MOON 491

MOON 491 – High-End Network Player, DAC and Preamplifier

The MOON 491 is a sophisticated High-End Network Player and Preamplifier designed to become the heart of a modern reference-quality audio system. Part of the prestigious Compass Collection by MOON by Simaudio, it combines a network player, high-performance DAC, analog preamplifier, configurable MM/MC phono stage and headphone amplifier in a single chassis.

Thanks to the proprietary MiND 2 platform, the MOON 491 provides comprehensive access to music streaming services and digital music libraries, with support for Roon Ready, UPnP, Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect. Control is available through the MOON MiND Controller app for iOS and Android devices or via the CRM-4 aluminum remote control.

The digital section uses two ESS ES9039Q2M converters in a dual-mono configuration, with one DAC dedicated to each channel, together with precision clocking and a carefully optimized output stage. The result is extremely precise, transparent and natural music reproduction, with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and THD+N of just 0.0004%.

The MOON 491 also incorporates a fully configurable MM/MC phono stage, allowing impedance, capacitance, gain and equalization curves to be adjusted. This flexibility makes it possible to precisely match the phono stage to a wide range of Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges.

The MOON Hybrid Power architecture uses a proprietary ultra-low-noise power supply designed to provide exceptionally stable voltages to the audio circuits and preserve signal purity. The network platform is also installed on a modular board designed to accommodate future updates.

Key Features

• Network Player, DAC, preamplifier, MM/MC phono stage and headphone amplifier in a single component
• Proprietary MOON MiND 2 streaming platform
• Compatibility with Roon Ready, UPnP, Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect
• Support for major music streaming services through the MOON MiND Controller
• Dual ESS ES9039Q2M DACs in dual-mono configuration
• Precision clock and optimized analog output stage
• Integrated configurable MM/MC phono stage
• Phono settings for impedance, capacitance, gain and equalization
• Proprietary MOON Hybrid Power power supply
• Modular architecture designed for future upgrades
• MOONLink connection through dual Ethernet ports
• Large color display for volume, album artwork and playback information
• RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs
• Front-mounted 6.35 mm headphone output
• Aluminum CRM-4 remote control included
• Compatible with the BRM-1 Bluetooth remote
• Construction featuring a MOON chassis and sandblasted aluminum side panels
• Available finishes: Black and 2-Tone

Advanced Streaming and Connectivity

The MOON 491 is designed to handle modern digital music sources with maximum flexibility. The MiND 2 platform provides access to personal music libraries and leading streaming services, while compatibility with Roon Ready, AirPlay, Bluetooth and network protocols ensures straightforward integration into sophisticated audio systems.

The dedicated application allows users to browse albums, artists, playlists and streaming services directly from a smartphone or tablet, while the color display and front-panel controls provide a comprehensive physical interface.

High-Performance Dual-Mono DAC

The digital-to-analog conversion section is one of the key elements of the MOON 491. The two ESS ES9039Q2M DACs operate in a dual-mono configuration, with one converter dedicated to each channel. The architecture is completed by a precision clock and an optimized analog output stage designed to maintain exceptional transparency and extremely low noise.

With an extended frequency response reaching 200 kHz, a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and THD+N of just 0.0004%, the MOON 491 is engineered to preserve every detail contained in high-resolution recordings.

Configurable MM/MC Phono Stage

The MOON 491 incorporates a high-performance phono stage compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. The configuration menu allows the circuit to be precisely adapted to the characteristics of the cartridge being used, with adjustments for impedance, capacitance, gain and equalization.

This versatility makes the 491 particularly suitable for vinyl enthusiasts who want to integrate a turntable alongside digital sources within a single high-end system.

Design and Construction

The MOON 491 adopts the distinctive aesthetic language of the Canadian brand, combining a black chassis with sandblasted aluminum side panels. It is available in the elegant Black and 2-Tone configurations, allowing it to be matched with other components from the MOON Compass Collection.

Despite its extensive functionality, the 491 maintains compact dimensions for a component in this category, measuring just 42.9 cm in width and 8.7 cm in height, making it easy to integrate into sophisticated Hi-Fi systems.

Why Choose the MOON 491

The MOON 491 is designed for listeners who want to combine streaming, digital conversion, preamplification, vinyl playback and headphone listening in a single component, without compromising on a High-End architecture.

The combination of dual-mono ESS DACs, the MiND 2 platform, configurable MM/MC phono stage, MOON Hybrid Power supply and high-performance preamplifier section makes the 491 a complete control center for reference-level audio systems. Combined with the MOON 461 power amplifier, it forms the reference system of the Compass Collection.

Technical Specifications