Mephisto II, Sim Moon Eclipse How do they compare?

Hifigator,
I think you have two fine choices there. I currently have the latest Sim Moon Eclipse. In my sytem the Sim bested the Accuphase DP65V, Wadia 850 and Audio Aero Cap Mk II. I have not heard the Mephisto but based on others comments, (lakefrontroad in particular as he has had lots of amazing gear) you can't go wrong. I expect that the Sim is a bit more resolving than players like EMC UP, Mephisto and the AA Cap, so it depends on what your system sounds like. If you buy right on audiogon, you could easily try each player and keep the one you prefer. Gotta love audiogon for that! If you are curious, the rest of my system is Hovland HP100 MC, Krell FPB600, Eggleston Andras, VPI scout JMW9 with Transfiguration Spirit mk3 MC, cabling is Harmonix speaker cable and ic, transparent reference with xl, valhalla, pc's are electraglide fat man, elrod eps2 and shunyata python. dedicated 20 amp circuits (3 of 'em). By the way, my other two cents, the Sim is the best CDP under 7k- topped only by more money like EMM Labs (I have heard the Meitner gear and am amazed) and probably the 861 with GNSC mods. Good luck and happy hunting.
Brian

Yoweeee,Nice parts Brian !!!And thanks for the cd info.

Thank you Brian, your input was very helpful. It's going to be a very tough call as both players are not only some of the best looking around, they both offer the features I'm looking for. From what I read on the Sim Moon Eclipse, the older version had HDCD decoding, the new version does not. Would you recommend getting the newer player over the older one with HDCD? And if so why? Also, what is a good used price to look for on a Sim Moon Eclipse? From what you've told me and from the reviews I've read, the Sim Moon Eclipse is one heck of a fine CD player. Might be just what I'm looking for.

BTW, sounds like you've got one awesome setup. Fine choices in audio gear. I'll bet it sounds great!

Thank you again.

Hifigator,
on the sim- try to find one with the HDCD chip (older version) for around $2400-2700, the new one for $3400 or so. I'm not sure if the upgrade is significantly different sonically as I have owned both. The older one requires a single 75ohm bnc to bnc interconnect to bypass the HDCD chip. It is absolutely necessary to reap the benefits of this fine player. I had a fairly inexpensive Sonoran plateau (cactus i think it was)bnc interconnect that sounded fantastic ($200 new direct from the manufacturer on the internet). i tried the inexpensive but well rated stereovox HDXV cable ($75 retail) and the sonoran killed it. As you saw from my current rig, i spend money on cabling when it works. i have tried lots and lots of stuff but in the case of the sim the reasonably priced sonoran did the trick. If you need any more info, jst repost or email me. Best of luck to you buddy!
Brian