Moon’s Compass Collection has swollen with the addition of two new models in the 491 network player and 461 power amp.
Here’s the lowdown on specs and features for both.
The Moon 491 is a “fully featured network player, preamplifier, DAC, phono stage and headphone amplifier”, so suffice to say it’s a talented bit of kit that’s been built to serve as the hub “of a high-performance audio system”.
Combining digital and analogue connectivity, the 491 has been devised to deliver low-noise performance all the while maintaining the clarity, refinement and musicality that Moon’s products have become know for.
As usual the MiND 2 streaming platform serves at the core of its streaming performance, incorporating support for Roon Ready, UPnP streaming, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth. Virtually every major streaming service under the sun is supported, a list that includes Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer and Spotify, available through the Moon MiND Controller app (iOS and Android). The ‘Connect’ versions of Qobuz, Tidal and Spotify are also supported for connecting straight to hi-fi kit.
The phono stage supports both MM and MC cartridges, and can be adjusted to allow precise cartridge matching for “optimised vinyl playback”.
The proprietary Moon Hybrid power (MHP) supply is said to improve channel separation, reduce crosstalk and enhance current delivery, in particular with low-impedance loudspeakers.
The Moon 461 power amplifier can act as a partner for the 491 network player, with its “substantual output capability” that amounts to 150W per channel, low distortion and stable performance across a “wide range” of loudspeaker loads, Moon says this is able to preserve signal integrity “with transparency, dynamic expression and composure”.
Serving as the 461’s heart is Moon’s proprietary MDCA (Moon Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier) architecture that was initially developed for its North Collection. It can significantly reduce distortion and imrpove linearity, which Moon says results in “faithful reproduction and exceptional clarirty and precision”.
Available in the UK from July onwards, the Moon 491 is priced at £5950 and the Moon 461 at £4550.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
