Doozy of an amp question


Still looking for my eternal love.

A forever amp. At least for now. I cannot try them out in my system as they are both beasts and it would be a nightmare getting them, paying for an audition and then returning them

I am having to go on instinct.

I have narrowed it down to two very different kinds of amps at two very different price points. And I have chosen these two because of reviews in magazines and the positive comments here and on other forums.

 

My pre is an Arc Ref 10 and my speakers are Dalis.

I am look at a tube Mc 1502 which I can afford right now or a Sim 861 for which I would have to wait to save for.

I realize it’s tube vs SS but both have their positives and a SS can have tube like characteristics which I like.

 

I’ve heard Mcintosh and liked it a lot but never heard this model.

I’ve never heard Sim but the reviews and comments about the 861 have been absolutely rhapsodic. And somebody whose opinion I trust said Sim is an excellent brand. But is this a flavor of the month model?

 

Has anybody heard both these amps. Any thoughts, opinions, advice?

 

 

roxy1927

Isn't there a lot of controversary about that? I mean running stereo amps in mono even though it can be done?

Amps that are designed to be bridged into a high powered mono block, often have trouble with low impedance loads...different than simply using one channel of each amp, which can improve sound quality but certainly questionable way to spend money...

@roxy1927 

Agree that best to demo as your subjective personal preferences is very important in light of the funds you’re committing to the purchase.  Otherwise you’re gambling. But, if purchased used you can resell then try again.

@roxy1927 I'm sure there's a controversy with some.  Moon has a history of designing amps for bridging via selector switches on the rear. 

It's just one option as there are many excellent options shared by others on this thread.  

Recommend anyone still looking for that perfect amp these days give one of the newer GaN based class d amps a shot. I have the new model from Class D audio and it is a true revelation in all regards including sound quality, cost and size. Just what the doctor ordered!  Running off a Schit Freya S pre-amp.