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Moon Nova or Eclipse?

I recently purchased a new pair of Legacy Focus speakers that I run with a Moon I5, AQ Diamondback IC, and AQ Mammoth speaker cables. I'm in love so far, but my need for a new source was laid bare almost immediately. My initial plan was a Nova and then a W3 or W5 amp when money allows. My local dealer has only the Eclipse on display, and told me the Nova was a waste of time. The Eclipse does sound wonderful, but I left confused since I have read many positive reviews on the Nova. Has anyone AB'd the two and found the Nova to be that bad? I'm wondering because I can get the Nova and W3 for a little more than the Eclipse.
Also, is it a horrible idea to biamp with amps of different power outputs? I'm wondering if the I5 on top and a W3 on the bottom makes sense. Thanks.
mthieme
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camboinc
18 posts
 
My two cents is that if you can afford the Eclipse (used around $2500.00), you won't be disappointed. In my system, it bested the Wadia 850, Audio Aero Cap mk 2, and most recently, the Krell SACD standard (not sure what Fremer and Valin heard when they reviewed it). The Eclipse does everything right to my ears; expansive, open and detailed soundstage, tonally natural (whatever that means!), taut and tuneful bass, extended highs, blah, blah, blah. Anyways, buy what you can afford and keep what sounds best to you. Good luck!
ffontan
65 posts
 
Mthieme:

I hear you on the dealer's "elitist" point of view. Saying crap like "decent digital" starts at $5K. I've heard very good players at around $2000 and I bet there are cheaper players or DACs that can do wonderful music, for less than that.(Bel Canto DAC2, Perpetual Technologies, etc...)

I'm going to say something controversial here, but I think Audiophiles have done more to alienate people from this hobby than anyone else could do. Some audiophiles are flat out weird, in my opinion. They can listen to music only if its being played by a gazillion dollar system. If its a "real world" system they won't even consider it. As if the gear is more important than the music. Which is why I don't consider myself an audiophile, but a MUSIC LOVER instead.

Hell, I can listen to music on a boombox radio when I'm at the beach or working in the lab...even though I have a decent rig at home. But as I said, I love music more than I do the gear.

Anyway hope you have a lot of luck in your search for a CD Player. I'm in the process of upgrading my source and the Moon Nova is one I'm considering strongly...
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duddley
78 posts
 
Fire your dealer. He is putting his own interests ahead of yours. He does not deserve your business. Personally, I would contact Simaudio and relate your experience. I doubt Simaudio would be pleased with this authorized dealer's characterization of one of their (excellent) products. It's dealers like this chump who are killing the high end market. Who knows, maybe Simaudio will show their appreciation to you.
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