Simaudio Vs. Classe for Totem model 1s

Thanks guys for your feedback, my room is 12 x 13 feet. Valinar, I was looking at both the I-3se and I-5, but have had my eye on the I-5 a bit more. Did you find that the I-3se pushed them enough?

HI Macd. I have a similar room to yours and believe or not have run both Classe separates and Simaudio I5. I am not running Model 1s. I am running Hawks.

The Classe is warmer sounding and with more power has more punch to it. I sold the amp after having some perplexing problems with it that never seemed to be resolved even though the amp made several trips to Canada.

I bought an I5 to replace it. The sound is much more transparent. Imaging and depth improved some. The bass is somewhat more limited but still very fast and tight. The overall sound of the Sim is faster.

After owning the Sim for 2 years, I do like its sound. However, sometimes I do miss the oomph of the sound with the Classe.

The I-3se pushed them just fine. In a room your size it should work quite well. My bedroom is 9x12. As I stated in yesterday's post I should be getting the I-5 tomorrow to use with the Model 1 Signatures in this room.

Yeah do know that the classe would give them more power. I am planing to add a totem storm sub so that will probably make me happy for the bottom end. Valinar update me when you hear your I-5. Meanwhile I am going to be on the outlook for one in the ads!

Macd,
I received and set up the I-5 with my Model 1's yesterday. I have not listened extensively, but what I have heard so far is very good. It has a bit more detail than the I-3se. In your sized room either the I3se or i5 should be fine.