MOON Expands Compass Collection with 491 Network Player & 461 Power Amplifier

Announced through UK and Ireland distributor Renaissance Audio, the new components build on the earlier MOON 371 and push the Compass Collection further into full-system territory. The 491 is designed as the control centre of a modern hi-fi system, combining streaming, DAC, preamplifier, phono stage and headphone amplifier functions in one chassis. The 461, meanwhile, is the most powerful model in the Compass range and is intended as its natural partnering power amplifier.

The MOON 491 is the more extensively equipped of the two. It is built around MOON’s proprietary MiND 2 streaming platform, supporting UPnP playback, Roon Ready operation, AirPlay and Bluetooth. Streaming services including Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer and Spotify can be accessed through the MOON MiND Controller app for iOS and Android, while Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect are also supported.

That makes the 491 a fairly complete digital front end, but MOON has not ignored analogue users either. Its built-in phono stage supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, with cartridge loading, capacitance, gain and equalisation adjustable via the on-screen menu. That is an important inclusion because phono inputs on streaming preamps are not always given the same attention as the digital section. In the 491, MOON appears to be positioning vinyl playback as a proper part of the product, not just a convenience feature.

The 491 also includes a balanced analogue preamplifier section with RCA and XLR line-level inputs, a phono input, fixed and variable RCA outputs, variable balanced XLR outputs and a 6.35mm headphone socket. Its large colour display shows volume, album art and track information, with control handled via the front panel, app or the supplied CRM-4 aluminium remote.

Technically, MOON claims a frequency response of 10Hz to 200kHz, total harmonic distortion plus noise of 0.0004%, a signal-to-noise ratio of 120dB and crosstalk rated at -120dB. It also uses the company’s MOON Hybrid Power technology, which combines linear and switch-mode power supply techniques, operating above the audio band to reduce the risk of noise reaching sensitive audio circuits.

The 461 is the more straightforward of the two products, but not necessarily the less interesting one. As the dedicated power amplifier in the new pairing, it is built around output capability, load stability and flexible system use.

Rated at 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 300 watts per channel into 4 ohms, it can also be bridged to deliver 450 watts mono into 8 ohms. A rear-panel mode switch allows stereo, bridged mono or bi-amping mono operation, giving the amplifier some welcome flexibility for users building more ambitious systems.

MOON has fitted the 461 with its proprietary MDCA, or MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier, architecture, which was first developed for the flagship North Collection. The company says this topology is designed to reduce distortion and improve linearity, with the published figures quoting THD+N of 0.005% at 1 watt and 0.003% at 150 watts.

Like the 491, the 461 uses MOON Hybrid Power technology, but here the implementation is dual-mono, with one MHP supply module dedicated to each channel. That approach is intended to improve channel separation, reduce crosstalk and maintain current delivery, particularly into lower-impedance loudspeakers. MOON quotes a damping factor of 425, a signal-to-noise ratio of 114dB and crosstalk of -114dB.

John Carroll, Managing Director of Renaissance, said the two new models were designed to work as a complete Compass Collection system rather than simply as separate additions to the range.

As a pairing, the 461 and 491 represent a complete expression of the Compass Collection. Together they deliver outstanding musical performance and system flexibility, while also forming a visually striking statement that will look exceptional in any environment, from contemporary interiors to traditional spaces.

Both models are designed and handcrafted in Canada and are backed by MOON’s 10-year warranty. UK pricing is confirmed at £5,950 for the MOON 491 and £4,550 for the MOON 461, with availability scheduled from July.

For more information visit MOON by Simaudio