MOON 461 Compass Stereo Power Amplifier, Black

The MOON 461 in Black is an analogue stereo power amplifier from the MOON Compass Collection delivering 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms – with a black chassis and bead-blasted aluminium side panels in black, so entirely dark rather than two-tone.

Technically, the black 461 is identical to its silver-trimmed sibling: same power, same circuitry, same composure. Just in a look that all but disappears into dark racks and living-room furniture – until you switch the music on.

Why the MOON 461?

At its core sits MOON's in-house MDCA architecture (MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier), developed for the flagship North Collection. It significantly reduces distortion and keeps the signal linear – the result is natural, transparent playback with plenty of dynamics. Two separate MHP power supplies, one per channel, turn the 461 into a genuine dual-mono construction: better channel separation, less crosstalk, and confident power delivery even into low-impedance speakers.

An operating-mode switch selects between stereo, mono-bridge (up to 450 watts at 8 ohms) and bi-amping. Deliberately without global negative feedback and with transistors made exclusively for MOON – technology that doesn't need to be loud to convince.

What you hear

First and foremost, calm: no background noise, no audible strain – and that's exactly what lets the music grow. Bass arrives dry and controlled, vocals stand tangibly in the room, and even at high levels everything stays cleanly sorted. This is the kind of power amp that doesn't want to draw attention to itself – it just lets the speaker do its job.

How much power does the MOON 461 have?

150 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 300 watts at 4 ohms, and up to 450 watts in mono-bridge mode. That lets it drive even demanding floorstanding speakers effortlessly and under full control.

Who is the 461 for – and who isn't it for?

Ideal for anyone looking for a full-grown high-end power amplifier for a preamp or a streaming preamplifier like the MOON 491. If you just want a compact all-in-one solution for the bedroom, though, this is clearly overpowered – that would be like a racing bike for waiting at the tram stop.

Our verdict

The black 461 is the power amp for anyone who wants North Collection technology in a discreet, all-dark chassis: cool, quiet, unassumingly powerful. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil are happy to advise you on the right preamp and speaker combination – tell us about your room, and we'll tell you honestly whether the 461 is the right choice.

Technical data

• Output power stereo (8 Ω): 150 W
• Output power stereo (4 Ω): 300 W
• Output power mono-bridge (8 Ω): 450 W
• Input sensitivity: 1 V
• Input impedance: 22 kΩ
• Gain: 31 dB
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 100 kHz (+0 / −3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion + noise (at 1 W): 0.005%
• Total harmonic distortion + noise (at 150 W): 0.003%
• Intermodulation distortion: 0.005%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 114 dB
• Crosstalk: −114 dB
• Damping factor: 425
• Power consumption (operation / standby / eco): 35 W / 34 W / 1 W
• Operating modes: stereo / mono-bridge / mono bi-amp
• Connections: XLR and RCA inputs, MOONLink (2× RJ45), USB service port
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 42.9 × 8.7 × 36.8 cm
• Weight: 11 kg
• Colour: all-black (chassis and side panels)
• Warranty (MOON Switzerland): 5 years

Frequently asked questions

How does the black 461 differ from the silver version?

Only in looks. The black 461 has black aluminium side panels instead of silver ones; the chassis is black on both. Technology, power and connections are identical – you choose purely by taste and décor.

Which speakers suit the MOON 461?

Thanks to 150 to 450 watts and a high damping factor, the 461 confidently drives almost anything from compact bookshelf speakers to large floorstanders. We're happy to work out with you in person which combination suits your room best.

Does the 461 need a separate preamplifier?

Yes. The 461 is a pure power amplifier and needs a preamp or a streaming preamplifier, such as the MOON 491. Only this combination makes up a complete system.

How long is the warranty on MOON devices?

MOON devices come with five years of warranty from us here in Switzerland. We handle the process for you as an authorised dealer, including service from our own in-house technician.

Why buy the MOON 461 at HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just sell HiFi, we've lived it for decades: we tell you honestly whether the 461 suits your speakers and your room, combine it with the right preamp and cabling, and are personally there for you in Wädenswil for delivery, setup and service.

Goes well with

You'll find the right source and preamp in the MOON Collection – for example the MOON 491 streaming preamplifier. You'll find more models under Power Amplifiers and Preamplifiers.