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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
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linhdieu12
18 posts
 
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I have a music room and karaoke, I am wondering between VHF and UHF frequency microphones. The best and most suitable for me.
I am referring to the latest products here micro khong day
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mrmoorpark
6 posts
 
I have been enjoying my Simaudio Moon 390 for a week now, and it keeps getting better. My Rega P6 and Ania MC sound fabulous, so I'm rediscovering my LP collection, the HDMI connections are good, while the USB audio is somewhat better. Nice that I can set the HDMI video, then switch to the USB audio and have both working. I trust that they will do firmware upgrades to keep up, and this little unit has replaced four separates and the associated cables. Now, what to do with the old cables? Quality problem.

And, I use ATI 4002 signature amp, considering adding two more amp modules and passive bi-amping for more headroom.
spookyfoot
18 posts
 
To the OP, I have some very similar/same equipment as to what you are considering. In my main 2 channel system I have the KEF R11's like yourself & I am powering them with a McIntosh MA8900 which is very similar to the MA9000 with the upgradable DAC you are considering. While the DAC in the MA8900 is very good, I am running my server to a Schiit Yggdrasil (A2) DAC and then on to my amp. I find that the Yggy has a slightly better sound to me than the onboard McIntosh DAC. I have zero experience with any Simaudio Moon pieces but they are widely regarded and many people love them. Good Luck!
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scratcha
164 posts
 
Between the two; I would pick Simaudio.

That being said; I'm not even close to being totally knowledgeable of these two brands.

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jaulbrich
22 posts
 
Why not pic the Moon Preamp dac and the McIntosh amps?  Save money on the amps and get the better sound of the Moon at a lower price.  I heard this combo at an audio store in Boulder driving $130K Sonus Faber speakers.  It was amazing!
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