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Experience with Moon by Simaudio amps & preamps

My system 
  • McIntosh C2600 preamp and MC 302 stereo amplifier (replaced NAD C375BEE integrated amp)
  • Rega P8 Turntable
  • Moon by Simaudio 280D DAC (replaced Node 2i)
  • Sonus faber Olympica Nova V (replaced Sonus faber Venere 3.0)
I listen to music a little loader than most - and I want more volume.

I enjoy the sound I have and recognize each system can sound different.  I've been impressed with Moon for the value and the cost.

My initial view point was explore upgrading to the MC 462 and also listen to the Moon 330A - with the intent of determining if buying Moon 400M (monoblock version of the 330A) would be an alternative to the MC 462.  

Anyone have experience with Moon amps and preamps?  

I was impressed with the Moon 330A straight up against the MC 462 
  • I liked the improved details with delicate sounds in the mids and highs of the Moon.
  • My concern is the potential for harshness from the Moon
I'm open to suggestions, my budget is ~$10k.  The value of the replaced equipment is not to be added to the budget - any value from a trade-in or sale after the fact gets will be reallocated elsewhere.

Thanks for your thoughts and consideration.

mrklas
mrklas OP
441 posts
 
@ghdprentice Thanks for sharing your experience and perspective.

I was listening to an all Mac system and did an A/B comparison starting with Moon amp and then preamp using my sources.  
  • I preferred the sound of the Moon amp to the MC 462 with the Mac preamp because of the additional details.
  • I preferred the Moon preamp/amp combo to the Mac preamp with Moon amps because of the lower sound floor.  
I wasn't expecting to hear such a big difference in sound characteristics - it was like a veil was lifted.

Audio Research makes some great gear at significant increase in price as well as necessitating a separate phono stage.
jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 
Moon harsh? First time I have ever heard those two words in the same sentence when discussing Simaudio.
Get the 390, 330 and be done or just go valves.
Had the 390 and 330 for a couple of years and loved it but went to valves.

arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Roger Sanders Magtech!

 Thread closed. 
mrklas OP
441 posts
 
jerryg123 - Thanks for sharing you experience.  Interesting how the decision I didn't articulate keeps coming up.  Go full tubes with Audio Research or transition to solid state.  Very helpful input.  

arcticdeth - I appreciate your brevity and enthusiam.
ddafoe
243 posts
 
Moon harsh? First time I have ever heard those two words in the same sentence when discussing Simaudio.

Yea, my experiences with owning Simaudio also wouldn't have me consider it harsh or bright.
I personally would use the term very detailed and potentially forward compared to some other brands based on the pieces I've owned.

I owned a 600i integrated and thought it was amazing; I found it very detailed, but sweet and smooth.   I then purchased Magico S1s and found I wanted a little more power plus a little warmth so went to a Pass Labs X250.8 + Pass Preamp.   I found I lost some resolution compared to 600i (but did gain power and warmth) so switched to a SimAudio 740P preamp and it paired with the Pass amp was excellent; my system was very detailed again with a massive soundstage and still that hint of warmth from the big Pass.   

I've also owned a 380DSD DAC and I found that not as detailed/forward sounding as a Berkeley and a Bricasti, a more organic meat on the bones type of sound.

I personally think Moon would be generally a great match for Sonus Faber speakers; I could see where some folks may find it too forward with the ultra detailed loudspeakers, but to me that is a matter of taste.   My high resolution Magicos didn't reveal any harshness to my ears with my 600i and I still own the 740P.

Cheers


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