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 3 responses by freediver

With that amazing combination of gear I wonder if your room acoustics are COMPLETELY sorted out & if your cables are up to the level of the electronics?

@debrajray ,IMO your cables are no where near the quality the SimAudio gear is worthy of..Standard OFC is likely chocking off staging,imaging,detail & dynamics along with limiting the tonal color & saturation the Moon gear is capable of producing..

There's just too many choices & everyone has their own favorites..I changed from Nordost to Tellurium Q & have been amazed at the difference..
 I would recommend contacting the folks at The Cable Company & get some advice from them to start...
 I would also look at the many different choices of modern styles of Acoustic Treatments available today..At the very least,make sure you don't have any echo coming from ceiling to wall transitions & bass exaggeration from lower corners...
Good luck..