2. amps-preamps
  3. 170100-144660

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

Showing 4 responses by mrklas

mrklas OP
441 posts
 
@ddafoe Thanks for sharing.

Perhaps I should have asked if the Moon sound was ever fatiguing - I enjoyed the sound and its much more detailed than my McIntosh gear. 
mrklas OP
441 posts
 
@ghdprentice Very helpful comments - thank you.

@arafiq I appreciate your suggestion.
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.
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.
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