Moon 390 Network Streamer

I previewed the Moon 330A and 761 yesterday at a local retailer. Components were similar to mine (Moon 390, Sonus Faber Sonetta V G2 (I have the SF Sonetta V) and they used better speaker cables and interconnects). The retailer started with the 330A and went to the 761. Then started with the 761 and went to the 330A. What a significant difference between the two units. Wish I never heard the 761.My question will I be happy with the 330A now that I heard the 761? Significant difference in price.330A ($4,400) 761 ($14,000). So, for you folks that have the 330A are you happy or do you plan to move up to the 761. 761 has more control, better base and authority. It should since it’s in a different league. Willing to wait if I decide on the 761 until I can afford. 

Any help making this decision easier would be appreciated.

@singere 

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?

@singere 

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,.