For the past 12 months or so, my reference system has consisted of the Simaudio Moon Eclipse LE (Limited Edition) CD player; P-5 LE preamplifier; W-5 LE power amp; Induction Dynamics ID1 loudspeakers; Shunyata power conditioners and power cords; and Signal Cable Silver Resolution cables.
Simply put, I was highly satisfied with the Simaudio Moon LE components, and I had no thoughts of any significant upgrades until last winter when Simaudio announced the introduction of their latest, reference/statement "Evolution Series" components (http://www.simaudio.com/moonevolution.htm).
While I'll spare you all of the factors that went into my decison to begin upgrading my system with Moon's Evolution Series components, suffice it to say that on 10/20/05, my Eclipse LE CD player was the first component in my system to be replaced with a product from Simaudio's Evolution Series, that being their Andromeda CD player.
From the moment I began listening to just the addition of the Andromeda to my system, I heard an absolutely astonishing and transformative improvement in soundstaging, stereo imaging, inner detail, timing, transparancy, resolution, neutrality, etc., along with a striking ability to play Redbook CDs in a manner that often equals or betters vinyl/analog front-ends. If you're a vinyl junkie who remains romantically attached to LPs, listen to this new, reference-grade CD player at your own peril.
After being smitten by the astonishing performance of the Andromeda, I intuitively knew that I wanted to proceed with next upgrading my Moon LE system with the Evolution Series P-8 preamplifier. Subsequently, on 10/28/05 I replaced my Moon P-5 LE preamp with the new Evolution Series P-8 preamp, and the "evolution" of my audio system took yet another astonishing leap forward into the realm of audio bliss.
Finally, I'll also mention that on 11/12/05, I completed this Simaudio Moon Evolution Series troika by adding the W-8 power amplifier into my system. In some ways, the W-8 has been the most exciting addition to my system, because it drives the music with such clarity and headroom, as well as displaying a high degree of control, quickness, and tonal accuracy with the bass, as well as with higher frequencies.
For the past 12 months or so, my reference system has consisted of the Simaudio Moon Eclipse LE (Limited Edition) CD player; P-5 LE preamplifier; W-5 LE power amp; Induction Dynamics ID1 loudspeakers; Shunyata power conditioners and power cords; and Signal Cable Silver Resolution cables.
Simply put, I was highly satisfied with the Simaudio Moon LE components, and I had no thoughts of any significant upgrades until last winter when Simaudio announced the introduction of their latest, reference/statement "Evolution Series" components (http://www.simaudio.com/moonevolution.htm).
While I'll spare you all of the factors that went into my decison to begin upgrading my system with Moon's Evolution Series components, suffice it to say that on 10/20/05, my Eclipse LE CD player was the first component in my system to be replaced with a product from Simaudio's Evolution Series, that being their Andromeda CD player.
From the moment I began listening to just the addition of the Andromeda to my system, I heard an absolutely astonishing and transformative improvement in soundstaging, stereo imaging, inner detail, timing, transparancy, resolution, neutrality, etc., along with a striking ability to play Redbook CDs in a manner that often equals or betters vinyl/analog front-ends. If you're a vinyl junkie who remains romantically attached to LPs, listen to this new, reference-grade CD player at your own peril.
After being smitten by the astonishing performance of the Andromeda, I intuitively knew that I wanted to proceed with next upgrading my Moon LE system with the Evolution Series P-8 preamplifier. Subsequently, on 10/28/05 I replaced my Moon P-5 LE preamp with the new Evolution Series P-8 preamp, and the "evolution" of my audio system took yet another astonishing leap forward into the realm of audio bliss.
Finally, I'll also mention that on 11/12/05, I completed this Simaudio Moon Evolution Series troika by adding the W-8 power amplifier into my system. In some ways, the W-8 has been the most exciting addition to my system, because it drives the music with such clarity and headroom, as well as displaying a high degree of control, quickness, and tonal accuracy with the bass, as well as with higher frequencies.