General Asylum: REVIEW: Sim Audio Celeste I-5080 Integrated Amplifier (SS) by JDT

Model:	Celeste I-5080
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	approx USD $1199
Description:	80W Canadian made integrated amp
Manufacturer URL:	Sim Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by JDT on September 10, 2001 at 18:41:00
IP Address: 12.13.226.12

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for the Celeste I-5080

At the time of this review, the price for this model is now $1500 USD. This make the people that pay $1300 very lucky. This is a great value integrated amp that offers 80 to 90 % the performance of the I-5 integrated. I can tell you pretty easily what the differences are since I owned both models.
The I-5080 has perhaps about 5 to 10 % less HF extension that the I-5. But your speakers have to be pretty good (i.e $1500 up for monitors or $2500 up for floorstanders) in order to even know the difference. I truly think most people won't even notice this unless they specifically listen for it.
Attack and Immediacy - this is where the I-5080 substantially falls behind the I-5. I would say at least 10 % and closer to 20 % less. Unless you intimately know what I'm describing here, I wouldn't worry about it.
Harmonic repro and Timbre - The I-5080 comes shy to the I-5 by just a tad, not very much though. Again, you need very good speakers and sources to even hear the difference.
Both the I-5080 and I-5 are forward sounding. I.e, the presentation is fast and dynamic. The rhythm and pacing offered by these models are not exactly what I would described as laid back or romantic. It really boils down to taste and preference but at least I'm calling it to your attention.
Bottomline: If you can afford it, get the I-5 since it is one of the very best integrated at any price. If you can't afford it or if your other components such as sources, DAC, speakers, cables are not quite fanatical audiophile level, the I-5080 is more than fine.
However, if you really prefer the laid back and romantic presentation but still like everything neutral and true, you should check out the YBA Integre DT instead, but stay clear from the Audio Refinement Integrated.

Product Weakness: none at all for $1500,
it is that good (but see review regarding taste and preference)
Product Strengths: bang for the buck compared to the I-5

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	was I-5080 but now I-5
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	n/a
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony ES CDP
Speakers:	JM lab Cobalt
Cables/Interconnects:	MIT shotgun/Kimber kcag
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz, vocals and scores
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 year
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	none at all for $1500, it is that good (but see review regarding taste and preference)
Product Strengths:	bang for the buck compared to the I-5