Simaudio Moon w5.3se

I would agree,ive had some sim gear in the past and quality is outstanding.I dont think you could go wrong for 50% off,i dont think youll want to return it either!

I feel the above statement is far from true. There are no miracles in high-end audio. If something sells for 50% off, well, it might be because that's what it's worth. The manufacturer might decide on a selling price, but it's eventually the market that has the ultimate say.

Have you ever seen Spectral at 50 off? How about Audio Research or any of the others mentionned so far?

In full disclosure I had faulty Moon products on two occasions from the house of Jean Poulin. Neither the dealer or manufacturer would give me the time of day following my troubles.

Don't get me wrong, they make good products and above all, compensate ordinary sound with exceptional good-looking metal work. But in my book they are not worth the money. You can do a lot better for the price. But if you can get it at 50 off, it is of course worth considering, but not an automatic recommendation. But in the same league as Audio Research? Forget it.

I wouldn't be as harsh as Sonicbeauty as the equipment is quite good but their non-transferable warranty policy does suck. I think a major factor is that Simaudio read all their own reviews years ago and decided that thier prices could be a lot higher - about 50% or so;-)
With that said, you can't go wrong with their equipment but there is a lot out there that will satisfy you just as well at that price-point.

Performance-wise, I disagree with Sonicbeauty - it is in the same league. You just have to pick the right component for comparison. Everyone has their preferences though and I respect that.

Sonicbeauty-

The Simaudio amp in question is not a new model. Initially came out in 2007, an SE version in 2009.

30 years of excellent reviews, great warranty and industry respect is not happenstance.

I respectfully disagree with your point of view.

IMO you are mistaken and I will explain why.

A). I have bought Audio Research for more than 50% off brand new with a warranty.
There are a few dealers who get offered inventory that has not sold and is sitting in a warehouse collecting dust. Sometimes a newer model is released and the stock needs to go. I have purchased such equipment myself and have the receipts to prove it.

B). If someone did buy a Spectral amp for 50% off, the last thing they would do is announce it to everyone.

{I cannot speak to other manufacturers, but I would think that this happens more than we know. especially with tier 1 dealers who move a lot of product.}

C). Have you seen the prices for "refurbished" Pass Labs equipment from Reno Audio? They are indistinguishable from new. Once they add a new faceplate or new posts the units are like new, they are tested and resold.

As an additional example;
Right now in the speaker listings there are many 10/10 "New in box with warranty" speakers from very high end mfgrs being sold at 60+% off list.

The price something is retailed at means zero in audio. I agree margins can be quite high but that is immaterial to this discussion and in no way reflects how a component will perform in any given system regardless of price.

That is my point of view. Cheers!

Thanks for your posts everyone. I went ahead and ordered one. If I dont like it after 30 days Im only out return shipping. Worth a shot to me.