MOON 461 Power Amplifier

The MOON 461 Power Amplifier from the MOON Compass Collection, is a high-current analog power amplifier engineered to deliver exceptional transparency, control, and dynamic authority across a wide range of loudspeaker systems. As the most powerful amplifier in the Compass Collection, the 461 is designed to preserve signal integrity with remarkable accuracy while maintaining composure and musical refinement under demanding listening conditions. The perfect partner to the MOON 491 Preamplifier/Network Music Player 

Built around MOON’s advanced Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier (MDCA) technology, the 461 represents the latest evolution of over four decades of high-performance analog amplifier development. Unlike conventional feedback-based amplifier designs, MDCA operates outside the primary audio signal path by comparing the incoming signal to the amplified output in real time, isolating distortion and non-linear errors before injecting a precise correction signal directly into the output stage. This innovative architecture dramatically lowers distortion, reduces output impedance, improves damping factor, and enhances clarity without introducing coloration.

The fully DC-coupled dual-mono design is powered by two independent MOON Hybrid Power (MHP) supply modules, each dedicated to a single channel and delivering stable, ultra-low-noise current with exceptional transient capability. The advanced hybrid power supply combines high-efficiency Power Factor Correction, high-frequency LLC resonant conversion, and regulated linear output stages to ensure consistent performance, reduced ripple, and outstanding dynamic stability.

The MOON 461 supports stereo, bridged mono, and bi-amping mono operation modes, allowing flexible integration into high-end audio systems. Combined with MOONLink Ethernet connectivity, premium chassis construction, and refined Compass Collection styling, the 461 delivers reference-grade amplification performance with exceptional versatility and long-term reliability.

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Specifications

• Product Type: Analog Power Amplifier
• Amplifier Class: Class AB
• Amplifier Technology: MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier (MDCA)
• Circuit Topology: Fully DC-coupled design
• Architecture: Dual-mono amplifier design
• Power Supply Design: Dual MOON Hybrid Power (MHP) modules
• Power Supply Configuration: One dedicated 800W power supply per channel
• Power Factor Correction: Integrated high-performance PFC stage
• Converter Type: High-frequency LLC resonant converter
• Output Stage: Regulated linear output stage
• Operating Modes: Stereo, Bridged Mono, Bi-Amping Mono
• Connectivity: MOONLink dual Ethernet ports
• Channel Separation: High-isolation dual-mono architecture
• Output Impedance: Reduced through MDCA correction architecture
• Damping Factor: Improved via distortion-cancelling design
• Signal Path: Low-noise, high-linearity analog signal path
• Cooling Design: Optimized passive thermal management
• Chassis Construction: Black chassis with bead-blasted aluminum cheeks
• Available Finishes: Black or silver aluminum side cheeks
• System Matching: Designed to pair with the MOON 491
• Warranty: 10-Year manufacturer warranty

What It's Great At

• Driving demanding loudspeakers with exceptional control and dynamic authority
• Delivering transparent and highly accurate analog amplification
• Reducing distortion without compromising musicality or signal purity
• Maintaining excellent channel separation and stereo imaging
• Providing flexible stereo, bridged mono, and bi-amping configurations
• Delivering stable high-current performance under challenging loads
• Integrating seamlessly into premium Compass Collection systems

Expanded Key Features List

• MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier Technology: Uses real-time distortion analysis and correction outside the audio signal path to dramatically reduce distortion and coloration.
• Fully DC-Coupled Circuit Design: Preserves signal integrity across the entire frequency range while naturally rejecting unwanted DC without servo circuitry.
• Dual-Mono Amplifier Architecture: Employs completely independent left and right channel layouts with dedicated power supplies for superior channel separation.
• Dual MOON Hybrid Power Modules: Provides ultra-stable, low-noise, high-current power delivery under all operating conditions.
• Advanced Power Factor Correction: Converts incoming AC power into a highly stable high-voltage DC rail for improved efficiency and voltage consistency.
• LLC Resonant Converter Design: Operates at extremely high frequencies with reduced switching losses and lower electromagnetic interference.
• Regulated Linear Output Stage: Delivers low output impedance, reduced ripple, and exceptional transient response for improved amplifier control.
• Multiple Operating Modes: Supports stereo, bridged mono, and bi-amping mono configurations for flexible system optimization.
• High-Linearity Signal Path: Maintains low noise, precise imaging, and stable spatial performance during complex musical passages.
• MOONLink Ethernet Connectivity: Enables advanced communication and system integration with compatible MOON components.
• Compass Collection Industrial Design: Features elegant black chassis construction with premium bead-blasted aluminum side cheeks.
• Optimized Thermal Management: Chassis proportions and cooling architecture ensure stable operation and long-term reliability.
• Designed for MOON 491 Integration: Optimized to operate seamlessly with the MOON 491 network player and preamplifier for reference-level system performance.

Moon 461 Specifications

Output Power (Stereo 8 Ω) : 150 W

Output Power (Stereo 4 Ω) : 300 W

Output Power (Mono 8 Ω) : 450 W

Input Sensitivity : 1 V

Input Impedance : 22 kΩ

Gain : 31 dB

Frequency Response : 5 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-3 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (@ 1 W) : 0.005%

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (@ 150 W) : 0.003%

Intermodulation Distortion : 0.005%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio : 114 dB

Crosstalk : –114 dB

Damping Factor : 425

Power Consumption (Idle) : 35 W

Power Consumption (Full Power Standby) : 34 W

Power Consumption (Low Power Standby) : 1 W

Dimensions (width x height x depth) : 16.9x3.5x14.5 in / 42.9x8.7x36.8 cm

Shipping Weight : 24 lbs / 11 kg

FAQ Section

Q: What type of amplifier is the MOON 461?
A: The MOON 461 is a high-performance Class AB analog power amplifier designed for reference-level stereo systems.

Q: What is MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier technology?
A: MDCA technology compares the input and output signals in real time to isolate and correct distortion outside the main audio signal path for cleaner, more accurate sound.

Q: Is the MOON 461 a dual-mono amplifier?
A: Yes, the 461 uses a fully dual-mono architecture with separate dedicated power supplies for each channel.

Q: What operating modes are available?
A: The amplifier supports stereo operation, bridged mono mode, and bi-amping mono configurations.

Q: What is MOON Hybrid Power technology?
A: MOON Hybrid Power combines high-efficiency switching technologies with regulated linear output stages for stable, low-noise, high-current power delivery.

Q: Does the MOON 461 support system integration?
A: Yes, dual MOONLink Ethernet ports provide advanced communication and integration with compatible MOON components.

Q: Which component is the MOON 461 designed to pair with?
A: The 461 is specifically engineered to pair with the MOON 491 network player and preamplifier.

Q: What warranty is included with the MOON 461?
A: The MOON 461 includes a 10-year manufacturer warranty.