MOON 491 Streaming Preamplifier Compass, Silver

The MOON 491 is a streaming preamplifier from the Compass Collection that combines network player, DAC, MM/MC phono stage, preamplifier and headphone amplifier in one enclosure.

Why the MOON 491?

The streaming heart is MOON's own MiND 2 module: Roon Ready, UPnP, AirPlay, Bluetooth as well as Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer and Spotify are built in – including Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect for direct streaming without a detour via an app. Conversion is handled by two ESS 9039Q2M chips in dual-mono mode with a precision clock, which delivers very low noise and a fine, uncluttered resolution.

The phono stage understands MM and MC cartridges and can be adjusted directly in the on-screen menu – termination resistance, capacitance, gain. Added to that are analogue line inputs (RCA and balanced XLR), an HDMI ARC connection for the TV and its own headphone amplifier. Power is supplied by MOON's MHP technology (MOON Hybrid Power), which consistently keeps sensitive circuits free of interference.

What you get

A complete preamp that replaces half the stack of gear: streamer, converter, phono, preamplifier and headphone output in one box, controlled via app, remote control or the large colour display with album cover. Fewer cables, fewer sockets, fewer compromises – and still the option to fully expand later with a matching power amplifier such as the MOON 461.

Who is the 491 for – and who isn't it for?

Ideal for anyone who wants a high-end source and preamp in one elegant device and values streaming, vinyl and headphones equally. Anyone who already owns an external streamer, DAC and phono stage and just wants a pure, bare preamp, on the other hand, is paying here for talents they don't actually need.

Our verdict

The 491 is the logical heart of a Compass system: an all-in-one that never sounds like a compromise at any single point. In silver it looks open and modern, and technically it's packed to the brim. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil show you how it plays together with your sources, your turntable and the right power amplifier – and tell you honestly whether you're really making the most of its wealth of features.

Technical data

• Input sensitivity: 0.3 V – 5 V
• Input impedance: 22 kΩ
• Gain: 10 dB
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 200 kHz (+0.5 / −3.0 dB)
• THD + noise: 0.0004%
• Intermodulation distortion: 0.0004%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB
• Crosstalk: −120 dB
• Power consumption (operation / standby / eco): 16 W / 14 W / 6 W
• DAC converters: 2× ESS 9039Q2M in dual-mono mode with precision clock
• Streaming: MiND 2, Roon Ready, AirPlay, Bluetooth
• Streaming services: Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, Spotify (incl. Connect protocols)
• Digital inputs: HDMI ARC, Optical, AES-EBU, S/PDIF, USB Host
• DAC formats: DSD, DXD, MQA
• Phono stage: MM + MC (fully configurable)
• Analogue inputs: 2× Line (RCA + XLR), 1× Phono
• Outputs: Variable XLR (balanced), Variable RCA, Fixed RCA, 6.35 mm headphone
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 42.9 × 8.7 × 35.7 cm
• Weight: 9 kg
• Colour: Black chassis, silver side panels
• Warranty (MOON Switzerland): 5 years

Frequently asked questions

What can the MOON 491 do?

The 491 is a network player, DAC, MM/MC phono stage, preamplifier and headphone amplifier in one device. It bundles together five components that would otherwise sit separately in the rack – wired, tuned and operable via one display.

Which streaming services does the 491 support?

Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer and Spotify are built in, plus Roon Ready, AirPlay and Bluetooth. Via Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect you stream directly from the respective app, without a detour via a separate control app.

Does the 491 support a turntable?

Yes. The built-in phono stage works with MM and MC cartridges and can be finely adjusted in the menu. A separate phono preamplifier is therefore not needed – you connect your turntable directly.

Which power amplifier suits the MOON 491?

The MOON 461 from the same Compass Collection is an excellent match – tuned to it both visually and technically. Which speakers and which power amplifier make the most sense for your room, we're happy to discuss with you in person.

Why buy the MOON 491 at HD Zürisee?

Because we don't leave you alone with data sheets: we set up the 491 with your streaming services and your turntable, combine it with the right power amplifier and cabling, and offer you five years of warranty plus service directly with us in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

You'll find the matching power amplifier in the MOON Collection – such as the MOON 461 stereo power amplifier. More models can be found under Preamplifiers, Streamers and DACs.