MOON 260D CD Transport with Optional 32-bit DAC
The MOON 260D is a high-performance CD transport built for listeners who still value reference-quality disc playback, but also want a modern digital hub. Its proprietary MOON CD drive (with in-house hardware/software) is mounted on the M-Quattro gel-based 4-point floating suspension, helping reduce vibration so low-level detail, soundstage depth, and timing remain intact. For maximum flexibility, the 260D can be configured as a transport-only solution, or upgraded with an optional 32-bit asynchronous DAC that turns it into a full CD player/DAC combination—ideal for adding premium conversion later without replacing the unit.
With the DAC installed, the 260D becomes a versatile centerpiece for multiple sources thanks to its digital inputs and refined analog output stage (including a DC servo circuit and proprietary analog filtering). Digital outputs include S/PDIF and AES/EBU, and the transport supports MQA pass-through, sending the MQA data stream to an external MQA-certified DAC for decoding. It also includes integration-friendly control features like RS-232, SimLink™, and an IR input, plus the full-function CRM-3 remote.
What It's Good At:
- Delivering clean, stable, low-jitter CD playback with strong imaging and natural detail
- Reducing vibration artifacts via the M-Quattro floating suspension CD mechanism
- Serving as a high-end digital hub (with optional DAC) for additional sources through onboard digital inputs
- Feeding premium external DACs with AES/EBU or S/PDIF, including MQA pass-through capability
- Offering a smart upgrade path: start as a transport, add the 32-bit DAC later
- Integrating easily into custom systems via RS-232, SimLink™, and IR control input
MOON 260D Full Specifications:
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Product type: CD Transport with optional 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)
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CD drive: Proprietary MOON CD drive system with in-house developed hardware & software
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Vibration control: M-Quattro gel-based 4-point floating suspension for vibration damping
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Chassis: Rigid chassis construction to minimize effects of external vibrations
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Power supply: Oversized power supply with up to 13 stages of voltage regulation (5 for Transport, 8 for DAC)
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MQA: MQA pass-through via digital output (external MQA DAC required for decoding)
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Configuration: Single-Ended
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Digital outputs (2): S/PDIF (RCA), AES/EBU (XLR)
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Optional 32-bit DAC: 32-bit (asynchronous)
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Digital inputs (3, with DAC): 2× S/PDIF (RCA) + 1× Optical TosLink
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Frequency response (full range): 2Hz – 100kHz, +0/-3dB
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THD @ 1kHz, 0dBFS (A-weighted): 0.005%
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Intermodulation distortion: 0.005%
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Dynamic range: 120dB
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Signal-to-noise ratio: 120dB @ full output
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Channel separation: 116dB
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Intrinsic jitter: 1 picosecond RMS
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Analog outputs (Balanced / Single-ended): 1 pair XLR / 1 pair RCA
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Analog output impedance (XLR / RCA): 75Ω
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Analog output @ 0dBFS (XLR / RCA): 2.0V
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PCM bit-depth range / sampling frequency: 16–24 bits / 44.1–192kHz
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Analog design notes: DC servo circuit and proprietary analog filter
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Remote control: Full-function CRM-3 (Philips RC-5 protocol)
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RS-232: Bi-directional control/status + firmware update capability
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SimLink™: In/Out (1/8” mini jacks)
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IR input: 1/8” mini-jack input
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Power consumption (standby): 0.5W
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AC power requirements: 120V / 60Hz or 240V / 50Hz
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Shipping weight: 16 lb / 7.5 kg
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Dimensions (W × H × D): 16.9 × 3.4 × 13.1 in (42.9 × 8.6 × 33.3 cm)
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Balanced XLR pin assignment: Pin 1 Ground; Pin 2 Positive; Pin 3 Negative
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Fuses: F1 (120V: 0.2A slow blow 5×20mm; 230V: 0.1A slow blow 5×20mm); F2 (all: 0.5A slow blow 5×20mm)
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In the box: AC power cable; CRM-3 remote + 2× CR-2032 batteries; SimLink™ cable; owner’s manual; warranty/registration info (USA/Canada only)
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Comparison chart note: A MOON DAC comparison chart lists USB input for the 260D as “PCM 24/192”; current 260D DAC documentation specifies 3 digital inputs (2× coax + 1× TosLink).
MOON 260D Q&A:
- Does the MOON 260D include a DAC by default?
- No. The 260D is a CD transport that can be purchased as transport-only, and the 32-bit DAC is an optional add-on that can be installed later.
- What digital outputs does the 260D provide for connecting to an external DAC?
- It includes two digital outputs: S/PDIF (RCA) and AES/EBU (XLR) for high-quality digital connection options.
- Does the 260D decode MQA discs internally?
- The 260D supports MQA pass-through, meaning it outputs the MQA data stream so an MQA-certified external DAC can decode it.
- What inputs are available when the optional DAC is installed?
- With the optional DAC, you get three digital inputs: 2× coaxial S/PDIF (RCA) and 1× optical TosLink to connect additional digital sources.
- Can the 260D function as a standalone DAC for other sources?
- Yes—when equipped with the optional DAC, the 260D can convert audio from its digital inputs and output through its RCA and XLR analog outputs.
- What makes the 260D’s disc playback performance so stable and detailed?
- Its proprietary CD drive is mounted on the M-Quattro gel-based floating suspension, which helps reduce vibration and preserves timing, space, and micro-detail.
- Is the 260D easy to integrate into a custom or multi-room control system?
- Yes. It includes RS-232 (control/status + firmware updates), SimLink™ in/out, and an IR input for flexible control integration.
- What accessories are included in the box?
- You’ll receive an AC power cable, CRM-3 remote with batteries, a SimLink™ cable, the owner’s manual, and warranty/registration info (USA/Canada only).
MOON 260D Downloads:
MOON 260D Manual
MOON 260D Comparison Chart
