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Moon Nova or Eclipse?

I recently purchased a new pair of Legacy Focus speakers that I run with a Moon I5, AQ Diamondback IC, and AQ Mammoth speaker cables. I'm in love so far, but my need for a new source was laid bare almost immediately. My initial plan was a Nova and then a W3 or W5 amp when money allows. My local dealer has only the Eclipse on display, and told me the Nova was a waste of time. The Eclipse does sound wonderful, but I left confused since I have read many positive reviews on the Nova. Has anyone AB'd the two and found the Nova to be that bad? I'm wondering because I can get the Nova and W3 for a little more than the Eclipse.
Also, is it a horrible idea to biamp with amps of different power outputs? I'm wondering if the I5 on top and a W3 on the bottom makes sense. Thanks.
mthieme
mthieme OP
74 posts
 
I have sent Costa questions 3 times and have recieved prompt replies every time. I wonder if he is inclined to not judge their products himself but to let the consumer decide? For what it's worth, the Stargate Aurora combo was reviewed in Home Theater last month I believe.
golden_ears
220 posts
 
Okay Sutts. It's nice to know that some are responsive. However, the question you're asking is: (quote)

"All I want to know is how good the new Stargate processor is compared to the Attraction I used to own."

That is something that a dealer should be able to answer for you. If you're looking for an objective opinion, you probably won't get it from the manufacturer. What do you expect to hear? They'll give you the company line. The dealer may even do that, because he's selling them also, but at least he is selling other things.
You MAY get an objective opinion on Audiogon, but the only real way to find out which is better is to listen for yourself.
dmitrydr
221 posts
 
Agree with Jlamb about "waste of time", dealer really loves money :) My dealer told me that Nova is generally the same circuitry as in Eclipse, but not balanced, and with internal power supply (ok, ok, plastic tray). I run i-5 with Nova about two month... Amazing sound, neutral and crystal clear. Tried Marantz and Linn Genki before - Nova is incomparable better IMHO.
BTW, when I have a question to Costa, usually I have the reply the same day.
sutts
668 posts
 
Golden Ears- point well taken. Well, all is not lost- Costa finally DID get back to me. The answer was as I suspected- the Attraction is still the sonic champ (superior dacs, etc.), but newer Stargate has more options...
camboinc's avatar
camboinc
18 posts
 
My two cents is that if you can afford the Eclipse (used around $2500.00), you won't be disappointed. In my system, it bested the Wadia 850, Audio Aero Cap mk 2, and most recently, the Krell SACD standard (not sure what Fremer and Valin heard when they reviewed it). The Eclipse does everything right to my ears; expansive, open and detailed soundstage, tonally natural (whatever that means!), taut and tuneful bass, extended highs, blah, blah, blah. Anyways, buy what you can afford and keep what sounds best to you. Good luck!
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