{"product_id":"moon-491-network-player-vorverstaerker-schwarz","title":"MOON 491 Compass Streaming Preamplifier, Black","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe MOON 491 in Black is a network preamplifier from the MOON Compass Collection that combines streamer, DAC, phono stage, preamplifier and headphone amplifier in one chassis – in an all-black finish with a black chassis and black aluminium side panels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnically it's identical to the silver-trimmed variant. So you only need to decide whether your rack prefers the contrast or the all-dark look – sonically, the two give away nothing to each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the MOON 491?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe streaming heart beats with MOON's MiND 2 module: Roon Ready, UPnP, AirPlay, Bluetooth, plus Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer and Spotify with their respective Connect protocols. It's operated via the MOON app, the front buttons or the aluminium CRM-4 remote control. The large colour display shows volume and album art – and does look rather good in the living room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside, two ESS 9039Q2M DACs convert in dual-mono mode, backed by a precision clock. The fully configurable phono stage understands MM and MC cartridges; you set loading resistance, capacitance and gain directly in the on-screen menu. Add to that analogue inputs (RCA + balanced XLR), HDMI ARC for TV, and its own headphone amplifier on the 6.35mm output. The MHP power supply keeps sensitive circuitry clean – low noise, wide dynamics, more music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA complete preamp that replaces half a stack of components: streamer, converter, phono, preamplifier and headphone output in one box, controlled by app, remote or the large colour display with album art. Fewer cables, fewer sockets – and still the option to fully expand later with a matching power amp like the MOON 461.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan the MOON 491 be used without a streaming subscription?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Internet radio, music from your own network (UPnP), vinyl via the phono stage, a CD player, or TV via HDMI ARC all work entirely without a paid subscription. Streaming services are an option, not a requirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the 491 for – and who isn't it for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for anyone who wants to bundle digital and analogue sources in one high-quality device – turntable and headphones included. If you only listen to the occasional Bluetooth stream on the side, you'll barely tap into its potential; it would almost be a waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black 491 is a complete preamp for years to come: streamer, DAC, phono and headphone amplifier that you no longer have to piece together separately. Paired with the MOON 461 power amplifier, it becomes a matched high-end system. We're happy to talk through in person at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil which sources, speakers and cables suit it best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFunctions: network player, preamplifier, DAC, phono stage, headphone amplifier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStreaming: MiND 2, Roon Ready, AirPlay, Bluetooth, UPnP\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStreaming services: Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, Spotify (incl. Connect protocols)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDAC converters: 2× ESS 9039Q2M in dual-mono mode with precision clock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDAC formats: DSD, DXD, MQA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital inputs: HDMI ARC, optical, AES-EBU, S\/PDIF, USB host\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalogue inputs: RCA, XLR (balanced), phono (MM + MC, configurable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutputs: variable XLR (balanced), variable RCA, fixed RCA, 6.35mm headphone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 10 Hz – 200 kHz (+0.5 \/ −3.0 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal harmonic distortion + noise: 0.0004%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrosstalk: −120 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower consumption (operation \/ standby \/ eco): 16 W \/ 14 W \/ 6 W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions (W × H × D): 42.9 × 8.7 × 35.7 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 9 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColour: all-black (chassis and side panels)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty (MOON Switzerland): 5 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does the black 491 differ from the silver version?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly in looks: black instead of silver aluminium side panels, the chassis is black on both. Functions, connections and sound are identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the MOON 491 have a built-in phono input?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The 491 has a fully configurable phono stage for MM and MC cartridges. You set loading resistance, capacitance and gain directly in the menu – a separate phono preamp isn't needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich power amp suits the MOON 491?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MOON 461 power amplifier from the same Compass Collection is ideal – matched in look and sound. In principle, though, the 491 can be paired with any high-quality power amp or active speakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the MOON 491 at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause a device with so many talents deserves proper advice: we set up streaming, the phono stage and sources for you, find the right speakers and cables, and as an authorised dealer in Wädenswil we take care of warranty and service – with our own in-house technician.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou'll find the right power amp in the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/moon\"\u003eMOON Collection\u003c\/a\u003e – for example the MOON 461 stereo power amplifier. You'll find more models under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/endstufen\"\u003ePower Amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/vorverstarker\"\u003ePreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"MOON","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53125449843024,"sku":"MOON-491-SCHWARZ","price":5980.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/moon-491-streaming-vorverstaerker-compass-schwarz-frontansicht.png?v=1786531994","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/moon-491-network-player-vorverstaerker-schwarz","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}