Should I get the Moon 891 streamer/dac/preamp for my Moon 861 amp? Or separates?


I own a Moon Audio 861 amp. Right now I have a McIntosh mc12000 preamp and a eversolo A8 streamer. With Focal N1 Sopra speakers (that I am happy with). Obviously, with the streamer I am not getting the best sound I can from my Moon amp. 

So, I decided I will sell my McIntosh M12000 pramp (it's so beautiful, it hurts to let go of it) and use the money for a dac/streamer/preamp. 

I was thinking about the Moon 891 streamer/preamp/dac. It makes sense because I have the Moon 861 amp. But 25k is so much money, I was wondering... would it be better to use that money on a nice streamer and dac instead? Like a 10k on a streamer and 10k on a Chord dac? Or would it be best to stick with the Moon 891 for the synergy between that any my Moon amp? Looking to get the best sound I can from my amp. 

 

dman777

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

More information would be really useful. It would really help us to see your system, if you create a virtual system and photos.

Given what you have asked. The real question is where do you want to go sound wise?  

Right now your MacIntosh is probably supplying some warmth that an all Moon system will not have. 

Really the most important thing is to identify the "sound" you are going for. On one end of the spectrum is highly detailed, lean, somewhat analytical systems with good slam. On this side is also what I call "sonic spectacular... crazy holographic imaging". On the other end is highly musical, natural sounding with great imaging, midrange bloom, great rhythm and pace. Combining different house sounds can make a perplexing number of different sound types. Moon is pretty detailed and a bit on the analytical side. MacIntosh is a bit on the romantic musical side... but lacking in detail. Your current combination may be pretty good. Focal tend to be hot on the top... so you Mac will help calm that down. 

I am not a fan of combined streamer / DAC / Preamp systems. They are too much compromise... depending on your expectation. Note for instance, what is probably the best stream on the market is the Aurender N50 a three box solution, a great preamp is the two box Audio Research Ref 10. You get the idea... great sounding components are single function.

I would recommend a Aurrender streamer... N20 or better. And a good DAC... in the $ 7 - 10K range. I would love to recommend the Audio Research Ref 9... but it is getting long in the tooth. Berkeley Alpha is a great DAC. The DAC can be a critical decision because, like a preamp, it can influence the tonal balance... detail / musicality. It is easy 

Before I could recommend a preamp. I would need to know more about your tastes. It is the key... and I think you need to be very careful.