i hear sim audio amps are unreliable

Xti16, what Sim did you hear that was sterile and analytical? Is that the Evolution Series? I don't think the Moon series is sterile and analytical at all. I have had the W-3 for 10 years and it is one of the warmer solid state amps I have heard.

Kclone It was the W7 amp with P8 pre and Super Nova CD. My definition of sterile and analytical is the detail that is so pronounced that I listened to vocals and instruments. After an hour or so I realalized that was I exactly was hearing (on more than 1 occasion) - but not the music. To me that is fatiguing because I found myself 'concentrating' on too much of individual things. Don't get me wrong - there was a time when I thought that was ideal. Turns out it's not for me. I just want music. I'm sure there are many folks who love it. Just I'm not one of them. So maybe sterile and analytical isn't the best term I should have used. I felt the same way with Classe Omega series. For SS I like Burmester (can't afford it) Naim and Pass labs. But I'm a tube guy. I have an Octave V110 Integrated. What's great about the Octave if I want to go from warm and musical to more detailed all I have to do is swap some tubes. Don't have to buy a new amp - just tubes (they can be fairly pricey too but less than swapping out an amp or IA.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Were dropping you for being unreliable and a lightweight at best.Plus your made in China which doesnt help your case.Begone,cheers,Bob

Not my experience.

I have a Simaudio W-5 amp that I bought used that was 10 yrs old. I have had it close to 2 years and keep it turned on (per factory). Not one problem Was driving Dali Mentor 8's and now SoundLabs M-1's. The original owner of SoundLabs has CAT mono blocks and was impressed with not only my W-5 but also another SoundLab owner using the same amp. It's not a CAT but it's far from bad. And there's one for sale for $2200 on the Agon right now.

I have a used Simaudio i-3 integrated. It has to be at least 10 years old, and I've had it for the last 2 years.

Interesting how people hear things differently - to me the Sim sounds the way I'd expect a class A/AB amp to sound - smooth and refined...