Moon 761 -> 861 upgrade but keeping the 791 preamp/streamer


Hi there, I have a Moon 791/761 combo that feeds a pair of Wilson Watt/Puppy 50th Anniversary speakers. I’m looking for opinions on upgrading from the Moon 761 to the 861, under the assumption that I keep my Moon 791 as the streamer/DAC/preamp.

I should note that my listening is all-digital: Qobuz + local library via Roon. No analog sources — and no plans to go that route.

I love the 791 + 761 combo, especially given how clean and detailed it sounds. But I am wondering what the 861 might bring to the table, especially with Wilsons or other super-revealing speakers. Is it a real step up in terms of grip, dynamics, soundstage, etc.? Or is the 761 already "most" of the way there? Finally, am I missing out on some weird incompatibility between the 791 and the 861? I doubt it, but thought I’d ask.

Thanks in advance for your comments and opinions.

 

 

debrajray

Showing 4 responses by debrajray

@freediver you may well be right, and your implicit suggestion that I should be focusing on that instead is very well taken. Suggestions? Transparent, for instance?

@freediver The cables are ok (AP Black Ovals) but room acoustics are not sorted out as it is living room space and not a listening room --- lots of books serving as baffles though. @kofibaffour I think you've touched the core of it --- I should refrain from scratching, but couldn't resist asking. 

Thanks @mgrif104 I'm definitely going to audition them as well by swapping out the amps and holding the 791 fixed.

@freediver thanks for reminding me about cables; I've been meaning to audition the Transparent (ultra) and will do so. I have actually listened to the Tellurium Q at a friend (who also has a Moon setup though with different but also excellent speakers,  the comparison isn't fully controlled), but the Analysis Plus Oval 9s --- the ones I have --- sound better to me. These are in no way "standard OFC" cables :-) 

 

@bimmerlover a veritable voice of reason! I agree with you, even though I'm going to go over to my dealer and listen for the fun of it. I don't have a well-treated room (acoustically speaking) --- and don't intend to turn my living room into a listening room either --- and I think I can do better on the speaker cables, so I am "unbalancing" what I have by going for the 861. So: better cables is a more natural step. Finally, nope, I don't need to feel good about having their top-end unit. Well put; thanks!