Launched with the 371 all-in-one model, the Compass line from Canadian manufacturer Moon (by Simaudio) is now expanding with two new additions.
Simply put, the two new components take the elements of the 371 model and improve upon them by separating them into two chassis. On one side, we find a stereo power amplifier, the 461; on the other, a network player, DAC, and preamplifier, the 491.
461 Power Amplifier
While the integrated all-in-one model delivers 100 W per channel into 8 Ω, the 461 amplifier demonstrates its superiority with an output of 2 x 150 W into the same impedance, which doubles to 2 x 300 W into 4 Ω.
As a pure power amplifier, the Moon 461 can also be bridged to deliver its full power on a single channel, reaching up to 450 W at 8 Ω. The heart of the Class AB amplification is derived from the high-end North series, featuring an MDCA (MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier) module designed to reduce distortion. This is combined with two MOON Hybrid Power modules, in an overall dual-mono configuration.
To connect it to an analog preamplifier or a server with digital volume control, the 461 features a pair of RCA inputs and a pair of XLR inputs—the latter being the preferred option given the product’s design. Bi-amping is also possible instead of bridging, selectable via a three-position switch on the rear panel. When bridged, only the red (+) speaker terminals should be used to connect the speakers.
As always with Moon, the front panel can feature micro-beaded gray aluminum reinforcements around the front display; these can also be selected in black to make the product entirely black. The price is three-quarters that of the Moon 371, which means 5 200 € (5 000 USD / 6 800 CAD)
491 Preamplifier-DAC-Network Player
As the ideal companion to the 461, the 491 enhances the source, headphone amplification, and preamplification features found in the 371.
For network playback, the device uses the manufacturer’s proprietary MIND 2 platform, which also supports multiroom functionality. Compatible with most protocols, it supports UPnP, Roon Ready, and AirPlay, and also features a Bluetooth chip for quick connections.
While the network card can be connected via Wi-Fi or two RJ45 ports (MOONLink), and even via USB-C to read USB drives, the DAC surprisingly cannot be integrated via USB; however, it does offer modern HDMI eARC, in addition to the standard optical, AES/EBU, and coaxial S/PDIF inputs.
Its architecture is based on an ESS ES9039Q2M chip per channel and a high-precision clock.
On the analog side, there are three inputs: one balanced XLR and two unbalanced RCA. The XLR input also allows for connecting a turntable, thanks to a phono module compatible with MM and MC cartridges, adjustable for five impedances, four gain levels, and three capacitances. There are also three outputs: a pair of XLR terminals and two pairs of RCA terminals—one fixed and the other variable—plus a 6.35 mm headphone port on the front panel.
Also equipped with an MHP (MOON Hybrid Power) power supply and a large display—which allows you to manage settings and view the album art of streamed tracks—the Moon Compass 491 boasts a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB and a harmonic distortion rate of 0.0004%. These figures, which are better than those of the 371 (108 dB & 0.003%), demonstrate the even greater refinement of this separate component, which is also priced at the same level, namely 6 800 € (6 500 USD / 8 800 CAD).
The first units are expected to be available by the end of June.
