MOON 310LP Phono Preamplifier

The MOON 310LP is a discretely built high-end phono preamplifier from Simaudio that amplifies your turntable's signal with very low noise, applies precise RIAA equalisation, and adapts comprehensively to MM and MC cartridges.

Why the MOON 310LP?

Because MOON relies here on a fully discrete circuit – not a single op-amp in the signal path. That delivers fast transient response and an organic, effortless musicality. An elaborately regulated power supply pushes noise to a minimum, and the wide adjustability of gain, impedance and capacitance via DIP switches makes it a fitting partner for nearly any cartridge. Balanced XLR outputs additionally allow the lowest-noise connection to your preamplifier.

What you hear

An almost eerie silence between the notes, out of which the finest details and spatial information emerge. Playback is three-dimensional, dynamic and cleanly layered – vinyl doesn't sound nostalgically soft here, but precise and alive. This is the kind of phono stage you stop hearing, because only the record speaks.

Who is the 310LP for – and who is it not for?

Ideal for ambitious vinyl listeners with a high-quality turntable and a good MM or MC cartridge who want to get the maximum out of their records and wire balanced.

Honest take: for an entry-level turntable with a standard MM cartridge, the 310LP is overkill – the more compact MOON 110LP V2 is enough there. To get the full benefit, run it in a correspondingly resolving chain.

Our verdict

One of the sonically strongest phono preamplifiers in its class: discrete, razor-clean and flexible enough for almost any cartridge. Anyone who takes vinyl seriously finds a premium partner for their turntable here. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil match it to your cartridge and tell you honestly whether the next step up makes sense for you.

Award

Awarded "Reviewers' Choice" – SoundStage! Hi-Fi (2022) and listed there as a reference component.

Technical data

• Type: adjustable high-end phono preamplifier
• Circuit: fully discrete, no op-amps
• Cartridges: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC)
• Gain: 40 / 50 / 54 / 60 / 66 / 72 dB
• Impedance (load): 10 / 100 / 470 Ω, 1 kΩ, 47 kΩ
• Capacitance: 0 / 100 / 470 pF
• Equalisation: RIAA standard
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB (MM), > 90 dB (MC)
• Distortion (THD+N): < 0.0005 %
• Inputs: 1× stereo RCA (phono)
• Outputs: 1× stereo RCA (unbalanced), 1× stereo XLR (balanced)
• External power supply: optional (MOON 320S), connection via 4-pin XLR DC input
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 178 × 76 × 280 mm
• Weight: 3.1 kg
• Warranty (MOON Switzerland): 5 years
• What's included: 310LP, power cable, manual

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the 310LP and the MOON 110LP V2?
The 310LP is fully discretely built, has a more elaborate power supply, more gain stages, and additionally balanced XLR outputs. It plays even quieter and more resolving – the 110LP V2 is the more compact entry-level solution.

Does the MOON 310LP have balanced outputs?
Yes. Besides the RCA output, it offers a balanced XLR output. That gives you a particularly low-noise connection to a preamplifier with XLR inputs.

Which cartridges does the 310LP suit?
MM and MC cartridges. With six gain stages and a wide range of impedance and capacitance settings, it can be precisely matched to almost any cartridge.

Why buy the MOON 310LP at HD Zürisee?
Because a high-end phono stage only shows its potential when set correctly. We select gain and impedance to match your cartridge, advise on wiring, and as an authorised MOON dealer in Wädenswil we're here for warranty and service – with our own technician.

Goes well with

You'll find the right turntable under Turntables, the right cartridge under Cartridges. More MOON devices are shown in the MOON Collection.