Moon has two new additions to its Compass Collection—the MOON 491 and MOON 461—both of which build upon its award-winning MOON 371. The 491 will work as a network player/amplifier, while the 461 will serve as a straight power amplifier. Each unit is backed by MOON’s industry-leading 10-year warranty.
Etienne Gautier, CCO of Simaudio, described the duo as representing a “complete expression of the Compass Collection.”
A Closer Look at the MOON 491 and MOON 461 Specs and Features
MOON 491
According to Moon, the MOON 491 is a fully featured network player, preamplifier, DAC, phono stage and headphone amplifier built to serve as the hub of a high-performance audio system.
While the 491 blends both digital and analogue connectivity in its design, the core of its functionality is Moon’s proprietary MiND 2 streaming platform. Through it, the 491 supports UPnP streaming, Roon Ready operation, AirPlay and Bluetooth connectivity.
Users can access major streaming services including Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer and Spotify via the MOON MiND Controller app for iOS and Android. The 491 also supports Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Spotify Connect.
On the analog side, an integrated phono stage supports both MM and MC cartridges and offers extensive adjustment options, allowing for more precise cartridge matches. The hybrid power supply, meanwhile, improves channel separation, reduces crosstalk and enhances current delivery, particularly with lower-impedance loudspeakers, according to Moon.
MOON 461
The 461 is a power amplifier with an output capability of150W per channel, according to Moon. Paired with Moon’s proprietary MDCA (MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier) architecture, the company says the amplifier minimizes distortion and improves linearity for a mor faithful reproduction. The 461 also comes with the same hybrid power supply as the 491.
Availability
Both the 461 and 491 are available now for purchase with pricing as follows:
- 491: $6,500 USD
- 461: $5,000 USD
