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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
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.

stereonewbie OP
3 posts
 
Thanks Sfar! I appreciate the answer, and it definitely is appreciated. Out of curiosity, do SimAudio gear have the same "longevity" as McIntosh? I mean most people keep their Mc equipment for 10 or even 20 years if it's maintained properly. Does the same apply for SimAudio, or does it's value depreciate faster than Mc?
toneranger58
134 posts
 
I have the Sim 700i with a Yggie Schiit Dac. Match made in heaven, killer combination. The Simaudio brand/products are very impressive and highly regarded in the industry by users and reviewers. I prefer SA over the Mac line, but clearly both are very respected companies.
yyzsantabarbara
4,876 posts
 
SimAudio has a 10 year warranty. Almost as good as Bryston's 20 year amp warranty. Yamaha has a 10 year speaker warranty on the new NS 5000. Long warranty period to me means confidence by the manufacturer in their gear.
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,760 posts
 
I don't know anything about the depreciation rate of the two brands, I suspect that McIntosh owners tend to hold onto their gear longer because of its long history as a company, the prestige of owning that brand and its reliability. Personal preference in terms of the aesthetics likely plays a role, as well. But, again, there's no definitive answer to which is a better choice. Some people would rather drive a '57 Chevy Bel Air than an Audi A6 and that's just fine with me.
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