MOON 891 Streaming Preamplifier North Collection

The MOON 891 is the streaming preamplifier and flagship of the North Collection – network player, reference DAC, MM/MC phono stage and fully analogue preamplifier in one chassis.

Where the smaller 791 already leaves little to be desired, the 891 closes the last gaps – for anyone who has struck the word “compromise” from their vocabulary.

Why the MOON 891?

Because MOON's entire know-how sits in one chassis here. The MDE-3 Digital Engine is reserved exclusively for the 891: two ESS ES9038PRO converters in a dual-mono layout, clocked by a femtosecond clock that clears jitter out of the digital signal. The analogue section works with the precise M-RAY2 volume control, and the MOON Damping Base (MDB) mechanically decouples the internals from the outside world. Digital and analogue are consistently built as separate sections – two devices in one chassis.

What you get

A single control centre for all your music: streaming via the MiND2 platform with Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2 – and without a mandatory subscription, because internet radio, local files and USB play just as well on the 891. Add a fully configurable MM/MC phono stage for vinyl, HDMI with ARC for the TV, and a 5-inch colour display that's actually a pleasure to use day to day. The DAC decodes virtually every current format – from high-resolution PCM through DSD to MQA.

Who is the MOON 891 for? (and who it isn't – straight talk)

For the uncompromising front end of a high-end chain, ideally paired with the MOON 861. If your speakers and room are up to the level, the 891 extracts the last few percent that others leave on the table.

Straight talk: if the 791 already covers your sources fully, the step up to the 891 is a question of the very last refinements – worthwhile only once the rest of your system plays at the same level. Honestly, on middling speakers a good deal of what makes the 891 special simply evaporates.

Our verdict

The “last preamplifier” for a serious, high-resolution system: streamer, DAC, phono and analogue preamplifier at reference level, in one chassis that makes almost everything else in the rack redundant.

What the specialist press says: StereoNET Applause Award for the North combination 891 + 861 – “The 891 and 861 sit atop MOON’s prestigious North Collection with good reason…” (StereoNET, 2024).

Technical data

• Device type: Network player, DAC, analogue preamplifier & MM/MC phono stage
• DAC: MDE-3 Digital Engine, 2× ESS ES9038PRO (dual-mono), femtosecond clock
• Max. resolution: PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD256 (native), MQA
• Streaming: MiND2 – Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2
• Digital inputs: 6 (incl. USB audio, coaxial, optical)
• Analogue inputs: 3× line, 1× phono (MM/MC)
• Additional connections: 1× HDMI with ARC, MOONLink
• Phono gain: 40 / 54 / 60 / 66 dB (configurable)
• Volume control: M-RAY2
• Signal-to-noise ratio (preamp): 125 dB
• Total harmonic distortion + noise: 0.0003 %
• Frequency response: 2 Hz – 200 kHz (+0 dB / –3 dB)
• Display: 5" colour graphic display
• Mechanics: MOON Damping Base (MDB) for vibration decoupling
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 48.1 × 14 × 44.9 cm
• Weight: 25 kg
• Warranty (MOON Switzerland): 5 years
• Included in delivery: MOON 891, BRM-1 remote control (Bluetooth), power cable, MOONLink cable, 2× Wi-Fi antenna, user manual

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the MOON 891 and 791?
The 891 is the flagship and uses the exclusive MDE-3 Digital Engine with two ESS ES9038PRO converters, M-RAY2 volume control and the MOON Damping Base. That results in higher resolution and a lower noise floor. Both devices share the same feature set and the MiND2 streaming platform.

What resolution does the MOON 891 handle?
The DAC processes PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz as well as native DSD256, and additionally decodes MQA. That means it plays virtually every currently available digital format in full quality – from streaming sources to local studio master files.

Do I need a paid subscription for the MOON 891?
No. MiND2 runs services like TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify and Roon, but just as well internet radio, files from network storage, USB, or your turntable via the phono stage. A streaming subscription is an option, not a requirement for full listening enjoyment.

Does the MOON 891 have a phono stage?
Yes, a fully configurable phono stage for MM and MC cartridges is built in. Gain and loading can be adjusted in the menu, so even demanding cartridges reach their full potential without an external preamp.

Why buy the MOON 891 at HD Zürisee?
Because a reference component only truly shines in the right environment. We listen to your system, tune streaming, phono and the combination with power amp and speakers, and accompany you as an authorised dealer with five years of warranty and our own technician – well beyond the purchase.

Goes well with

Find the matching power amplifier under Power amplifiers, reference-class speakers under Speakers and high-quality connections under Cables. More from the series is shown in the MOON Collection.