Simaudio i3 RS to i3.3 upgrade

[admin_exported]

I bought the I3RS a year ago.

Considering buying the i3.3 as it comes with the internal DAC, which I would connect to an Audiolab 8000CD player that would act as the transport.

I noted in the WHF review that the i3.3 has more transparency and bass grip than the i3RS.

Would you say the greater transparency would be more obvious and prevalent for less sensitive speakers, or would all types of speakers show up the difference equally?

My alternative is to upgrade the CD player to say a Simaudio CD3.3, or a Naim CD5xs.

Any thoughts would be very highly appreciated.

(as far as speakers go, contemplating Spendor A6's, or Proac D2's).

Thanks

 

[Craig M.]

if you decide on the cdp upgrade, consider the roksan caspian as well - sounds great with the i3rs. another option(sorry) as you are considering naim, would be the naim dac that is due soon. you could use your audiolab as a transport, and leave the option of using a pc/mac as a source. i was considering the caspian cdp, but am now going to wait to hear the naim dac and cyrus dacx in my system. if you're looking to add speakers to your list, atc speakers are well worth an audition. dynaudio contour s1.4 as well, but these need a lot of space around them.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks CraigI am just nervous about whether the I3RS can power ATC's....do you have the SCM19?

I tried the I3RS and I3.3 at a shop with the Proac D2's, and the I3.3 was a bit more detailed/transparent....(as the WHF review states)

 

[Craig M.]

the i3.3 has a stronger power supply as well, doubling it's power into 4 ohms. yes, i have the 19's, they go plenty loud enough for me in my room.