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Buying advice: McIntosh vs SimAudio for Integrated Amplifier/DAC.

Hello everyone,

I'm relatively new to the Hi-Fi scene, and would greatly appreciate your advice regarding my next purchase in the realm. So far I've followed a very modular approach, buying one component at a time, and have found a lot of info online and on these forums that guided me so far. But the next step is a bit tricky (and pricey) and includes a brand that I am completely new to; SimAudio's Moon.

The two products I am debating currently are the following:

1) McIntosh MA9000 ( https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MA9000).

2) SimAudio Moon 600i v2  https://simaudio.com/en/product/600i-v2-integrated-amplifier/
+ SimAudio Moon 650D DAC ( https://simaudio.com/en/product/650d-dac-cd-transport/)

From a price point, I was surprised to find that the Mc is actually much cheaper than the SimAudio combo, which got me to a pause. I've never heard much of SimAudio as a brand, and my Audio dealer who I trust a lot swears by the SimAudio. But like everyone I've always wanted to gradually build up a complete McIntosh setup. But I'm wondering if the double Moon setup would actually yield better sounding output. I've demoed both products and they sounded slightly different to my ears, but both in it's own uniquely pleasant way, which has left me torn between them.

So I thought I ask the more experienced crowd here about the technical specs. Keeping in mind that the majority of my music listening experience is coming from a McIntosh MT5 Turntable with a modified cartridge, and an Auralic Aries G1 through Tidal and Qobuz. My dealer insisted that the Moon has a superior DAC. I'll of course be listening through Stereo through a pair of KEF R11 speakers.

Thank you very much in advance for any insight and advice, whether it's regarding the particular products, or about SimAudio as a brand vs McIntosh.
stereonewbie
yyzsantabarbara
4,898 posts
 
Simaudio Moon 390 vs. McIntosh Laboratory C47

Not exactly what you want but does talk about the 2 DACs. I would take SimAudio over a MAC. I have never been a fan of MAC's. I found them too dark sounding.

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1264-simaudio-moon-390-preamplifier-dac-network-player
bubba12's avatar
bubba12
440 posts
 
I own the Mcintosh C50 preamp with the MC452 stereo amp. I think they are very fine pieces. The Simaudio Moon is usually better. Let your ears decide but Simaudio Moon has always sounded great to my ears. 

gdnrbob
4,449 posts
 
DAC's are evolving rapidly. I wouldn't buy anything over $2K, as it will be outdated in a year or two.
Other brands to consider:
Ayre
Schiit
They offer upgrades and are very competitive for their price range.
Aurender is another brand that is highly regarded, but much pricier.
From what I have heard, Simaudio is no slouch either.

Bob
stereonewbie OP
3 posts
 
Thank you so much for the responses and insight. I appreciate it!

@Bob; I do realize that, but the good news is that the Mc has a modular DAC that can be removed an upgraded at any point in the future. I think it's their first time to design an IA that way.

As for the Moon, the DAC is it's own separate unit, which more or less means the same, except with a heftier price tag.

I guess the point of my question is if SimAudio is a brand that is in the same league as McIntosh or not :)
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,760 posts
 
You're not going to get a definitive answer but my experience having owned a number of pieces of both brands and having helped friends who own gear of both brands is that, for me, Simaudio has been preferable in every case. The friend who has a full stack of McIntosh gear admits the thing he likes most about it is the lighted meters.

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