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Simaudio MOON LP5.3 RS or 300LP?

This isn't really a question I'm asking - more a point of interest.

I just purchased the 5.3RS and in the manual there's some blurb about the RS designation means a higher grade of PCB and capacitors are used.

To my surprise, on reading the review of the 310LP the exact same phrase was used - suggesting that was why the new model was introduced.

Pics of the internals also look identical

Now I'm not saying they are the same electronics, but is seems it might be possible?

Now the kicker - the MSRP for the 310LP is around $1800
The 5.3RS ? - I got it for $1350 !

Just in case fellow members are looking in that direction :-)

It sounds real nice as well, especially with a quality power cord - probably don't need the seperate power supply that they promote.

Back to the tunes :-)
williewonka
williewonka OP
3,067 posts
 
Dinster - post you impressions of the AF here - it will be interesting to see how it compares.

It looks like a very nice phono and should outperform the Sim based on price - the reviews are very positive.

I've just finished burning a new power cable on my Sim and it is now starting to perform to the level I expected. So I'm pretty happy right now.

Cheers
moonglum
619 posts
 
I'm sure Simaudio will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the RS designation was originally applied to amps made to European standard i.e. using unleaded solder. When it was first used, they were still using "tin/lead" in the U.S.

There's no fundamental superiority in using unleaded compliant comps, just increased risk of dendrites and consequent short circuits if the amp is improperly manufactured.
I've been using an I-7RS for 7 years and it has performed admirably and reliably. (Hope that wasn't the kiss of death :)
williewonka OP
3,067 posts
 
The also use better quality Caps and better circuit boards on the RS model

Cheers
theophile's avatar
theophile
204 posts
 
I'd like to watch this thread.
dinster
76 posts
 
Sorry for the delay, have had the AudiaFlight in system for the last 2 months, including a couple of days continuous run in, using CD and an RIAA inverter. Should be properly run in. So today I put the 5.3RS/PSX 5.3 back in the system and.... much to my distress I prefer the Sim Audio!!
They are both exceptional phono stages, and I could live with either, but when auditioned back to back in my system, the Sim just sounds better, slightly less edge on the top end but all the detail and decay of the notes is there, and a very detailed bass line, a lot more prominent than the Audia. Both are stunningly quiet. The bass on the Audia is recessed, and lacks the detail of the Sim, seems a little wooly and diffuse, and soft. Both are fast, can't fault either. There is just one discrepancy in this test, the cartridge is loaded at 100 Ohm in the Audia, and 400 Ohm in the Sim.

Test Records so far Cafe Blue, Soular Energy, Voodoo, Quattro Neuvo, will work through some more (less "audiophile") music over the next few weeks before going back to the Audia for a final judgement. I might find the bass a little overwhelming with time.

Just to put it in context, the system is Lyra Atlas, Kuzma 4 Point, ClearAudio Master Solution, Ayre KX-r/MX-r, B&W 802DII, interconnects balanced Audioquest Black diamond, van den Hull Revelation Speaker Cable. Power cords Tsunami/ Nanotech.
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