I have the Moon 891/861 combination and it is amazing. Very clear, musical, dynamic sound, and excellent bass and soundstage. I use th Moon 810LP phono preamp not the one built into the 891 (and have not tried it). There are three options on the streamer that I use: run Room Nucleus into the 891 DAC via USB cable; use Roon as a controller for the MIND streamer as an endpoint; or use the MIND software to control MIND. The Roon directly inputted to the DAC via USB or the all MIND options sound totally amazing and cannot imagine wanting better sound. I don’t think Roon as a controller for MIND is as good as the other two options. Buying separates would not be worth it unless you want to spend far more. According to reviews and Moon, the preamp in the 891 is the best that Moon has offered at any price and hard to beat relative to other options under $35,000. The built in case phono preamp has very good reviews as does MIND. I am completely happy other my system which has AudioQuest Thunderbird interconnects and speaker cables and Diamond USB, Niagara 5000 power supply, GoldenEar Triton Reference speakers; and a Rega Planar 10 turntable with Aphetta 3. You would need to get into a whole higher price point to improve your sound over the 891/861. I have no points of dissatisfaction with my sound, plus you get an amazing remote control with the 891 that is a very high quality dial and display (and very cool).
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.