Simaudio I7 vs P5.3/W5.3


Hi has any one tried the i7 against the P5.3/W5.3 separates. I think the i7 is rated 150W as is the W5.3.

Also has anyone tried the new W5.3 against the old W5 (pre 2007 model), as I can get the old one quite a bit cheaper ex-demo.

Thanks
acdvd
Niravp -

You mention that you bypassed the internal pre of the 5.3. How did you do that? Did you use the input that bypasses the stage gain (A4)?

I own a 5.3, and I'd be curious to use it as an amp, with a separate pre, just for fun .

Thanks,

Patrick
Hi Patrick,

Yes I bypassed the gain stage using the A4 input. I used an Aesthetix Calypso to bypass the Sim's pre - it was a pretty huge improvement (though I suppose that it should be, for the price difference).

Nirav
I too will mention the calypso but will go further and say that my w-5 never sounded this good. If it was me I would get the w-5 and a calypso preamp it's that good, I think I am done searching for a very long time. I also would like to add if you have an analog rig go for the JLTI phono stage it synergizes with the calypso very well too.