Description: Solid-state two-channel line-stage preamplifier with outboard power supply. Inputs: 4 single-ended RCA (1 with space for optional card), 1 Fischer, 1 XLR. Outputs: 1 single-ended (RCA), 1 tape loop, 1 Fisher, 2 XLR. Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.1dB. Input impedance: 1 megohm. IMD: <0.005% at 1V input. THD: <0.01% at 20kHz, 1V input.
Dimensions: Preamplifier: 17.5" (447mm) W by 3.5" (91mm) H by 16" (406mm) D. Weight: 16 lbs (7.3kg). Power supply: 8.75" (223mm) W by 3.5" (91mm) H by 16" (406mm) D. Weight: 20 lbs (9.1kg).
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital Source: Ayre C-5xe universal player.
Preamplifiers: Conrad-Johnson ACT2, Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista.
Power Amplifiers: Ayre V-5xe, Coda S5, Moscode 401HR, Viola Labs Symphony.
Loudspeakers: Peak Consult Empress; Thiel CS2.4, Thiel SS1 subwoofer.
Cables: Interconnect: Cardas Audio Golden Reference, Shunyata Research Aries & Antares, Viola Labs Silver Balanced. Speaker: Cardas Audio Golden Reference, Shunyata Research Lyra. AC: Cardas Audio Golden Reference, Shunyata Research Anaconda & Orion.
Accessories: Audience adeptResponse…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
The Viola preamplifier's maximum voltage gain at 1kHz was 16dB, unbalanced input to unbalanced output, and 6dB higher as expected, balanced input to balanced output. The Gain controls offered accurate attenuation steps of 1dB. Both unbalanced and balanced operation preserved absolute polarity (the balanced XLR jacks appear to be wired with pin 2 positive). The unbalanced input impedance measured around 1 megohm at 20Hz and 1kHz, dropping to around 300k ohms at 20kHz, with the balanced results twice as large. (Those last figures can be only approximate, given the…
I first saw and heard SimAudio's Moon amp and preamp at WCES two years back, and something about their aesthetics appealed to me: Canadian ruggedness coupled with a decidedly French panache. I remember that those attributes also characterized the demo's sound, although I can't recall the speakers or the sources involved. At succeeding shows, it gradually dawned on me that the Moon components were the fixed elements in a succession of impressive demos.
SimAudio projects the Moon series as their ambitious first foray into top-end electronics. While the series incorporates a number of…
Moon W-5 power amplifier: $4795
Although the W-5's front panel is rectangular, the main chassis' profile is elliptical, with flat top and bottom and massive curved heatsinks on the side panels. Tubular shafts run along each side, connecting the upper ends of the four spiked towers on which the amp sits. These shafts make it surprisingly easy, given adequate muscle, to move and position this 72-lb brick on its built-in spikes.
Although the W-5's front panel is rectangular, the main chassis' profile is elliptical, with flat top and bottom and massive curved heatsinks on the side panels. Tubular shafts run along each side, connecting the upper ends of the four spiked towers on which the amp sits. These shafts make it surprisingly easy, given adequate muscle, to move and position this 72-lb brick on its built-in spikes.
The chassis' stiffness and solidity are impressive. Under the lid and behind the *"-thick front panel are two hefty 1000VA toroidal transformers; each amp…
In my experience, and even with high-powered amplifiers, the ability of an amp to make large dynamic transitions without any change in the tonal characteristics or ambient flavor is unusual. The Moon W-5 is one of those few amps that can convey a real "jump" with no loss of detail or focus.
Comparisons: The comparisons I made of the W-5 with three other amps reminded me of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. First we tried Papa Bear, the Bryston 7B-ST monoblocks: more assertive and full in the bass, with a bit more sparkle in the treble. This difference made the W-5 a better match with the…
The sound of the P-5 was confirmation of its familial relationship with the W-5. Frequency balance and extension were eminently satisfactory, and noise levels were undetectable at any sane volume setting. Used with a single-ended connection (Cardas Cross), the P-5/W-5 combination was capable of relaxed, nonstrident reproduction of signals from both analog and digital sources. Switching over to a balanced connection (JPS Super2) produced an improvement in inner detail, but I couldn't judge whether that was due to the balanced nature, the differing cable characteristics, or the establishment…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Moon P-5 preamplifier: Two-chassis line preamp/controller. 6 line-level inputs (one balanced), two preamp outputs (one balanced), one tape-monitor output. Full-function, multipurpose remote control. Maximum gain: 6.5dB. Input sensitivity: 200mV-4.0V. THD: 0.1%. Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB). Signal/noise ratio: 98dB ref. full output. Rated output: 5V.
Dimensions: 17" W by 3.75" H by 14.5" D, each chassis. Total weight: 35 lbs.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: 971001, 980604.
Price: $3995.
Moon W-5 stereo power amplifier: Fully…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog source: Heybrook TT2 turntable, Rega RB300 tonearm, Koetsu Black/Gold cartridge.
Digital sources: Audio Alchemy DDS•Pro/DTI•Pro 32/DDE V3 transport/DAC, with Audio Magic I2S cables; California Audio Labs CAL-20 DVD/CD player; Burmester 970/969 transport/DAC.
Preamplifiers: Klyne 6L3.3P, Sonic Frontiers Line-2 and Line-3.
Power amplifiers: Bryston 7B-ST monoblocks, McCormack DNA-1, Sonic Frontiers Power-2.
Loudspeakers: Apogee Duetta II, Gershman GA-P520x, Coincident Technology Super Conquest, Genesis 500.
Cables: Interconnects: Cardas…
Sidebar 3: Measurements, SimAudio Moon P-5
Unless otherwise noted, the measurements presented are for unbalanced operation. The P-5's output impedance at its line output measured 163 ohms (325 ohms balanced), with insignificant variations with changes in the level control. The input impedance measured 38k ohms, with the left and right channels essentially identical (though they differed slightly in the balanced setting, at 88k ohms left and 78k ohms right). The input impedance dropped to 21k ohms at lower than maximum settings of the level control, measured at both unity gain and at a…