Phono Preamplifier MOON by Simaudio 810LP Silver

MOON 810LP — a reference phono stage with a floating-mounted audio circuit and an exceptional range of adjustments

The MOON 810LP is a phono preamplifier conceived as a purist solution for analogue playback, intended for both MM and MC cartridges that require precise input matching. The signal path is built around a fully balanced design with XLR as well as RCA inputs and outputs, complemented by extensive optimisation of the input parameters via DIP switches, set using the supplied plastic tool. Gain is available across a range equivalent to 40 dB up to 70 dB, which covers even cartridges with very low output voltage.

The power supply uses regulation with i²DCf (Independent Inductive DC Filtering) technology, where every integrated circuit in the signal path has its own choke — 24 stages of filtering in total. The separate audio circuit board is mounted on a 5-point floating gel suspension derived from M-Octave technology, originally developed for the reference 850P preamplifier, which eliminates microphony transmitted from the support surface and the room. The printed circuit board is four-layer, with dedicated ground and power planes of pure copper for low impedance, and is populated with metallised polypropylene film capacitors with 1 % tolerance.

The result of this design are measured figures that translate directly into the reproduction: THD of 0.0008 %, intermodulation distortion of 0.001 %, frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.1 dB and crosstalk of −106 dB at 1 kHz. Signal-to-noise ratio reaches 115 dBr at 40 dB gain and 95 dBr at 70 dB, which shows itself in a silent background, clear localisation of instruments and legible dynamics at both frequency extremes. The high input overload margin (200 mV RMS on XLR at 40 dB gain) preserves stability during dynamic passages of a pressing.

The unit is fully compatible with the external MOON 820S power supply, which allows the noise floor to be lowered even further. Also available is an optional IEC curve roll-off of −7 dB at 10 Hz, an output impedance of 50 Ω and a robust chassis measuring 47.6 × 10.2 × 42.7 cm with a shipping weight of 18 kg.

Key features

• Power supply: i²DCf with 24 stages of independent inductive filtering
• Suspension: 5-point gel mounting of the audio board (M-Octave)
• Adjustment: Wide input optimisation for both MM and MC cartridges
• Construction: Four-layer copper PCB and 1 % film capacitors
• Expansion: Compatibility with the external 820S power supply