And so it goes with this hobby. I’ve listened to a fair number of high dollar amps. I now own the 761 in one of my systems. While you should never stretch your budget such that it might impact your finances, if you do end up going upstream here, take some comfort in the notion that the 761 is a high value amp. It’s not cheap, but it’s better than many amps I’ve heard for which the cost is significantly greater. Good luck, |
@mgrf104 Thanks for your response. Sounds like you are extremely happy with the 761.Just peaked at your system and it's extremely nice and a lot better than mine. I agree that the 761 is a lot better than some other amps out on the market. Where did you purchase the 761 and did you preview other brands prior to deciding on the 761? |
Thanks for the kind words. It’s been an evolution for both systems. I started out relatively simple but, like you, heard some things I couldn’t “unhear” which led to upgrades. I’m pretty much done in system 1, but system 2 is in the midst of that process with an analog source in addition to digital. All fun. All $$$. I am pretty happy with the 761 - certainly for the price. I also auditioned the 861 but that - fortunately - would not fit in my cabinet. They are very similar tonally and in resolution. The bigger amp just a bit more ease to it. I purchased the 761 at University Audio in Madison, WI. Ben Gottlieb, the owner, is a great guy - honest, candid, and helpful. I’ve purchased quite a bit of gear from him. I’ve heard the previous versions of the Moon amps, as well as mac, Parasound and a wide variety of “uber” amps which impressed more with their size and cost than they did with better sonics. Were they better? Of course. Were they worth the $50k -to >$200k the asking price? Not in my view. I had also listened to a number of tube amps but passed based on worries about maintenance. I loved the sound, but control wasn’t as good, and didn’t want room heaters either. That said, I did just purchase a tube preamp for system 2. Simaudio is a fine company with a strong warranty who stands behind their products. I also like supporting Canadian companies these days. fyi: the only caution I would note. They use speaker terminals with a safety shield (to avoid accidental shorting) that was too small for my speaker cables which have large spades. They offered to build me an amp customized with speaker lugs of my choice for an additional fee which i thought reasonable. I just got banana adapters and problem solved but I came away impressed with the company’s willingness to help, even though I was frustrated initially. Cables with normal spades fit fine. Anything with bananas is fine. Best,. |
@singere There's a program called "Over the Moon' where you can purchase your first moon gear and get 100% on trade in 12 months or 75% in 24 months if you upgrade in the product line. I'd strongly consider verifying it still exists and purchase the 330 then upgrade to the 791 in twelve months if you aren't satisfied. There's a big difference between the two pieces - and the 330 is an excellent value. |
@overthemoon Thanks for your response. I am aware of "Over the Moon" program. I talked to my local retailer yesterday since I previewed the 330A and 761 last week. I may try to bring home the 330A to preview for a few days and do the same for the 761. He recommended purchasing the 400M unfortunately they do not have any to preview. He said, I can always upgrade to the 761 within the year (over the moon trade in program). When I make a decision, I keep thinking just get the one I really like at first. It would be most economical (not paying taxes on 2 units). I can save $1,200 and put that money towards new interconnects. Do you have any experience with the 400M amps? Is it sonically better over the 330A? Thanks for any input. Cheers!! |
