Company Philosophy
Design Philosophy Simaudio has been designing integrated amplifiers since the early eighties. When we recently launched our state-of-the-art MOON product line, it was mandatory to include an integrated amplifier. By incorporating some of the same technologies found in our stand alone MOON amplifiers and pre-amplifiers, we have developed the i-5 Integrated amplifier. These technologies include "Advanced Renaissance" common to our MOON amplifiers and featuring a no overall feedback design which uses a very precise differential circuit employing only 1 step of local feedback (found in the output stage to maintain low THD). The result is virtually non-existent intermodulation distortion (which is far more damaging than harmonic distortion) and an extremely fast amplifier with no phase errors resulting from feedback. More importantly, with this circuit topology, the speaker cannot send back its counter-reaction after a musical impulsion which normally leads to a reduction in clarity of the music, a lack of tonal accuracy and the feeling of the live performance being lost. As well, a more natural type of sound is achieved when there's no feedback circuit found in the gain stage, but this comes at a small price; The i-5 has to be fully "broken-in" and warmed up for at least 3 days to reach optimal performance. Since this integrated amplifier is designed to be powered up at all times, this really isn't an inconvenience. A lean design is another relevant MOON technology used here; The shortest possible signal path is the result of eliminating all potential sources of signal interference. In the case of the MOON i-5, the signal path measures fifteen inches in length (from input RCA to output binding post). Sonically, a faster transient response is achieved, thus bringing the listener that much closer to the music. We decided to minimize signal path obstacles by using a passive circuit for the preamplification section. This circuit is void of both carbon-based parts (resistors, pots, etc) and capacitors; both of which adversely affect the signal by introducing coloration and a degree of inaccuracy. Designing the MOON i-5 gain stage required a substantial R&D effort. After a great deal of time and effort, we selected an electronic component manufactured by Crystal. This device functions in a slightly different way than an M-DAC, but it basically reproduces our "RBG circuitry" in a single chip configuration. RBG technology (Richard Benoit Gain - named after the engineer who developed this circuit) is found in our MOON P-5 preamplifier. By applying more or less impedance (using a network of relays) in a shunt to ground mode against the input signal, we can increase or decrease the gain without degrading the quality of the audio signal, regardless of the selected level of gain. Since physical space was a major consideration inside the MOON i-5, we elected to go this Crystal device and assigned it the name RBG-cy to make a distinction between it and our other gain control circuits. This device helps to achieve a major goal of RBG technology; minimize the signal path length, and consequently preserve the signal from PCB dielectric coloration. Finally, there was the mandatory requirement for an outstanding power supply. Through the use of high quality components with low resonance characteristics, including our own proprietary designed toroidal transformer (see VPI process in technical design features), we have provided as much current stability as is physically possible. The result is improved precision and control of the musical signal. This was a major area of concern considering that this power supply feeds both an amplifier and preamplifier circuit. Significant Integrated Amplifier Characteristics
General Description and Specifications
Specifications subject to change without notice. Technical Design Features
Transformers experience a multitude of losses, each of which will contribute to degrading the performance of an audio component. Unfortunately, most high-end audio manufacturers have no background in transformer design, and therefore, will simply order them from a transformer manufacturer by simply specifying the VA, the different voltages and perhaps the regulation factor. The end result is what you find in a majority of the audio equipment available; a low efficiency, a poor regulation factor, high heat losses, high eddy current losses, vibrations and a great deal of magnetic field losses. All of these negative elements find their way into the audio signal and reduce the sheer purity of the music. Luckily for Simaudio, John Poulin (President and Director of Research & Development) has an extensive background in transformers from his experiences in the Telecommunications industry, where leading edge technologies are often developed and/or used. The grade of steel used in the transformer core will have a significant impact on the amplifier's sonic character. With respect to "M" designations, M1 is regarded as the highest quality grade of steel. The steel used in the transformer cores found in Simaudio gear exceeds the quality found in the M1 grade. It is a high quality Japanese steel which is slowly rolled with extreme precision, possesses superb chemical purity and properties of losses. The transformer design itself is made with less flux density than usual, thus reducing the sensitivity to electromagnetic disturbances. As well, we use a very unique process called VPI, vacuum pressure impregnation, on the core to reduce its mechanical micro vibration that often disturbs the sonic purity in any electronic environment. At this point it should be fairly obvious why Simaudio has put so much effort into its transformer designs. Chronologically, here are some of the significant highlights of the VPI transformer manufacturing process:
These custom toroidal transformers function at a very low temperature (the same as their operating environment) due to their stress-free performance characteristics. The result is an electronic component with a much longer life expectancy. The MOON i-5 power supply then splits into two sophisticated bridges using ultra fast recovery diodes on the output stage for a dual mono power supply. The input gain stage uses a dual mono fully regulated power supply section. We believe this is the only way to achieve no-compromise high-end performance. Input stage devices are very high quality and precisely matched J-FETs. They are employed in the circuit based on their sonic merits and also because they are very accurate. We need this kind of precision in our open loop input section with no feedback where we can only rely on parts quality and stability. These devices produce a very natural harmonic structure for signal amplification. J-FETs generate only second order harmonic distortion which the human ear interprets as a more natural occurence as opposed to third order distortion. Output stage devices are a new Motorola Bipolar design. We could have used MOSFETs, but since we already use Bipolar devices in all our amplifiers, we decided it best to maintain our successful recipe. These devices are matched on the basis of their HFE characteristics to tolerances of 0.5% or better. For those who believe that either a MOSFET is better or a Bipolar is better, we have one point to make: Any technology can either be well implemented or poorly implemented. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, and they're all capable of producing excellent results. The MOON i-5 Integrated Amplifier has two circuit boards; one for audio and one for the digital control section. The main audio boards are made of FR4 material and have a thickness of 0.062 inches. The base has 2 ounces of pure copper. The plating on top of the base is 1.5 ounce pure copper for a total of 3.5 ounces. This reduces impedance inside the circuitry affecting the sound by yielding better timbre and rhythm of music, as well as offering slightly extended dynamics.
The Moon i-5 Integrated Amplifier has 5 single-ended inputs, including a preamplifier output, via pairs of gold-plated RCA connectors with teflon dielectric insulation. The A-4 single-ended input completely bypasses the gain stage, therefore allowing the input source component to be controlled by it's own volume setting, a home theatre processor for instance. This bypass feature can be defeated. The highest quality electronic components are used throughout the MOON i-5 Integrated Amplifier;
Other significant design factors include; The use of 2% silver alloy multicore solder throughout the circuit for better accuracy and precision of the audio signal.
Quality Control By this point, it must be quite obvious that Simaudio pays careful attention to quality control throughout the each stage of the entire manufacturing process, From the selection and inspection of individual electronic components through to final testing and packaging. Simaudio pays extra special attention to all soldering during the assembly; We encourage the experts to take a good look at our soldering joints. Simaudio achieves this high quality through the presence of two key staff members; Our Main Engineer is class 3 certified (the highest level, even surpassing aerospace requirements) and our Head of Production is class 2 certified (above standard household products). We believe this calibre of soldering is mandatory for both heavy gauge wire and PCB traces. When not properly soldered, these joints can seriously jeopardize long term product reliability. Once assembled, each MOON i-5 Integrated Amplifier undergoes a rigorous test procedure. Some of the more significant aspects include:
Our commitment to the reliability and quality control invested into each and every MOON i-5 Integrated Amplifier is backed up by a 10 year factory warranty. Conclusion
The Simaudio MOON i-5 is our "statement" integrated amplifier.
It's a zero overall feedback, using an in-house designed proprietary
transformer, short signal path, ultra high performance gain control section
and some of the finest electronic components available. The result is an
exceptional sounding integrated amplifier capable of handling many speaker
loads. This is a product that is built to last while providing musical
nirvana for many years, and furnished at an extremely competitive price.
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Keeping an open mind and producing the best products at every
price point is Simaudio's basic design philosophy. We
strongly believe in the long term use of products and are
against forced obsolescence. Consequently, we will never
manufacture a product under a certain level of performance,
where the lower limit is determined by 1) the costs associated
with high quality electronic components and 2) the R&D
investment to achieve a long lasting and durable design. As well,
our manufacturing facility addresses numerous environmental
concerns that include Recyclability, careful attention to
packaging and the ROC cleaning process for aluminum and steel.
In designing the MOON i-5 Integrated Amplifier, it was essential that the power
supply be outstanding - not just adequate or substantial. The key to this
outstanding power supply is a powerful 500VA proprietary designed transformer.
However, one essential detail almost always ignored in the technical discussion
of amplifiers must be addressed here: The transformer's regulation factor.
Audiophiles are all too often interested with the power of transformers when
comparing various amplifiers. The difference between 500VA and 1000VA means
very little on its own unless a regulation factor accompanies the VA figure.
Simaudio transformers have regulation factors ranging from 3 to 6 percent.
Perfection, in theory, would be 0 percent, but this isn't feasible.
In the case of a fully regulated power supply, the regulation factor can be
overlooked, but this type of power supply would substantially drive up both
the price and size of the audio component, subsequently defeating what Simaudio
set out to accomplish in designing the MOON i-5 Integrated Amplifier.
Transformer regulation factors as bad as 20 percent are common-place in the
audio industry. The Moon i-5 has a factor of 6 percent.
Extremely rigid chassis construction minimizes the effects that
outside vibrations have on the amplifier's performance, thus reducing
mechanical coloration to the music. As well, mechanical grounding is
addressed through the use of four height adjustable cylindrical cones
which screw onto the amplifier's base. Not only do all the physical
aspects of the chassis serve a purpose, they all come together to form an
extremely attractive audio component. Speaker outputs are the heavy
gold-plated binding posts chosen for both their sonic merits
and build quality.
