@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!! |
@singere I owned the M400s -I loved them. I'd recommend them in a heart beat. Prior to the M400s I was using McIntosh MC-302 (300 watt/ch) and considering upgrading to the MC-462 (450 watt/ch). I listened to the 330a and I preferred them to the MC-462 hands down and listening at similar volumes. I decided to purchase two M400s versus 330A in order to provide improved control of my speakers because I like higher listening volumes than most (85+dbs). The decision was easy because 2 M400s cost less than the MC-462. I expect their sound to be virtually identical when the volume is 75 to 80 dbs - chassis is the same and the only real difference you'll see is number of inputs and outputs At higher volumes ability to manage musical peaks and impedance variations would favor having the M400s. (It is twice the power supplies, capacitors, etc.). Considering the cost and future proofing your system, my decisions would be buy the M400s and 3 quality power cables for 390 and the M400s. This will be less than the 761 and is an excellent system (I know because I've done it). |
