MOON 491 Network Player / Preamplifier and MOON 461 Power Amplifier – MOON by Simaudio expands the MOON Compass Collection

With the MOON Compass Collection, Simaudio Ltd. opened a new point of entry into the world of MOON by Simaudio last year. The first product in that line, the MOON 371 Network Player / Amplifier, was deliberately conceived as a modern single-box solution: network player, integrated amplifier, DAC, preamplifier and phono stage in one chassis.

Now the Canadian HiFi manufacturer is taking the next step. The MOON Compass Collection is being expanded with two separate components, aimed at listeners who want the convenience of today’s streaming architecture but prefer the composure, upgrade potential and system logic of a dedicated preamplifier and power amplifier pairing.

Key Facts

• MOON Compass Collection expands with two new High-end components
• MOON 491 combines streaming preamplifier, DAC, phono stage and headphone solution
• MOON 461 delivers 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms
• Technology derived from the MOON North Collection for a more accessible product line
• MiND 2 streaming platform with Roon Ready, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect and Apple AirPlay
• MOON 461 supports Stereo, Bridged Mono and Bi-Amping Mono operation
• Price: € 6.800,- for the MOON 491 and € 5.200,- for the MOON 461

MOON Compass Collection – the next step after the MOON 371

Simaudio Ltd. positions the MOON Compass Collection as the more accessible route into its High-end portfolio, but not as a simplified or diluted interpretation of the brand. The intention is clear: to address listeners who want a serious, elegantly engineered and technically credible system, without necessarily assembling a highly complex chain of separate boxes from the outset.

The MOON 371 Network Player / Amplifier served exactly that purpose. It brought Class AB amplification, the MiND 2 streaming platform, DAC functionality, preamplifier duties and a phono section for MM and MC cartridges into a single All-in-One component.

With the MOON 491 Network Player / Preamplifier and the MOON 461 Power Amplifier, Simaudio Ltd. now gives the Compass Collection a more traditional High-end structure. The range gains a separate pre- and power amplifier option, offering more flexibility, greater power reserves and a clearer division of responsibilities within the system.

MOON 491 Network Player / Preamplifier – the control centre of the Compass Collection

The MOON 491 Network Player / Preamplifier is designed as the central component of a modern High-end system. It combines network player, preamplifier, DAC, phono preamplifier and headphone amplifier in one chassis, allowing it to manage digital and analogue sources with equal seriousness.

At the heart of the MOON 491 is the proprietary MiND 2 streaming platform. It operates on a UPnP basis, is Roon Ready and supports Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect. Via the MOON MiND Controller App for Apple iOS and Google Android, services such as Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer and Spotify can also be integrated.

That gives the MOON 491 a broader role than that of a conventional preamplifier. It is intended as the network hub of a current streaming-based HiFi system, while still retaining the analogue discipline expected from a dedicated control component.

Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by two ESS 9039Q2M DACs in a dual-mono configuration. This is supported by a precise clocking architecture and a discretely tuned output stage. For power supply, Simaudio Ltd. uses MOON Hybrid Power, the company’s own supply architecture, which is designed to provide particularly stable, low-noise DC voltage.

Analogue sources are not treated as an afterthought. The integrated phono stage supports both MM and MC cartridges and allows impedance, capacitance, gain and equalisation curves to be configured via the menu. This makes the MOON 491 suitable not only for streaming and digital source components, but also for carefully assembled vinyl systems.

MOON 461 Power Amplifier – power, control and flexible operating modes

The MOON 461 Power Amplifier is currently the most powerful component in the MOON Compass Collection. It delivers 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 300 watts per channel into 4 ohms and 450 watts in bridged mono operation into 8 ohms. That places it comfortably in the realm of loudspeaker systems that require stable current delivery and controlled power rather than merely respectable specification-sheet figures.

Technically, Simaudio Ltd. uses MDCA in the MOON 461, the MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier architecture. This circuit design is derived from the MOON North Collection and is intended to reduce distortion while improving linearity and signal purity. It is joined by a No Global Feedback Design, proprietary MOON transistors and a dual-mono architecture.

Power supply is handled by two MOON Hybrid Power modules, one for each channel. This separation is intended to reduce crosstalk, improve channel stability and support high current delivery. The MOON 461 is therefore not merely an obvious partner for the MOON 491, but a flexible power amplifier for ambitious two-channel systems in its own right.

A rear-panel mode switch allows three operating modes: Stereo, Bridged Mono and Bi-Amping Mono. In Stereo mode, the MOON 461 works as a conventional two-channel power amplifier. In Bridged Mono mode, it provides high output for a single channel, while Bi-Amping Mono mode allows separate amplification for the high-frequency and low-frequency sections of a loudspeaker.

Design and operation – Compass Collection with a clear MOON signature

Visually, both components follow the design language of the MOON Compass Collection. The black chassis is combined with bead-blasted aluminium side panels, available in black or silver depending on market. The look is calm, precise and suitably premium, without trying to dominate the room.

The MOON 491 features a large colour display showing volume, cover artwork and key system information. Operation is possible directly on the unit, via the CRM-4 aluminium remote control, through the MOON MiND App or via compatible streaming service apps. The MOON 461 adopts a more reduced operating concept, as one would expect from a dedicated analogue power amplifier.

Both components include MOONLink via dual Ethernet port, as well as a USB Service Port for firmware updates. The MOON 491 also adds a modular architecture intended to allow future upgrades.

All benefits at a glance

• Separate preamplifier and power amplifier architecture within the MOON Compass Collection
• MOON 491 acts as the system hub for streaming, digital sources, vinyl playback and headphones
• MiND 2 offers a broad streaming foundation with UPnP, Roon Ready, Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth and Connect services
• Integrated phono stage supports both MM and MC cartridges with extensive configuration options
• Dual-mono DAC architecture in the MOON 491 strengthens channel separation and digital precision
• MOON 461 provides strong output and current delivery for more demanding loudspeaker systems
• Stereo, Bridged Mono and Bi-Amping Mono modes allow more flexible system planning
• Technology from the MOON North Collection enters a more accessible product line
• 10-year warranty underlines long-term ownership confidence
• Coherent system pairing for high-quality streaming and classic two-channel HiFi setups

Price and availability

The MOON 491 Network Player / Preamplifier is offered by Simaudio Ltd. at a price of € 6.800,-. The MOON 461 Power Amplifier is expected to be available at a price of € 5.200,-. According to the manufacturer, the available finishes may vary depending on market.

Conclusion

With the MOON 491 Network Player / Preamplifier and the MOON 461 Power Amplifier, the MOON Compass Collection becomes a more mature proposition. After the integrated MOON 371, Simaudio Ltd. is now opening the door to a classic separate High-end solution that brings together modern streaming functionality, credible vinyl support and powerful amplification within a clearly defined product line.

The most interesting aspect is not simply that Compass now has more boxes. It is that core technologies from the MOON North Collection are being brought into a more accessible series without abandoning the typical MOON priorities: build quality, long-term system thinking, clean operating logic and a confident sense of engineering continuity.

Technical Data

Technical Data