Definitive Technology Mythos ST & Integrated Amplifier Pairing

 
Perhaps I can be of some help. I own the Definitive STSs—the smaller brother of the STs you’re considering—and have heard several of the amps on your list.
 
First off, in my opinion the Def Tech STs and STSs are two of the greatest values going in mid-priced speakers. The amount of performance they achieve for the price is quite eye-opening. A friend and I have heard both the STs and STSs in direct comparison and actually prefer the smaller speaker, thinking them more coherent. For $1,000 less, they’re the better value, standing toe to toe with the STs, perhaps losing out only in size of image and ultimate volume capability. But, honestly, you can’t lose either way.
 
As for amps, I’ve had the Krell S-300i and Naim Nait 5i-2 through my second system. I’m going with the Krell as my permanent solution in that system, but am currently using the Coda CSi-Balanced from my main rig in the second rig, as the Krell was defective and is being replaced by a new unit. Before I launch into my assessment of the Naim and Krell, I should mention that you really should consider the Coda. At $5,800 factory direct, it’s a little out of your price range, but its combination of power, resolution, and liquidity/musicality wouldn’t be out of place in an integrated 2-3 times the price. Coda always has a decent supply of B-stock and demos available, so it might be worth a call or email to see what they have.
 
The Krell isn’t quite at the level of the Coda, but it is competitive, mainly in terms of low-end grunt and transient speed. It isn’t quite as musical or liquid, but I can live without that in my second rig, which is mainly for movies. That said, the Krell is a very solid performer. I’m a little worried about reliability, but time will tell in that regard. I’m thus far impressed with the responsiveness of the company’s customer service department.
 
The Naim Nait simply isn’t in the same league as either the Krell or the Coda. It loses out in almost every parameter, with the possible exception of PRAT, for which the Naim is justifiably legendary. It’s a great value for what it is, but I don’t think it’s competitive with the two aforementioned amps. I found it coarse and dynamically restricted in comparison.
 
I’ve heard the Sim I-1 and I-3.3. They’re both excellent amps, boasting the Canadian firm’s superb build quality, warm liquidity, and top-notch dynamics. You can’t lose either way, but personally I’d spend the extra scratch and spring for the 3.3. If you can find a good deal on a used I-7, that would probably be even better.
 
Hope this helps. With your budget, you can get some seriously good stuff.

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My vote is for the Simaudio 3.3.  What is your source? 

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Nathan,

I thought I might throw you an indirect recommendation that could, at first, seem like a bit of a "curve ball." The recommendation, in this case, comes from a pair of gentlemen who were instrumental in bringing the Mythos ST and STS to market in the first place: former Definitive Technology president Sandy Gross (now retired) and Definitive VP of Marketing Paul DiComo.

Both Sandy and Paul drive their personal Mythos ST systems with the relatively modestly-powered Cayin A-50T integrated tube amplifier, and both men swear by the sound quality of that specific combination. The reasoning, by the way, is that the amp needn't be terribly powerful, since it drives only the upper, midrange-tweeter-midrange section of the ST (or STS), which is quite sensitive and efficient. The ST or STS's own built-in woofer amplifier of course shoulders the bass workload.

I thought you might be interested to know that Playback magazine uses a Mythos ST/STS-based surround system as its reference, typically driven by an Anthem Statement D2V controller and Statement P5 (not because the ST or STS really require such stout amplification, but rather because the Anthem gear makes such a good benchmark for evaluating other, harder to drive, speaker systems).

Interesting Mythos ST alternatives--two that come to mind are the following:

Gallo Reference Strada satellites ($999/each) with matching Gallo TR-3 powered subwoofers ($984.50/ea), and
Usher Mini Dancer Two ($4795/pair).

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I have not heard the Definitives until now, but I will seek them out. I think the Moon equipment is just remarkable. My background is that of a professional musician, and for me the Moon products are just great. They are capable of great deliniation of instruments within the same octave in a way most electronics have problems with. I use the Home for Christmas CD of Anne Sofie von Otter, selection 1, a song called Koppàgen. The organ is a portable and has a very special sound, If the instrument does sound special to your ears watch out. Furthermore the cello competes with the organ in the intro. If you can not hear both instruments very clearly you will be missing a lot of enjoyable music making.  This range is the middle part of the female voice and if equipment does not resolve the distinctive sound of the instruments it matters very little how boomy a speaker and electronics combination is. Another good test is to listen to the organ on the first cut of the Proprius CD Heartfelt featuring Arne Domnérus on Sax. The organ there is a baroque organ. Those instruments have a distinctive sound when a note is played: it sounds like it spits. One can hear the attack. I am not saying this because I want something to be analytical, I don't but I want to hear the character of the instruments and the emotion of the performance. Moon equipment can deliver both. I also like McIntosh equipment but the Simaudio line is 1/9th the price, with out sacrficing either the sound of the music or the build quality of the equipment.
The music sounds natural and the system delivers outstanding detail without setting your nerves on edge. I myself am considering 3.6 Magnepans at some point. I thought your short list was very astute. Good Luck.
 

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