MOON 681 – Reference high-end network player and DAC

The MOON 681 by Simaudio is a reference-grade network player and DAC engineered to become the ultimate digital front-end for world-class hi-fi and high-end audio systems. Part of the prestigious North Collection, the MOON 681 combines the MiND2 streaming platform, proprietary state-of-the-art digital conversion and fully balanced dual-mono construction within an elegant and sophisticated component.

The DAC section employs proprietary MDE-1 FPGA technology featuring advanced re-clocking and ultra-low jitter architecture. This sophisticated implementation delivers exceptionally transparent, natural and detailed digital conversion with outstanding microdynamic expression and holographic soundstage reproduction.

The MOON 681 integrates the proprietary MiND2 streaming platform with support for TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and Roon Ready functionality. It supports PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD256 and MQA decoding, ensuring full compatibility with modern high-resolution audio services and formats.

MOON’s proprietary MHV – MOON Hybrid Volume technology combines digital attenuation with analogue gain stages to provide extremely precise volume control without degrading audio quality. Thanks to this approach, the 681 can operate both as a pure DAC and as a high-end digital preamplifier directly connected to a power amplifier.

Connectivity includes HDMI ARC, USB Audio, AES/EBU, optical and coaxial digital inputs, alongside balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs. The 4.3” graphical OLED display shows album artwork, metadata and playback information through a refined and modern interface.

From a construction perspective, the MOON 681 employs a massive anti-resonance aluminium chassis with fully balanced internal layout and dedicated power supplies for analogue and digital stages. This architecture contributes to exceptionally low noise and distortion performance.

Sonically, the MOON 681 stands out for its absolute neutrality, exceptional transparency and outstanding three-dimensional imaging capabilities. Bass response is deep and tightly controlled, the midrange remarkably natural and textured, while treble reproduction remains highly extended, fluid and completely free from harshness.

Entirely designed and manufactured in Canada according to rigorous audiophile standards, the MOON 681 represents one of the most advanced and musically satisfying digital sources currently available in the international high-end audio market.

Key Features

• Reference high-end network player and DAC
• Proprietary MDE-1 FPGA DAC technology
• Integrated MiND2 streaming platform
• PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD256 and MQA support
• Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect and AirPlay 2 compatibility
• MOON Hybrid Volume MHV control system
• Fully balanced dual-mono architecture
• 4.3” graphical OLED display
• HDMI ARC, USB Audio, AES/EBU, optical and coaxial inputs
• Balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs
• Massive anti-resonance aluminium chassis
• High-end construction Made in Canada

Technical Specifications

• Type: network player with integrated DAC
• Series: MOON North Collection
• DAC: proprietary MDE-1 FPGA technology
• Streaming platform: integrated MiND2
• PCM support: up to 32-bit / 384 kHz
• DSD support: up to DSD256
• MQA support: yes
• Compatibility: Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Deezer
• Digital inputs: HDMI ARC, USB Audio, AES/EBU, 2 x coaxial, 2 x optical
• Analogue outputs: RCA and balanced XLR
• Configuration: fully balanced dual-mono
• Volume control: MHV MOON Hybrid Volume
• Frequency response: 2 Hz – 100 kHz (+0 / -3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 125 dB
• Dynamic range: 125 dB
• THD + Noise: 0.0003%
• Intermodulation distortion: 0.0002%
• Display: 4.3” colour graphical OLED
• Standby power consumption: 5 W
• Dimensions: 48.1 x 10.2 x 42.7 cm
• Weight: approximately 18 kg
• Manufacturing: Made in Canada

The MOON 681 is a reference digital source designed for audiophiles seeking state-of-the-art streaming, ultimate D/A conversion and uncompromising construction quality within a single world-class component.