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

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?

@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. 

@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..

@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?