I suggest that you consider the Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amplifier.

For the incredibly low price of $2999 you get unmatched sound quality, balanced inputs, huge power capability, and a very good phono stage.

I think it competes with units costing 2 to 3 times as much, and would sound better than the ones you mentioned (despite their much higher prices).

I think both of those units are very good, but way way overpriced and not in the same class as the Musical Fidelity from a sonic standpoint.

quote=StereoNewbie]Hello everyone,

I'm relatively new to the Hi-Fi scene, and would greatly appreciate your advice regarding my next purchase in the realm. So far I've followed a very modular approach, buying one component at a time, and have found a lot of info online and on these forums that guided me so far. But the next step is a bit tricky (and pricey) and includes a brand that I am completely new to; SimAudio's Moon.The two products I am debating currently are the following:

1) McIntosh MA9000 (https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MA9000).

2) SimAudio Moon 600i v2 (https://simaudio.com/en/product/600i-v2-integrated-amplifier/)
+ SimAudio Moon 650D DAC (https://simaudio.com/en/product/650d-dac-cd-transport/)

From a price point, I was surprised to find that the Mc is actually much cheaper than the SimAudio combo, which got me to a pause. I've never heard much of SimAudio as a brand, and my Audio dealer who I trust a lot swears by the SimAudio. But like everyone I've always wanted to gradually build up a complete McIntosh setup. But I'm wondering if the double Moon setup would actually yield better sounding output. I've demoed both products and they sounded slightly different to my ears, but both in it's own uniquely pleasant way, which has left me torn between them.

So I thought I ask the more experienced crowd here about the technical specs. Keeping in mind that the majority of my music listening experience is coming from a McIntosh MT5 Turntable with a modified cartridge, and an Auralic Aries G1 through Tidal and Qobuz. My dealer insisted that the Moon has a superior DAC. I'll of course be listening through Stereo through a pair of KEF R11 speakers.

Thank you very much in advance for any insight and advice, whether it's regarding the particular products, or about SimAudio as a brand vs McIntosh.[/quote]