Goertz MI2 with Sim I-5

If your amp was oscillating it would probably go into thermal shutdown in the first few minutes.

This is not true. Some amps / circuits can become marginally unstable yet not break into full blown oscillation. Performance is degraded and the circuit will VERY gradually break down. Full blown oscillation causes much more obvious degradation and would result in a much quicker death.

As to the sound of the system, what kind of results are you getting on other recordings ? Try some male and/or female vocals accompanied by an acoustic based band, some piano recordings, etc... Mix it up as much as possible. I would not base my opinion of a component or cable on one "strange" or "different" result. Sean
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I've used the MI-2 with my I-5, but with the zobels in place. I remember I didn't have them at first and the amp didn't really get hot, just lukewarm at most. I would put the zobels in just in case, they don't do anything to the sound and they will make sure no oscillation occurs. What's the rest of your equipment?
-Steve