Company Philosophy
Design Philosophy Over two years of extensive research and development into amplification design produced "Renaissance" technology; Essentially a no overall feedback design which uses a very precise differential circuit that employs 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 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. "Renaissance" technology reached the consumer market in 1993 through Simaudio's Celeste product line. In 1996 we introduced "Advanced Renaissance" technology which resolved, what we felt was, a minor flaw in the original design; The end result of this advancement being more extension, articulation and dynamics in the lower frequency octaves. "Advanced Renaissance" technology is employed in the MOON W-5 Power Amplifier.
Significant Amplifier Characteristics
Technical Design Features
Chronologically, here are some of the significant highlights of the transformer manufacturing process which we call the VPI (Vacuum Pressure Impregnation) 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. Input stage devices are Siliconix J-FETs. They are employed in the circuit based on their sonic merit. As well, they produce only third order harmonic distortion which the human ear interprets as a more natural occurrence, as opposed to second order distortion, therefore eliminating what we call a "hard" sound. These devices also produce a very natural harmonic structure for signal amplification. Output stage devices are Motorola Bipolars. We prefer them over MOSFETs since they show a little more linearity through the audio spectrum. These devices are matched on the basis of their HFE characteristics to tolerances of 0.5% or better. The W-5 power amplifier has three circuit boards; one for each channel and one for the power supply protection circuit. These circuit 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. This affects the sound by yielding better timbre and rhythm of music.
Since the MOON W-5 Amplifier is a balanced design, XLR connectors are found on the rear panel. These are the highest quality available from Neutrik. As well, the option of single-ended connectivity is furnished through two pairs of gold-plated RCA connectors with teflon dielectric insulation. The reason for two RCA inputs per channel is the result of the balanced circuit topology - 1 set of left/right RCA's is phase correct and the other pair is reversed phase; When using a phase-inverted preamp this can make life a whole lot simpler. Speaker outputs are the heavy gold-plated WBT binding posts chosen for both their sonic merits and build quality. The highest quality electronic components are used throughout the W-5 :
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. Once assembled, each MOON W-5 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 W-5 power amplifier is backed up by a 10 year factory warranty. Conclusion
The Simaudio MOON W-5 is our "statement" stereo amplifier.
It's a zero overall feedback, balanced circuit
using in-house designed proprietary transformers and some of
the finest electronic components available. The result is an
exceptional sounding amplifier capable of handling any speaker
load. 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.
Simaudio has developed a custom proprietary toroidal transformer
design used in most of our Moon components. Sonic improvements are obtained as
follows: This design has a lower magnetic, electrical and thermal loss,
resulting in an improved power transfer. Consequently, a lower regulation
factor is achieved resulting in increased current speed and better dynamics.
Extremely rigid chassis construction minimizes the
effects that outside vibrations have on the amplifier’s
performance, thus reducing mechanical colorations to the music.
Ergonomics are taken into consideration via the "bar
handles" running the length of both sides of the amplifier.
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.
