Integrated Amplifier MOON by Simaudio 340i D3PX Silver

Moon 340i D3PX – integrated amplifier with optional DAC module and phono stage in a single chassis

The Moon 340i D3PX is an integrated stereo amplifier with a built-in DAC converter and phono stage, conceived as a complete system core to which you only need to add loudspeakers, a turntable and a streamer. The power section delivers 100 W into 8 ohms and 200 W into 4 ohms, while the DAC and phono modules are implemented as factory-installed optional extensions – their presence is reflected directly in the model designation (D3 for the converter, P for phono). The chassis, weighing 13 kg and measuring 429 mm wide, is complemented by side heat sinks that dissipate noticeable heat during longer, louder listening sessions.

Connectivity covers three RCA inputs, a pseudo-balanced XLR input and a 3.5 mm minijack on the front panel, joined by two coaxial S/PDIF inputs, optical Toslink and USB. The digital section is built around the ESS SABRE 9018K2M chip with delta-sigma architecture, which handles PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256. The phono input is switchable for both MM and MC cartridges using DIP switches beneath the top cover: loading of 10, 100, 475 and 47,000 ohms is available, capacitance of 0, 100, 330 and 430 pF, four gain levels from 40 to 66 dB and a choice between RIAA and IEC equalisation. The rear panel features five-way speaker binding posts, both fixed and variable RCA preamplifier outputs, a 12 V trigger, a pair of SimLink connectors for linking Moon components and an RS-232 port via DB9 for integration into control systems.

Operation is handled by a rotary volume control, a multi-point display, input selection buttons, mute and standby, and there is no shortage of a 6.3 mm headphone output or a remote control. The manufacturer recommends leaving the amplifier permanently powered – consumption is 27 W in standby and 29 W at idle – with the sound settling after roughly three days under voltage and fully after around 350 hours of operation. After break-in it reveals a wide subjective bandwidth, firmly controlled bass, richer tonal colours and finer highs.

The emphasis on short signal paths manifests itself in precise timing and a rhythmic drive that keeps the music moving. With 90 dB sensitive loudspeakers the amplifier handles high levels without compression or limiting, and in the low registers it offers surprising reach and punch. High transparency opens up spatial, tonal and dynamic detail – instrument localisation is stable in both width and depth, while cymbals and wind instruments retain their breathing dynamics and natural tonal density. The volume control works fairly aggressively within the first quarter turn, depending on the sensitivity of the connected speakers. Sonically, the preamplifier and power sections dominate, while the DAC and phono modules provide honest basic functionality at a very attractive price.

Key features

• Power output: 100 W into 8 ohms and 200 W into 4 ohms
• DAC module: ESS SABRE 9018K2M, PCM 384 kHz and DSD256
• Phono stage: MM/MC with adjustable loading and gain
• Connectivity: RCA, XLR, coax, Toslink, USB, SimLink, RS-232
• Design: Short signal paths and passive cooling