2. amps-preamps
  3. 1145573866

SimAudio or Classe for Power Amplifier

As I continue to upgrade my system I am looking at the amplifier as the next component on the hit list.

My current system:
- Marantz SA-14 SACD player (modified by Tube Research Labs)
- Conrad-Johnson 17LS Tube Preamplifier (Amperex Holland 60s tubes)
- Rotel RMB-1095 5X200W power amplifier
- Wilson Benesch Discovery loudspeakers

I am looking for a solid-state power amplifier with 200WPC minimum to drive the WB loudspeakers. I originally thought of getting a set of Parasound JC-1 monoblocks but realize that the heat dissipation would be an issue in my modest sized room. I will stick with a tube preamplifier however the brand/model may evolve over time.

Living in Canada, I thought that SimAudio and Classe would be two companies worth investigating. Both of these Quebec, Canada based companies have a good reputation for building high quality power amplifiers. Also both appear to be stable financially.

The current models I am looking at are:
- SimAudio WS, 190WPC
- Classe CA2200, 200WPC

If I win the lottery, I might consider getting the monoblock versions, ;-}
- SimAudio W10, 750WPC
- Classe CAM400, 400WPC

I am interested in the feedback of those who have compared the amplifiers of these two companies. Also feedback about these companies in general. I understand that Classe is now owned by the holding company that owns B&W and has a stake in Rotel. Not sure if SimAudio is still an independent company.
shuang
audio4ever
26 posts
 
I know the S-1000, it was a great amp, and IMO, better than what Classe makes today. But I can tell you that if the W-5 sounded edgy, it wasn't because of an intrinsic quality of the W-5. It was either a bad match for the preamp you used, or speaker cables, or even the speakers. Dynamic speakers simply don't have the speed of ribbons or electrostatics, and the W-5 will reveal the "slowness" of the B&W tweeter by comparison. Don't misunderstand me - their tweeter is amongst the best and fastest domes around, but all metal domes have faults in the very high frequencies, which are revealed by a fast amplifier. Contrary to the Classe which uses feedback to, in part, correct for this (but adds coloration in the process in the form of smeering fast transients so you don't hear them), the W-5 has no feedback and stable into any load. Of course, personal opinion accounts alot for what I'm saying, but I've seen measured results of this phenomenon in general, and it is true. You and I listen to the same music, so perhaps you should consider another listen....and keep in mind that unless the Sim is fully broken in, you won't enjoy it to its full extent. These amps unfortunately take a damn very long time to fully run-in.
audio4ever
26 posts
 
Actually, Rjhalla, on the issue of years in business, Classe started in 1980 and Sim in 1978. Sim started in the pro business, and then moved to address audiophiles in the early '80s.
I respect your opinion in which you prefer - like I said, it is personal opinion, and both companies make very nice product. If you wonder how I know so much information, it's because in the mid-90's I worked as manager at a high-end audio retail shop, before I left the industry (I was also in school at the time). I was an authorized dealer for both Sim and Classe, and know them well, including the people in both companies, so my info about their history is correct. The difference is that while Classe made the smart move to get into the US market early on, Sim waited a lot longer, so they may seem like a younger company, but are actually a bit older.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Hey what about Bryston, another great Canadian amp manufacturer, albeit not Quebecois? They should also be considered.
audio4ever
26 posts
 
True, Bryston is a very, very good product, but it is not in the same category as Sim, Classe, Levinson, Krell, etc...
A 4BSST sounds flatter, duller and much less lifelike than a Sim W-5, Classe 2200 or example. But then it is also have the price of the Sim and Classe. The Bryston has a much smaller power supply, and although very reliable, it is not built to the level of craftsmanship of the Sim or Classe.
But I think they have the best warranty in the business!
jimstew0010
7 posts
 
Audio4ever ( or is it SimAudio4ever?)Your statement that Bryston is not ''in the same category as Sim, Classe, Krell'' has got to be one of the most biased borderline-mean point of view from a Sim Audio promoter (virtually ALL of your posts are endless praises of ALL Sim products).

Hardly convincing since there is NO way you have owned and properly evaluated ALL these Sim products that you rave about. Gimme a break here !

Work for Sim ? Work for a dealer? (or worked for a dealer in the past?) C'mon, I think the OPPOSITE is true, not being sure if Sim belongs as far as sound is concerned (OK for looks, and the high price though). SIM is good-looking gear, buy WAY overpriced and overhyped.

Not saying that Bryston is the best, but it is a very solid, honest performer that deliver the goods, and belongs up there, ABOVE Sim in many respects, including of course customer respect with the Bryston 20 year warranty.

I owned the mighty 7 B's and a Sim W-5. Not a fair match I admit, the 7 B's being effortless and refined, compared to Sim's house sound, meaning dry, dark, an drier still.

Not evaluating Bryston to be included at least in that select group makes fools of all of us who ever owned this great brand - Be fair will 'ya ? That's the Audiogon spirit.
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