Simaudio 400m / 860A vs PS Audio BHK250
Any thoughts on the Simaudio 400M vs 860A? My PS Audio BHK250 is blasting me with heat and I'm looking for other options. My tiny room is 9 by 13 by 8 and is upstairs and south facing so it gets the sun and heat all day. Running the home AC will get the downstairs cool, but this room doesn't stay comfortable with the BHK running and is causing me to end listening sessions short and irritated. I'm not sure I'm open to class D since I'm not willing to have a bigger cash outlay for class D to try to hopefully get to an equal playing ground ats the BHK250.
The Simaudio 400M runs cooler, but then again is two chassis so maybe not. I'm concerned I'll loose detail and sonics moving to a less costly amp. I'd love a 860A and know the sonics would improve, but according to Stereophile the fins get up to 110 degrees which would only be 10 percent cooler than my BHK 250 and I'm curious if I'd even notice the change. Thoughts and opinions?
Full disclosure. I live just down the street from PS Audio and on occasion run into Paul at the grocery store. I have toured their facility and when I bought my S300 went down and picked it up at the shipping doc. I fronted the S300 with a Mullard Rogue pre and IMO it was good sound for the $$. I like Tubes and class D |
After almost five years of enjoying the sound and tolerating the heat from the BHK 250 I sold it and replaced it with the Kinki Studio EX-M7 which is fronted by a Supratek preamp. I don't feel like I lost anything except the heat. The Kinki runs barely warm at idle or full tilt. My 250 was in my system at the house in the Florida Panhandle with similar heat and humidity issues.
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Anyone listen to or own the Simaudio Moon 760A? How does it compare to the 860 or the M400? I know it has less power than either the M400 or the 860 but I think it would be sufficient for my Vandersteen Quatros. I doubt if I want to spend the money for the 860. A pair of 400s is about the same price as the 760A and that is a price range I would want to stay in. Recommendations between the two? BTW my current power amp is a Bryston 4bsst2. |
@randyhat I've not heard the 760A though I've heard the 700i and it sounded great through Wilson Sashas with Moon 6 series streaming dac. When I bought my M400s specifically talked about the option of 760A versus 2 M400s. The owner of the store told me Moon told them the M400s are for folks who appreciate 'fun' over 'refinement'. The 760A is a good choice for someone who is desiring a reference type of sound experience. Or as said to me - your listening levels are too high for the 760A though it will provide more finesse in the details over the M400. (I had McIntosh MC302 and was evaluating upgrading to the 462). I don't know enough about your speakers and rest of the system to suggest which may be the better option. I can say I often have the volume between 50 and 55 on a scale from 1 to 80 and I am happy with my selection on the M400s Good luck on your journey. And for what it's worth - I think it may be worth enjoying your Bryston a little longer and saving for a bigger jump - say the 860A.
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