MOON 491

The MOON 491 is the hub of a high-fidelity system: it combines a highly precise analogue preamplifier and a network player based on the MiND 2 ecosystem in a single chassis. It inherits technology from the reference North Collection within the Compass series.

Its D/A conversion section uses two ESS 9039Q2M chips with MOON's M-DAC architecture, delivering perfect timing precision, extended dynamic range and an imperceptible noise floor. As a UPnP renderer and Roon Ready endpoint, it provides smooth access to high-resolution streaming services such as Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer and Spotify.

It also includes an audiophile-grade phono stage for MM and MC cartridges, making it the ideal entry point for vinyl, plus a highly legible front OLED display showing playback metadata. Full MOONLink integration lets it synchronise and interact with the rest of the system.

Control is handled comfortably from the MOON MiND Controller app (iOS and Android), the front-panel controls or the remote. All of this in the Compass chassis with a 2-tone finish, with the restraint and build quality that set MOON apart.

Technical specifications:

• Type: network player with integrated analogue preamplifier
• Streaming: MiND 2 ecosystem, UPnP renderer and Roon Ready endpoint
• Supported services: Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer and Spotify
• D/A conversion: 2 x ESS 9039Q2M chips with M-DAC architecture
• Phono stage: integrated MM and MC, managed from the on-screen menu
• Display: front OLED with playback metadata
• Integration: MOONLink system synchronisation
• Control: MOON MiND Controller app (iOS/Android), front panel and remote
• Input sensitivity: 0.3 V – 5 V
• Input impedance: 22 kΩ
• Gain: 10 dB
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 200 kHz (+0.5/-3.0 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion + noise: 0.0004%
• Intermodulation distortion: 0.0004%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB
• Crosstalk: –120 dB
• Power consumption (idle): 16 W / (low-power standby): 6 W
• Dimensions (width x height x depth): 42.9 x 8.7 x 35.7 cm
• Weight: 9 kg
• Finish: 2-tone