i hear sim audio amps are unreliable

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...

Xti16, fair enough on the response. The W-7 is a generation from the W-5/W-3 so it may be different. I agree with you on Burmester. I actually own the 082 Integrated amp and do not plan on making any changes for a long time.

Well...I have a well documented horror story about my hate-affair with the ''Moon Trilogy'' - meaning the Product (a Moon I-5 integrated amp) - the Dealer (name withheld - it has been awhile, but I do regret not flaming the J*rk) - and the Company - Simaudio for leaving me out to dry and a bill to pay. Never again, its been years and I never looked back.

I have two older W6(had 3)a W3 and a new 330 from Simaudio. I had one problem with a power supply in the W3 and other than that they have been great. They work very well with what I have. The sound is very involving and detailed without being too analytical and are very neutral. I purchased all new. Simaudio is a very dependable and reliable company with great sounding gear.