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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
dman777 OP
101 posts
 

Oh my bad, I thought you did have one. sorry. 

dman777 OP
101 posts
 

One thing I just realized... There are not really any 891 used streamers on the market. If I wanted to shop smartly, I could get a used Lumina U2 and Dave Chord Dac for about 12k used which is about 60% off. Would that sound as good as a Moon 891? I ask because the Moon 891 uses newer technology. 

dman777 OP
101 posts
 

correction... I mean 40% off

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
627 posts
 

Good friend of mine has the 891/861 combo and he loves it (with Wilson Sacha Vs).  He uses Roon primarily.  But if you decide to go separate DAC and streamer, $10k on a streamer would be a waste of about $8k, IMHO.

 

dokosan
77 posts
 

Simaudio also has the 791 Pre/DAC/Streamer which is $16k vs $25k for the 891 so that might be another avenue to explore (I don't know what the differences are).  I suspect that mating either of these with your 861 would produce detail in abundance and you would have a great two box solution.  A nice side benefit is that the Sim integrates easily with TV with HMDI ARC. 

 

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