MOON 791 Streaming Preamplifier North Collection

The MOON 791 is a streaming preamplifier from the North Collection that combines a network player, DAC, MM/MC phono stage and a fully analogue preamplifier in one chassis.

In short: four devices in one – a single power cable instead of cable clutter behind the sideboard, yet no compromises in any of the individual stages.

Why the MOON 791?

Because it's the control centre of your system without complicating it. The MDE-2 DAC module with reclocking FPGA processes high-resolution PCM and DSD, the MiND2 platform brings streaming directly into the device, and the third generation of the M-VOL3 volume control works purely in the analogue domain – without losing resolution at low levels. The digital and analogue sections are galvanically isolated and built as dual-mono, so they stay out of each other's way.

What you get

Studio-quality streaming via Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth – and entirely without a mandatory subscription, since the 791 also plays internet radio, local network files and USB storage. For vinyl, a fully configurable MM/MC phono stage is built in that owes little to external preamps. Via HDMI with ARC you integrate the TV, and the 4.3-inch colour display always shows you what's playing.

Who is the MOON 791 for? (and who is it not for – honest take)

Ideal if you want to bring streaming and vinyl together under one roof and have had enough of a rack full of separate boxes. Paired with the MOON 761 power amp, it becomes an uncompromising North Collection chain.

Honest take: if you exclusively stream Spotify over Bluetooth in the background, you're buying a concert grand piano for "Happy Birthday" – it works, but you'll never tap into the 791's full potential. Leaner streaming solutions exist for that. And active speakers with their own power amp don't need it either.

Our verdict

A preamplifier that simultaneously replaces half the system – without leaving anything on the table sonically. Anyone who wants to bring a digital and an analogue source together at the highest level finds the right brain for it in the 791.

What the trade press says: StereoNET Applause Award for the North combination 791 + 761 – "MOON's new 791 is truly a North star…" (StereoNET, 2023).

Technical data

• Device type: network player, DAC, MM/MC phono stage & analogue preamplifier
• DAC: MDE-2 with reclocking FPGA, PCM up to 384 kHz, DSD256
• Streaming: MiND2 – Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth
• Digital inputs: 7 (incl. 1× HDMI with ARC, USB audio, optical, coaxial)
• Analogue inputs: 3× line, 1× phono (MM/MC)
• Outputs: RCA & XLR, variable or fixed configurable
• Phono gain: 40 / 54 / 60 / 66 dB (configurable)
• Volume control: M-VOL3 (fully analogue)
• Construction: fully balanced, dual-mono, galvanically isolated
• Display: 4.3" colour graphic display
• Frequency response: 2 Hz – 200 kHz (+0 dB / –3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (preamplifier): 120 dB
• Distortion + noise: 0.0004 %
• System integration: MOONLink, BRM-1 remote control
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 48.1 × 10.2 × 44.9 cm
• Weight: 19 kg
• Warranty (MOON Switzerland): 5 years
• What's included: MOON 791, BRM-1 remote control, power cable, Wi-Fi antenna, manual

Frequently asked questions

What can the MOON 791 do?
The 791 combines four components: a network streamer, a high-resolution DAC, an MM/MC phono stage for the turntable and a fully analogue preamplifier. Behind it you only need a power amp and speakers – sources such as streaming, vinyl, computer or TV are already covered.

Which streaming services does the MOON 791 support?
Via the MiND2 platform you get Roon, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth. Even without a paid subscription, it plays internet radio as well as music files from network storage or USB – the subscription is an option, not a requirement.

Does the MOON 791 have a phono stage for the turntable?
Yes, a fully configurable phono stage for MM and MC cartridges is built in. Gain, loading and capacitance can be set in the menu, so you can run different cartridges optimally without an external preamp.

Do I need a power amp for the MOON 791?
Yes. The 791 is a preamplifier and doesn't deliver speaker power itself. The MOON 761 is a perfect match for driving the speakers; in principle any power amp with RCA or XLR input will work.

Why buy the MOON 791 at HD Zürisee?
Because a device of this class lives on good advice: we set up streaming, network and phono stage with you, tune it to your speakers, and as an authorised dealer we're here for you with five years' warranty and our own technician – personally, even after the purchase.

Goes well with

You'll find the right power amp under Power Amplifiers, speakers under Speakers and high-quality connections under Cables. More from the series is shown in the MOON Collection.