Integrated Amplifier MOON by Simaudio 340i X Silver

Modular integrated amplifier with a purely analogue signal path and 100 W per channel

The Moon Neo 340i X is an integrated amplifier from the Canadian brand Simaudio featuring a purely analogue linear signal path, microprocessor control and an LED matrix input display. An output of 100 W per channel into 8 ohms and 200 W into 4 ohms lifts the unit above the entry models in the series (240i, 250i with 50 W), so it comfortably drives typical floorstanders or monitors with sensitivity below 87 dB. The X version is equipped with balanced XLR inputs, while the 340i platform itself was designed as modular from the outset — with the option of adding an MM/MC phono stage or a D/A converter.

The design borrows circuit solutions from higher Moon models. The number of coupling capacitors in the signal path is reduced to a minimum, the circuit boards and internal wiring are made of high-quality materials and virtually the entire component set is audiophile grade. The power supply with a custom-built toroidal transformer operates with ample power reserve and low losses; combined with sophisticated regulation it maintains an exceptionally small voltage drop even at maximum rated current load. The rigid chassis limits the transfer of external vibrations and the low operating temperature contributes to a long service life.

The output stage uses high-current bipolar transistors from MOON's own series, made to special order and matched according to their characteristics. Just like the considerably more expensive 600i, the output section operates in pure class A up to five watts. The linear transfer characteristic translates into defined bass and precise midrange rendering; a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB at full power, THD of 0.015 % at 1 W and a frequency response of 2 Hz – 90 kHz correspond to a quiet background and a legible, stable stereo image. When comparing the RCA and XLR inputs with cables from the same series, no sonic differences were found.

In terms of usability it offers five line inputs including a front 3.5 mm jack for portable players and a 6.3 mm headphone output, where the amplifier acts as a powerful driver with a gain in transparency and detail. Input A2 works as a pass-through bypassing the volume control, so the power section can be integrated into a multichannel home cinema system. Control options are rounded out by a 12 V trigger, an RS-232 port for two-way communication and firmware updates, an IR input and the SimLink bus. The optional D/A module is built around the ESS9018K2M converter with support for PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256 over USB, while the optional phono stage allows impedance, capacitance and gain settings for various MM/MC cartridges.

Key features

• Power: 100 W into 8 ohms, 200 W into 4 ohms
• Class A: Pure class A operation up to 5 W
• Transistors: Matched bipolar transistors from MOON's own series
• Power supply: Custom toroidal transformer with power reserve
• Modularity: Optional ESS9018K2M DAC and MM/MC phono stage