MOON 761 + 791 HiFi Set, North Collection

The MOON 761 + 791 HiFi Set is a separately built high-end stereo combination from the MOON North Collection, pairing the reference 761 power amplifier with the 791 streaming preamplifier and DAC to form a complete system.

Source, control and power deliberately sit in two chassis – not for reasons of space, but because this very separation is what keeps the sound clean. Via MOONLink, the two units still work together as one.

Why this set?

Because here two specialists do their job, instead of one all-rounder compromising a little on everything. The 761 is pure power: 200 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 400 watts at 4 ohms and up to 600 watts in mono operation, plus a damping factor of 800 for an iron grip on the bass. MDCA technology, true dual-mono and the absence of global negative feedback keep the signal free of distortion.

The 791 is the brain: streaming via MiND 2 (Roon Ready, Tidal, Qobuz), conversion via the MDE-2 engine with ES9038Pro up to DSD256 and MQA, six digital inputs, HDMI ARC for the TV and a full-fledged MM/MC phono stage for your record collection. Volume, source selection and operation are all handled centrally by it – including the smart BRM-1 remote control.

What you hear

The first thing you notice is the calm: a pitch-black background from which the music emerges, rather than growing out of a quiet base noise. Because the sensitive digital and phono section in the 791 is physically separated from the power amplifier's powerful supply, interference stays out.

On top of that, the 761 plays out its reserves: large floorstanding speakers that sound laboured on weaker amplifiers gain contour and pace here. From the quiet strike of a triangle to a full orchestral tutti, everything comes through with dynamics and transparency – without sounding hard or strained at high levels.

Who is this set for – and who is it not for?

For anyone who wants an uncompromising, separately built reference chain from a single series: demanding speakers, larger rooms, a mix of hi-res streaming and vinyl – and the ambition to squeeze the last bit of cleanliness out of the system.

Honest take: for a small living room with compact speakers, this is two sizes too big – a room like that will never call on such reserves. If you want everything in one chassis, a network integrated amplifier like the MOON 371 makes more sense. And if you only listen to music casually over Bluetooth, this is a race car for the traffic jam: it works, but it's a shame for the equipment.

Our verdict

The 761/791 combination is MOON's statement in the reference class: powerful enough for any speaker, calm enough for every detail, and future-proof for years thanks to a modern streaming platform. Not a loud statement, but assured substance. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will tell you honestly which speakers this duo really needs – and match the entire chain to your room.

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

MOON 761 – power amplifier

• Output power (stereo, 8 Ω): 200 W per channel
• Output power (stereo, 4 Ω): 400 W per channel
• Output power (mono, 8 Ω): 600 W
• Frequency response: 2 Hz – 100 kHz (+0 / −3 dB)
• Distortion (THD+N @ 200 W): 0.001 %
• Damping factor: 800
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 117 dB
• Inputs: 1× XLR (balanced), 1× RCA
• Technology: MDCA, dual-mono, no global negative feedback, mono bridging
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 48.1 × 14 × 44.5 cm
• Weight: 36 kg

MOON 791 – network player / preamplifier

• Streaming: MiND 2 – Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and more
• DAC: MDE-2 (ES9038Pro), PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD256, MQA
• Digital inputs: 6 (AES/EBU, 2× coaxial, 2× optical, USB)
• Video: 1× HDMI with ARC
• Analogue inputs: 2× RCA, 1× XLR, phono MM/MC (four-stage adjustable)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (preamplifier): 120 dB
• Technology: M-VOL3, fully balanced, 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: 761, 791, 2× power cable, 1× BRM-1 remote control, MOONLink cable, 2× Wi-Fi antenna (791), spare fuses, manuals

Frequently asked questions

What's included in the MOON 761 + 791 set?
The reference 761 power amplifier and the 791 streaming preamplifier with DAC from the North Collection, plus BRM-1 remote control, power cables, MOONLink cable and Wi-Fi antennas. That gives you a complete system – all that's missing are speakers and cables.

Why a separate power amplifier and preamplifier instead of one integrated amplifier?
Because the separation keeps the sound clean. The sensitive digital and phono section in the 791 is physically separated from the 761's powerful power supply, which keeps electrical interference out of the signal. If you prefer something more compact, the MOON 371 offers an all-in-one solution.

Is the set Roon Ready and streaming-capable?
Yes. Via the 791's MiND 2 platform, the set is Roon Ready and supports Tidal, Qobuz and other services. Even without a subscription you can play internet radio and files from your network; hi-res up to DSD256 and MQA are also processed.

Which speakers suit the MOON 761 + 791?
Demanding floorstanders and larger bookshelf speakers in the upper segment. With 200 watts at 8 ohms and a damping factor of 800, the 761 controls even demanding speakers in large rooms. We're happy to work out in person which models harmonise with your room.

Why buy the MOON 761 + 791 set at HD Zürisee?
Because this reference system lives or dies by correct setup. We help you choose the right speakers, set up MiND 2 and your sources, and as an authorised MOON dealer in Wädenswil we take care of warranty, delivery and service – advice by phone, WhatsApp or email.

Goes well with

You'll find the right speakers under Speakers, and cabling under Cables. The full range is shown in the MOON Collection.