General Asylum: REVIEW: Sim Audio Moon I-5 Integrated Amplifier (SS) by OwenMeany General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories.

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First, I think a little perspective is in order. I have been in this hobby/obsession/money-pit for a few years now and have had the opportunity to listen to some pretty amazing and compelling systems. As for my own personal system development and for the purposed of this review and comparisons, I’ll tell you all what I have had in my system. I started off with a B&K Ref 10 with a B&K ST1400 II amp. Needing better, I upgraded the amp to the Bryston 3B-ST. Needing better still, I ditched the Ref 10 set up and went with the Bryston BP-25 preamp. That combo was driving a pair of Sonus Faber Concertos that latter spawned a pair of Electa Amator II’s. As life would have it, I went through a cash crunch and sold it all, picked up a Nacamichi A/V 10 and a pair of Sonus Faber Grand Pianos. That was all purchased with the erroneous belief that I would be happy with the sound. That is where I am now, looking to get the best 2-channel sound from my GP’s. Enter the Sim Audio Moon I-5.

I looked to integrateds, first, due to the lower cost and ease of integration with my HT. I listened to the Bryston B60 integrated, the Perreaux 200IP, Electrocompainet ECI-3. I had the Perreaux and the Moon in my home for extended periods of time before I made my purchase.

When I went to pick up the Moon for my home demo the sales person, almost off-handedly, mentioned to let it “warm up” for 3 days before I did any critical listening. Am I glad he did. If after I powered up the I-5 up I sat down for a good listen on the same day I brought it home, I would have boxed it up and written it off as being not even as good as the Nac-10! But after each successive 24-hour period this unit warmed up and settled in.

Prior to my experience with the I-5, I really though that the Bryston BP-25 had to be one of the best preamps out there. With my limited audio-analysis-skill, I could not really pin-down and real flaw with that preamp and as for the Bryston 3B-ST, great; but I did hear some shortcomings (little bright). The Moon is pure silk. Every tone, note and sound that is passed trough the Moon is passed along with silk gloves. Never before have I, in my own system, had the pleasure of such a sweet and smooth amp. I have never had a tube amp, but I have heard that this “silkiness” is more often attributed to tubes. If so, tubes may be in my future, albeit distant future, for the Moon’s strengths do not stop there.

The bottom end is taught and authoritative. I once dreamed of a REL sub laying some “fundamental” ground work for the GP’s. Nope, not no more. Bass lines are riveting and vibrant offering layer after layer of depth and control. Check out the Holy Cole Trio or John Coltrane’s African/Brass Sessions and even Erika Badu (if you dare).

By far the most prevalent character of the this amp is it’s sense of immediacy. Leading edges of transients are clear, articulate and deliberate. I found rhythm and timing in discs that I once found banal. Pick almost any track on any disc and it will have more presence and authenticity that was, perhaps, ever conveyed in you system. “Quick and fast”, I think is the most common of expressing this quality, if so, the Moon surely is!

Overall the Moon I-5 conveys a more lifelike and palpable musical presentation then I have ever experienced short of the mega-buck-mega-wonderful set-ups in the “other room” of my local hi-fi shops. It is WAY better then the Bryston set-up I had, better than the Perreaux I had, Better the Bryston B60, better then… it is just better. Period.

I should mention that all of the expressions and opinions above are said in the context of a truly honest and neutral sonic signature. This amp tells it the way it is and makes no excuses. No colorations, no accents, no help anywhere in the frquency range. Just music as it was recoreded, and not necessarilty the way it was intended to be heard.

Downside? None for me. I will say I was very concerned with the power rating at 70 – 75 watts (depending on whom you ask). The GP’s are 87db and act much less efficient. The Moon handles them just fine, only when I went north of “35” on the digital volume display did the slightest signs of strain appear. And at “35” it is plenty loud. I guess the cost can be a factor here. The unit retails for $2600. You can do pretty well in the separate/used market for that. But, I was offered the show room demo model for $2000 and this one is in the now discontinued stunningly beautiful pewter finish. So, It was a no brainier. I bought it.

Just drop the new Live Dianne Reeves in you player, run it through the Moon, and be prepared to welcome Ms. Reeves into your home, just make sure you have enough room for the all the attendees in there also!

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