Moon 390 Network Streamer

I've spent some time with the 390 and really liked it.  Thought it played very well with Sonus Faber speakers.  The first thing I remember was that the sound staging punched way above its price point.

@ericba you have a good point there. I have a 280d -> moon 740p -> Pass Labs x250.8 

I might look into Luna going from the 280d to 740p, but maybe might need to do the same Im assuming from pre amp to amp as well? from pre amp to amp Im using Analysis Plus oval crystal xlr. From 280d to 740p its a non expensive Audioquest xlr.

I know nothing about Moon.. I have been using LUMIN (D1, D2, and T2) for over 8 years. Great warranty, great build quality - constant software updates via the internet. The only amazing thing I am learning is as I have improved my signal quality coming into my two stereo systems - quality of sound ( lower noise floor, better imaging, larger stage, more instrument clarity, tighter base) keeps going up.

i just moved from Spectrum copper wire internet feed, to fiber optic feed, and added a SmoothLanNetwork Filter. OMG

My streaming has continued to improve!

Happy listening

@skads_187

+1…highly recommended

I also have the 280D MIND2 streaming Quboz.

lit has been flawless, rich, fluid, and with dynamic slam that bested all audition contenders and pretenders at its pricepoint in my system

NOTE:

- manual says minimum 200 hr run-in period. Practically, it took closer to 500+ hours to reach its max performance levels. It surprised me …the improvements were not linear, but rather periodic adhoc steps ….go figger.

- adding in quality-build Ag-over-OCC Cu Ethernet cables with heavily shielding & TELEGARTNER cable connectors, + audiophile-grade network switches powered by quality external linear power supplies; and finally inserting quality audiophile Ethernet network filters, all contributed notable further and not insignificant audio performance improvements.(ergo …think full Monty approach in digital to move from “good enough” to “ really good”)

Yes …. I used to be a card-carrying Ethernet “tweaks “ high skeptic too, until I took the YouTube Hans Beekhuyzen Channel advice to consider these digital system upgrade ….= a skeptic no more,

TAKEAWAY

Buy MOON with confidence,.

Also dont ignore that the premium 5 year warranty is upgraded to a full 10: year warranty FOR FREE to original owner registration from new.

Also note the full value trade- up credits on dealer model upgrades in the first yesr , 75% next yesr …blah .

Terrific bonus unmatched in the other brands

I have a 280d and its really good. You will like the 390. Not sure why someone would say they might not be in business much longer. I would love to see a source / article you read stating that they are biting the dust...

I owned Moon 390 and multiple Moon products. 
 

I view it as an excellent piece of equipment - I initially looked at it’s features as a streaming DAC. I replaced my McIntosh C 2600 with it and viewed it as an upgrade.

Lots of excellent equipment out there and I wouldn’t look past the 390 without listening to it. 

Wow some really positive responses regarding the Moon 390. I'm looking forward to previewing. It was mentioned that it is fairly neutral so will I have to be very selective in cables? Currently have Kubala Sosna cables in my system. Are most of your systems all Moon or varies components? Thanks.

The suggestion that Simaudio is in trouble is disgraceful and unfounded. Their North collection is flying off the shelves on the back of superb reviews (and listening).

I have not heard the 390 specifically but have done with many other Moon products from the 300 series to the current mix of 600, 700 and 800 components in my system. They are unremittingly neutral with an extremely low noise floor, in other words you get exactly what is on the disc or file.

I find the Android app to be intuitive and it regularly updates seamlessly. One thing to note is that the MiND 2 unit in the 390 is the same as in the MiND 2 box and my own, much more expensive, 780D DAC. With the 390 you are getting the best they do.

I’ve had great results with Simaudio Moon gear.

@mahler123 Can you please share your source?

I own a Moon 390. It is one of the best in its class at this price point for preamp/dac/streamer phono. I use the phono stage and it is adjustable on the fly to almost any cart, MC or MM. it is about equivalent or a little betterave thanks tenir 110lp v2. It has also a decent headphone stage.

The sound of the Moon 390 is fairly neutral , détailed and with good soundstage. I recommend using with cables with a warmer organic sound like Cardas or Luna. An amp that is also a tad warm will be a good match. I use a Pass for example.

Sim audio has been in business since 1980 and it is not going anywhere soon. They are receiving praise after praise for their North Collection . They have one if the best service in the industry, a 10 year Warranty program and a 3 year trade up program. Good luck and keep us posted.

I have one. It’s very good. Previously I used an ARC SP8. (I know!)

I find the sound very detailed and clear, but in general, talking about the way something sounds is very difficult for me.

The 390 is very well built and I’ve had no trouble. The MIND android app a little fussy. (BlueSound has nailed the app, imho.) I listen to cds on my nas, downloads and vinyl.

And I agree with Absolute Sound: the headphone amp is excellent.

I hope you get a chance to hear one. And I haven’t heard anything about Sim being in trouble, any more than, say, GM.

Good luck!

Oh, I did have one issue: The remote started to come unglued, I sent them a photo, they sent me a new one.

I’ve heard nothing about Sim struggling. They came out with the North line which appears to be doing well. Many dealers - lots of support. Great warranty, reliable build quality  It seems to me that they’re more likely to be around longer than the vast majority of companies.

Yes - tariffs are and poor economic policy that willl hurt all consumers universally (I’m a finance/economics person) by triggering price inflation. That will spill through for domestically manufactured (assembled) products.

I heard the 390 several years ago and came away thinking it very nice and functional for the price. Fairly detailed - a touch bright at output. Their software is different but competitive. There are others to consider that will offer a different flavor, but I think most would be pleased with the price/performance.

Is SIM Audio and Moon going to be in business much longer?  Seems like I read a few months back that they were biting the dust.  A Trump tariff won’t help their bottom line.

  Lots of great streamers out there.  I would buy one from a company that will be around for a while