2. amps-preamps
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Simaudio 340 i hard to beat for the $$

I have a bit of a dilemma in that I’m having a hard time moving from my Simaudio 340 i. I absolutely love this integrated except I wish the sound stage was wider. I was considering getting a 600 i but after extensive research people are saying 600 is not like the 340 and I see a lot of people sell the 600. Owners of the 600 I told me they were disappointed in the unit. For some reason the 340 i is unique to the Simaudio line up. I was interested in the Luxman 550 MK2 but after speaking to a Sonus Faber dealer with good knowledge of the brand he believes that class A will not have the dynamics required to drive my speakers as Sonus Faber are known to be power hungry. He suggested staying with class A/B. I had a class A tube amplifier and yes, I agree it was lacking the punch of the 340. My problem is my budget in the used market for a solution is $5-6000. Current setup is:

Sonus Faber Minima Amator 2

Lumin U1 mini with SBooster

Denafrips Venus 2

Simaudio 340 i

I’m looking for something laid back, detailed, smooth and punchy like the 340 but with a bigger soundstage. Does it even exist at 5/6 k (CAN BTW)

I’ve had Hegel 390/360 and it didn’t impress me.

Accuphase E370? Luxman 507?

128x128dman1974

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,363 posts
 

It looks to me you are setting up to simply swap sideways. This usually means disappointment, swapping one set of strengths and weaknesses for another.

I have am very familiar with Sonus Faber Speakers and at least similar models of SIM and Luxman. Luxman will have good imaging… but it is not very musical.

If you want to plunk down your new box and think, “wow, now that sooo much sounds better in all respects”. I recommend saving up and having a good look at the Pass INT60. This is a huge step up from the SIM or Luxman. It has better midrange bloom and it has amazing rhythm and pace (musicality).. also there will be no question of power. This unit has real drive.

‘’I would take your time and save up, and buy at the next level up. Most major high end audio companies have a unit in the $10K range, and these are in a whole different category of sound.

 

 

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