Moon 491 Streaming Preamp and 461 Stereo Power Amp: An Impressive Pairing for Audio Enthusiasts

Moon Audio just unveiled their latest streaming preamp and stereo power amp combo, the 491 and 461. Coming in at a price tag of £5950/$6500 for the preamp and £4450/$5000 for the power amp, they definitely fall within the high-end range of the market. While it might be easy to mistake these for a split version of the excellent 371 streaming amp we saw earlier this year, they’re actually quite distinct.

Both the 371 and 491 share the same streaming platform, the reliable Mind 2 module. This module has been a hit in all of Moon’s recent streaming products, offering seamless operation and stability. Equipped with Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Roon Ready certification, the Mind 2 has all the bases covered.

The 491’s preamp section features balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs, along with a versatile MM/MC phono stage. This stage allows for various loading adjustments to optimize cartridge performance, which is a neat touch. Moreover, the 491 sports two RCA outputs (one fixed, one variable) and a balanced XLR output.

On the digital side, the 491 doesn’t disappoint, offering USB-C, HDMI ARC, AES/EBU, optical, and coaxial inputs. This generous selection ensures you won’t be left wanting for connectivity options.

Internally, the 491 boasts dual ESS 9039Q2M DAC chips in a dual-mono configuration, promising excellent hi-res file compatibility with support for PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256. This means you’ll get crystal-clear audio quality with no compromises.

Overall, Moon Audio’s 491 streaming preamp and 461 power amp look like a promising duo for audiophiles looking to take their home audio setup to the next level. With their premium design, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance, these components aim to deliver a listening experience that’s worth every penny spent.