Simaudio Moon 791 network player/DAC/phono/preamp

Adrian returns with his review of the Simaudio Moon 791.

00:00-01:35 Preamplifier
01:35-03:27 Input/Outputs
03:27-5:29 Streamer
05:29-6:45 DAC
06:45-08:13 Remote
08:13-10:12 A Note On Customer Service
10:12- Conclusion

Adrian's Reference Equipment:
Mclntosh MC 462 Quad Balance Power Amplifier
Mclntosh C2600 Tube Pre-Amp
Eminent Technology LFT 8 Speakers
Gustrad R26 Dac / Streamer
SW-10 Audio File Ethernet Switch
PS Audio Power Plant 15
VPI Scout Turn Table
Audio Technica Turn Table
Hana Blue Umami Blue MC Cartridge
PS Audio Stellar Phono Pre Amp
Kirmuss Audio Record Clearer
Morrow Speaker Cables
Morrow XLR/ RCA Cables
2-REL Ti Sub Woofers

Who is Adrian Alexander?
I began my journey at the tender age of 12. Initially, it was just a small snippet of sound, perhaps a simple melody or a voice recording.

In my teenage years, I experienced the revolution of cassette tapes and the joy of being duplicated and shared among friends. The 1980s brought the era of compact discs, before turn of the millennium marked a significant shift as the digital age fully embraced me and MP3s became the norm, where I became more portable, fitting into pocket-sized devices that could carry thousands of me at once. I was shared across the internet, downloaded, and streamed on various platforms.

In my 40s, the rise of streaming services took center stage, and I found myself being accessed from the cloud, eliminating the need for physical storage. My quality improved, and I became part of playlists, enhancing the daily routines of people around the globe.

As the years rolled on, technology continued to advance. I witnessed the emergence of high-resolution audio, immersive 3D sound, and the integration of artificial intelligence in audio processing. Now, at the age of 63, I reflect on a lifetime of melodies, spoken words, and ambient sounds. From the crackling vinyl records to the seamless streaming of today, I have been a witness to the ever-changing landscape of audio technology.

What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.

#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

[DJMikeron]

I love this unit so much I got one in my bedroom and living room. Less cables and perfect sound . Highly revered it. All in one is fun

[tomastoth]

Ultra positive review. As it should be in light of lawsuit threat by manufacturers in case of negative reviews. Stay positive - avoid lawsuit threat.

[johnrobins]

This was due for Simaudio.., mindful and presumably they have had prior reviews by The Absolute Sound, it nevertheless seemed to be an overlooked manufacturer. Thank you for the review and offering an affirmation for their recognitions for offering audiophile quality components.

[jonathanmoore]

Chargeable remotes are so nice. I have a Samsung TV with a rechargeable remote. Great review.

[sidvicious]

Very good review, you are a natural my friend. When you get time you must listen to their amps from the 400 series mono blocks all the way through their 800 series is outstanding, very open and musical.

[Mladen-Basic]

Wow! Adrian is hands down your best reviewer. Fantastic on front of a camera. The production value is just as good as his approach to the review.

[dougg]

16 what?
Really good review. I don’t think I’ve ever read or heard a bad review of their products.

[DrNoahBoddy]

Very, very sophisticated, and telling of how truly competitive Canada’s Moon is in the marketplace!
O u t s t a n d i n g review!

[deborahbrown-pw]

You clearly love music! You’re a true Audiophile and always have been according to Scotty. 😊

[jc]

this issue with this is the pricing, regardless of how much I'd spend for separates, you can't ignore you get a dedicated power supply for each separate your purchase. Whereas with an all in one it's a shared power supply, which to me erodes the value and likely the sound.

[rickmilam]

Reminds me a lot of the Classe Delta Pre

[joeb]

Great review by Adrian. I would like to know are there any detents on the remote? Otherwise it might twirl on its own.

[acescok]

dear Adrian, make sure to bring up the costing part first hand next time..

[pkunz]

Thanks for the review; I'm disappointed with it as there weren't many critical comments. To say he is impressed (as he said multiple times) it is a reference to what other gear he uses. He uses Macintosh pre/power amps and a Gustard DAC. But he didn't say that --- instead we're told how impressed he is with the 791. He also spends a bit of time comparing Roon vs Mind2 playback. That's ok, but the primary interest for most audiophiles is how it sounds compared to his references, which here, he fell short.

[carminedesanto]

I love Moon …but my bank account says not today….but maybe someday 😊

[gtrguyinaz]

I am looking for this exact item… I don’t want separate boxes.. my modified Oppo is 12 years old…

[martingingras]

How do they compare against McIntosh? Soundstage, precision, etc…

[dannymunroe]

Beautifully design "BUT" that's a crazy price tag for us Norma's. If zj went home with a electronic item with this price tag I may as well hang myself for free before my lady cut my head off.
Thank you for your illustration.

[alvarocoutinho]

Well, very nice piece. Having two phonos is great. However, IMHO, manufacturers are not getting the fact that tape decks (either cassette or R2R) are coming back! Should have, at least, one “rec out”! Ideally two. This is not slightly as complicated as having phono boards. That’s my two cents.

[spilleradam]

Just make sure
, you have a really well paid job and lots of disposable income income.