[James Romeyn]

A bit pricey for an i-1,  but don't 2nd guess yourself. It's done, now enjoy it! If you lose some money it's a good lesson for the next deal. Audiogon is pretty safe, if you are a good judge of character reading between the lines.

Well put, richidoo! 

[mcgsxr]

That Moon goes for over 1.5K all day around Toronto, so geography is your friend!

[kinku]

mcgsxr so do you think that was a fair deal in Canada? And across the border we do not value simaudio that much?

[mcgsxr]

If I had an extra 1K, and was looking for a 50wpc integrated, there are only a few options, and Simaudio would be on my list for sure.

The lower prices on many items in the US, I attribute to the huge population down there vs up here. 

It is a great piece that will be musically satisfying no doubt.

[srb]

When the i-1 was introduced (2008?) it retailed in the U.S. for $1500.  It was later replaced by the $1800 250i, which was essentially the same amp with a new model designation.

Although it's nice to buy used gear for 50-60% of the retail price, for a high-end North American built component like the Simaudio, you will normally pay a little more than that, so $1000 is not out of line for one in excellent condition.

When you consider that there aren't many used ones for sale, you might have to wait a year or more for another one to come up and then it might not be offered at that much better of a price.  It's a high quality piece, and hopefully you will like your new integrated.

Steve   

[haiderSonneteer]

Kinku, Sonneteer is selling again in the US now. best of luck in your quest.

Haider of
sonneteer.co.uk

[MichiganMike]

I use a Marantz PM6004 integrated amp that may fit your needs.  It received a top rating on whathifi.com.  http://www.whathifi.com/review/marantz-pm6004 

The PM6004 is rated at 45 watts into 8 ohms at 0.07% THD and 60 watts into 4 ohms.  It is available new for $500 in the U.S.

One issue is that the PM6004 does not have a preamp or sub output.  It does have A and B speaker outputs and with some subwoofers you might use a speaker output to connect the sub.

The Marantz PM8004 does have preamp outputs, but is rated at 70 watts into 8 ohms.  It is priced at $1000 new.  There is a positive review of the PM8004 available online.  http://www.avguide.com/review/marantz-pm8004-integrated-amplifier-tas-220

[James Romeyn]

This relatively new Teac 45/90W @ 8/4 Ohm integrated employs Abletec Class D power amp technology from Europe.  One Audiogon member raves about Abletec.  Parasound employs Abletec in the January 2013 released $650 4-ch "Zamp Quattro" power amp with rear panel gain control and speaker level inputs (the similarly named 2007 stereo "Zamp v.3" is standard Class AB).

Teac includes power meters and 192kHz USB input, $850 msrp, apparently $680 @ Teac store.     



http://audio.teac.com/product/ai-501da/specifications/

http://teac.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/36272-61419/Amplifiers.html?cid=84722&chid=1&gclid=CMqYoICg4rkCFe1_QgodziUAZg

I'm highly intrigued by the Zamp Quattro (no use for integrated). 

Ditto Teac's awesome looking/fine cabinet $600/pr msrp 130mm coax desktop speakers.  How cool is this Japanese high end renaissance at real world prices?  (Including the gorgeous $2k Yamaha integrated mentioned in this thread.)   

[srb]

This relatively new Teac 45/90W @ 8/4 Ohm integrated employs Abletec power amp technology from Europe, ..... (Parasound also uses it in two 45W power amps called "Zamp," one stereo/bridgeable one 4-ch not bridgeable.

Just as an FYI, to the best of my knowledge the Parasound Zamp v.3 stereo amp is still a Class A/B with toroid transformer, whereas the 4-channel Zamp Quattro uses the Class D Abletec modules.

Steve

[RDavidson]

Kinku,

Sim has a great reputation and the i1 has been very well reviewed.
You may have over paid a bit, but you still didn't pay retail. Like someone else said, the i1 doesn't show up often at all on the used market. There's probably good reason for that.
Let your ears do the judging. There are so many choices out there and I think you have one of the best in category. If it doesn't suit you, figure out what you like and don't like about it, then search for something you think will be a better fit. The goal is to find the sweet spot and stay off the carousel as much as possible or you'll just end up spinning and spinning with all the different choices.........and I know you've been down that road at least one other time here on AC.

[James Romeyn]

Just as an FYI, to the best of my knowledge the Parasound Zamp v.3 stereo amp is still a Class A/B with toroid transformer, whereas the 4-channel Zamp Quattro uses the Class D Abletec modules.

Steve

Steve,
Thanks, minutes ago I just read of the discrepancy you note above.  I'll edit my post. 

Two Parasound Zamps each with completely different architecture.  I can only presume Parasound did this so the good will and marketing power of the circa 2007 stereo Class AB amp transferred to the newer 4-ch amp with Abletec Class D technology.  Plus some persons are still apparently allergic to Class D.   

I'm interested in the latter, less so the former.   

[bummrush]

Didn't Sim Audio just come out with a budget line .I saw ad ain foreign mag.The gear looked crazy nice.

[geowak]

Ive always been interested in the older NADs, but never heard one. Some say the 3020? is magical for the price. Maybe some more people will chime in on the NADs

[JLM]

Ive always been interested in the older NADs, but never heard one. Some say the 3020? is magical for the price. Maybe some more people will chime in on the NADs

Had a late 3020, used mostly in a modest setup.  Very average build quality for the money, lots of power reserve, warmish sound thats well suited for classical/jazz.  With big 3-ways in a 20,000 cu. ft. chapel they sounded stupendous. 


The very new D3020 it booked as a modern version and looks killer: $500; hybrid digital design ('power Drive'), 30 wpc into 4 ohms (impedance insensitive); analog, asynchronous USB, coax, optical, Apple analog/optical, aptX Bluetooth inputs; 24/192 DAC; speaker, subwoofer, headphone outputs; 12 volt trigger in; remote control; 2-5/16"W x 7-3/8"H x 8-5/8"D (standing vertically); 3 pounds

Here's a Dutch review:  http://www.hifi.nl/artikel/20986/Review-NAD-D-3020-Hybrid-Digital-Amplifier.html

[RDavidson]

I mentioned the 3020 earlier in the thread. I have a fairly rare 3020B in great condition and has been recapped. I'll never part with it. It gives you a lot of music for very little money. I don't use it all the time, but keep it as reminder that awesome sound doesn't have to be expensive. I feel that everyone in this hobby should give this little integrated a try at some point.

I like to pair my 3020 with my set of rebuilt EPI 100's. It's warm overall tone works very well with the EPI's speed, dynamics, and quite good resolution. Not to mention, the tone controls on the 3020 can be quite handy. I know. I know. Booooooo! But hold on, I rebuilt my EPI's without the treble control built into the "crossover" (just one capacitor). Anyone who has EPI's will tell you that the EPI's can get in your face if you don't tone the tweeters down in some way. The NAD is really ideal for this and is quite a synergistic match.

For less than $400 for a very simple and great sounding vintage setup, just add a source (possibly a turntable), be ready to amazed.

[SteveFord]

I was given a 3020 a few years back and it's not bad.
It's a warm sounding piece and makes Magnepans sound like a giant Grundig tube radio if that makes any sense.
I use it with Stax headphones and that's a really good combination.
Hope this helps.

[craig in SD]

I realize the OP has concluded his search, but while we're on the topic of 50 WPC NAD products for $1k, I bought the big brother of the new D3020 last month, the D7050 direct digital integrated amp, and it is superb.  Detailed and transparent.  The direct digital thing will be new to many, as you will hear detail and soundstage depth without traditional 'warmth', and it will not accommodate analog input, but for digital sources this guy is fantastic.  It's trickle--down technology from their masters series M1 ($6k), and C390DD ($2.5k).  Oh, and 'digital' sources need only be a DLNA compliant NAS or a USB drive--PCM input is accepted but not required.  No DAC is required.  Quite versatile once you are free of the analog tether.  Oh, it does have an analog output which can also be use for subwoofer out.

My criticisms include rather poor ergonomics on the remote (and way too directional!), a klunky but minimalist http interface, and a lack of features that could easily have been built into the software, such as SW crossover, equalization/bass boost, phase switching, etc.  I'm hopeful the latter could be addressed with future firmware updates (you listening, Lenbrook?)  That added flexibility to tune your system sound could make this product the next really big thing, as some other posters commented regarding feature set of the famous 3020.

[wisnon]

Hi ,
I am looking for a Budget integrated amp (less than 2000$) for my full range speakers.  I am sorry but not planning on Tube amplifiers now (I am not happy with the idea of burining 200-300Watts for getting 50Watts from my amplifier  ). I am looking for solid state integrated.
I may consider an amp with tube pre-amp perhaps.But not decided. There are many integrated with huge power ratings, but not many ( I believe) with 40-50 Watt range in real audiophile range.
I may need a subwoofer out  or pre out for using with a subwoofer from the integrated.
Please help me out..

Look no more:

From a poster at audioshark.org:


Re: JOB 225 2-channel Power Amplifier ... update ...

   
Update ! Update ! Update!
 
My order has been placed and paid for !!!! The first batch has been released. Thank you Job! Good job.
$1700 delivered 210wpc RMS power. Extremely refined, winner of the 6Moons Lunar Eclipse award!!!

www.jobsys.com