MOON’s new high-end Hi-Fi range is named the North Collection for a reason. It speaks of the Canadian brand’s Montreal home, and points the way for a whole new direction for the brand.
MOON by Simaudio has long been regarded as an esoteric player in the world of Hi-Fi, but this uncompromising new range, which debuts at £11,000, ushers in a whole new level of awesome. We’ve had an early listen, and can report the MOON North Collection is out of this world.
The North collection comprises a trio of network player and amplification twin-sets. Providing the jumping on point is the MOON 641 integrated amplifier and 681 network streamer.
It’s followed by the MOON 791 Network player preamp and matching MOON 761 power amp. Completing the range are the MOON 891 network player and 861 power amplifier.
This uncompromising new range, which debuts at £11,000, ushers in a whole new level of awesome…
The systems are incrementally more powerful. The 641 integrated amp is rated at 125W per channel; the 761 power amp steps up to 200W per channel, while the formidable 861 power amp delivers 300W per channel.
Prices are equally formidable. The two 600 series components sell for £23,00, while the 700-series combi comes in at £30,000. If you fancy the ultimate 800-series network player preamp and power amp, they duo will set you back £50,000.
At their exclusive London unveiling, it was the MOON 791 Network player preamp and matching MOON 761 power amp that we heard in full flight.
The network players support Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, and Deezer, and are Roon Ready and AirPlay 2 compatible. They have a bright OLED colour screen which displays artist, track info and album cover art.
The network preamps are also extremely well connected, with copious analogue and digital options. What makes them particularly interesting is the provision of an HDMI ARC connection, which allows the system to double up as a two channel home cinema system.
Design and build quality are unapologetically premium, with contoured vertical heatsinks and machine milled chassis. There’s a host of clever technology at play inside too, including MOON’s Distortion Cancelling Amplifier (MDCA) circuit, and anti vibration Damping Base (MDB).
Adding polish to usability is the fabulous MOON BRM-1 Bluetooth remote control, with splendid volume knob, and multi-layered touch controls.
For our audition, the 700 series were partnered with a pair of Audiovector Arreté R 6 floor-standing speakers (£25,495 a pair), which sound as good as they look. The ensemble presentation was epic.
I listened to a variety of genres, and this combo delighted with every track: the system is immensely detailed, warm and involving, with a presence that seems three dimensional.
My verdict? With the North Collection, MOON has moved into the rarefied orbit of ultra high-end Hi-Fi audio. This Collection is a star turn.
The first MOON North models will go on sale in October, with the 700 series. The 600-series will then follow and then the 800-series. Distribution is via Renaissance Audio.
Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without…
This time out, The Luxe Review podcast lends an ear to the latest developments in personal audio. Join our AI hosts as they recap TLR’s recent headphone coverage, including a review of Sony’s new WH-1000X flagship cans, and a literal paint swatch of new colourways from JBL and Technics… Anne: The team has been covering…
Campfire Audio has unveiled the Chimera, a new flagship in-ear monitor that combines four distinct driver technologies within a single design. Hand-built in Portland, Oregon, the luxury earphones bring together a dynamic driver, balanced armatures, electrostatic tweeters and, for the first time in a Campfire Audio product, a bone-conduction driver. The idea is to deliver…
The Luxe Review 
MOON’s new high-end Hi-Fi range is named the North Collection for a reason. It speaks of the Canadian brand’s Montreal home, and points the way for a whole new direction for the brand.
MOON by Simaudio has long been regarded as an esoteric player in the world of Hi-Fi, but this uncompromising new range, which debuts at £11,000, ushers in a whole new level of awesome. We’ve had an early listen, and can report the MOON North Collection is out of this world.
The North collection comprises a trio of network player and amplification twin-sets. Providing the jumping on point is the MOON 641 integrated amplifier and 681 network streamer.
It’s followed by the MOON 791 Network player preamp and matching MOON 761 power amp. Completing the range are the MOON 891 network player and 861 power amplifier.
The systems are incrementally more powerful. The 641 integrated amp is rated at 125W per channel; the 761 power amp steps up to 200W per channel, while the formidable 861 power amp delivers 300W per channel.
Prices are equally formidable. The two 600 series components sell for £23,00, while the 700-series combi comes in at £30,000. If you fancy the ultimate 800-series network player preamp and power amp, they duo will set you back £50,000.
At their exclusive London unveiling, it was the MOON 791 Network player preamp and matching MOON 761 power amp that we heard in full flight.
The network players support Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, and Deezer, and are Roon Ready and AirPlay 2 compatible. They have a bright OLED colour screen which displays artist, track info and album cover art.
The network preamps are also extremely well connected, with copious analogue and digital options. What makes them particularly interesting is the provision of an HDMI ARC connection, which allows the system to double up as a two channel home cinema system.
Design and build quality are unapologetically premium, with contoured vertical heatsinks and machine milled chassis. There’s a host of clever technology at play inside too, including MOON’s Distortion Cancelling Amplifier (MDCA) circuit, and anti vibration Damping Base (MDB).
Adding polish to usability is the fabulous MOON BRM-1 Bluetooth remote control, with splendid volume knob, and multi-layered touch controls.
For our audition, the 700 series were partnered with a pair of Audiovector Arreté R 6 floor-standing speakers (£25,495 a pair), which sound as good as they look. The ensemble presentation was epic.
I listened to a variety of genres, and this combo delighted with every track: the system is immensely detailed, warm and involving, with a presence that seems three dimensional.
My verdict? With the North Collection, MOON has moved into the rarefied orbit of ultra high-end Hi-Fi audio. This Collection is a star turn.
The first MOON North models will go on sale in October, with the 700 series. The 600-series will then follow and then the 800-series. Distribution is via Renaissance Audio.
CD meets streaming: Ruark launches R710 Music Console and Talisman-R speakers
Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without…
The Luxe Review Podcast: These new headphones are designed to turn heads
This time out, The Luxe Review podcast lends an ear to the latest developments in personal audio. Join our AI hosts as they recap TLR’s recent headphone coverage, including a review of Sony’s new WH-1000X flagship cans, and a literal paint swatch of new colourways from JBL and Technics… Anne: The team has been covering…
Campfire Audio unveils ultra-premium bone-conducting Chimera in-ear monitors
Campfire Audio has unveiled the Chimera, a new flagship in-ear monitor that combines four distinct driver technologies within a single design. Hand-built in Portland, Oregon, the luxury earphones bring together a dynamic driver, balanced armatures, electrostatic tweeters and, for the first time in a Campfire Audio product, a bone-conduction driver. The idea is to deliver…
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