried Musical Fiedelity A308 integrated - absoloutly wrong direction. Now I could tell why people tell Thiels are bright. Get that high freq out of here!
I had also opportiunity to feed them with Bryston 4BSST (Mac tubed C2200 as pre). The bass was there, dynamics started to appear, I had detail, involvment. What I did not have was mid-band textures and richness I heard with MAC power amps. But still Bryston wins with an overall package. Choice was obvious.
Then I read here on AG someone comparing Bryston with SIM W5. I talked with this guy a little and was convinced SIM is what I want. It was a best shot so far.
All I can tell about SIM W5 LE is this is one piece of an amazing stuff. It has better bass then 4BSST (stronger, better controlled and deeper), has magical midrange with a lot of detail and harmonic richness to die for. Nothing is obscured (as with MAC). Highs are very airy and a tad softened (but it may be interconnects, preamp, I have to see). All in all this is what I call a perfect match.
Try SIM W5 for yourself and then you will thank me. Belive me. You can't go wrong with it
I asked the same question many times and a lot of research was done since I couldn't afford buying-selling etc.
I first started with Mac gear and - total dissapointment. I tried MA6900 integrated then separetes (MA252 & MA 402). the sound was dull, lacked dynamics focus and detail no matter how I tweaked it. Highs were rolled off bass was wooly - total lack of exitement. I couldn't belive why people call Thiels bright. I craved for high frequencies.
Then I tried Musical Fiedelity A308 integrated - absoloutly wrong direction. Now I could tell why people tell Thiels are bright. Get that high freq out of here!
I had also opportiunity to feed them with Bryston 4BSST (Mac tubed C2200 as pre). The bass was there, dynamics started to appear, I had detail, involvment. What I did not have was mid-band textures and richness I heard with MAC power amps. But still Bryston wins with an overall package. Choice was obvious.
Then I read here on AG someone comparing Bryston with SIM W5. I talked with this guy a little and was convinced SIM is what I want. It was a best shot so far.
All I can tell about SIM W5 LE is this is one piece of an amazing stuff. It has better bass then 4BSST (stronger, better controlled and deeper), has magical midrange with a lot of detail and harmonic richness to die for. Nothing is obscured (as with MAC). Highs are very airy and a tad softened (but it may be interconnects, preamp, I have to see). All in all this is what I call a perfect match.
Try SIM W5 for yourself and then you will thank me. Belive me. You can't go wrong with it