Down to the Final Two -- Dreadnaught vs. Titan

The gods must be sleeping so I'll toss in my two cents.

I will second Sidssp on haveing a Dreadnaught and loveing it, I also would not trade it for the model II. I dont care for the trade off in warmth and musicality for a bit more power and bass control.

I also haven't heard the Titan (sorry). I have never found
a Shop that carries Simaudio.

After hearing the Theta in differant audiophiles systems I
was sold. For the price they can be had, I dont see any
competition.

If you do buy a new dreadnaught, you really only need the
225 watt modules for front and center channels, and one
2x100 module for the rears. You dont need that much power
for rear channels. Or, two 2x100 modules if you are going
to have 7 channel. In that respect, the Dread is more flex-
able.

Despite however many channels you have in your Dread, you
can switch off any channels you are not useing. You can
also switch off all of your surround modules with a front
panel switch if needed. Try that with the Titan, or any
other multi channel amp. Plus the front panel switches on
the Dreadnaught are totally Bitchin.

Also, just so you are aware, either one will make a terrific room heater. No kidding, and in five channel (or
more) your electric meter is really going to spin.

I've not auditioned the Dreadnaught, but love the 5 channel Titan which has been in my HT system for the past year. It is a great match with the Krell HTS 7.1 and B&W 802 matrix s3 speakers. Don't forget the most important review, though.....your own ears!

Well, I have a Titan so....I've got the seven channel and honestly the thing it too big. The 5ch is 1/3 smaller. The module approach is interesting, being you can add/upgrade power.

I had a change of thoughts some time ago on this, the power supply issue. I always thought a power supply per channel(module design) was the best..but...honestly what music/HT blasts all channels at once? None.

The Sim has two supplies, and depending on how you hook it up in 2ch listening you can have one supply for each size(a power supply rated for 3-4 channels driving one channel).

I've always wanted to increase the 2ch performance of my system so I just made this login up...:)

Anybody ever clip a Sim Titan? I also replaced the little Bryston 9bst.

Good luck.

Marty

Sidssp,

I would love to find a Dread I at a good price. However, I would be somewhat concerned buying a Theta unit without the advantage of having a warranty. Every Theta dealer with whom I have spoken has criticized the reliability of Theta products. While most of thier concerns relate to the processors, I would be somewhat hesitant about buying one without a warranty.

Thanks for all of the feedback.

Tdavism,
I can't speak for the Theta processors but the Dreadnaught is very well made. I bought mine over 4 years ago and never have any problem. Dreadnaught does run hot, especially with all five channels running. If you put it in a closed environment, you will definitely shorten its life expectancy. But put it on an amp stand in the open, it will last a very long time. Besides, for the price of a new II you can almost buy two used Dreadnaughts that will give you a backup as well as bi-amp possibility.