MOON 491 Network Player / Preamplifier

The MOON 491 from the MOON COMPASS COLLECTION, is a premium all-in-one high-end audio component that combines a network music player, preamplifier, DAC, phono stage, and headphone amplifier into a single elegantly engineered chassis. Designed as part of MOON’s Compass Collection, the 491 delivers exceptional versatility, refined sound quality, and seamless connectivity for both digital and analog music systems. The perfect headend for the MOON 461 Power Amplifier.

At the heart of the MOON 491 is the proprietary MiND 2 streaming platform, providing Roon Ready operation, UPnP streaming, AirPlay compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and direct integration with Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, Spotify, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Spotify Connect. The intuitive MOON MiND Controller app for iOS and Android enables complete control of playback and system functions while the included aluminum CRM-4 remote provides premium tactile operation.

The 491’s advanced DAC stage employs dual ESS 9039Q2M converters configured in dual-mono mode, paired with a precision clock and refined analog output stage for outstanding channel separation, ultra-low distortion, and remarkable micro-detail retrieval. A modular DAC architecture ensures long-term upgradeability and future compatibility.

Vinyl playback is elevated through the highly configurable integrated phono stage, supporting both MM and MC cartridges with selectable impedance, capacitance, gain, and equalization curves. Combined with balanced analog circuitry, MOON Hybrid Power technology, and premium construction, the 491 delivers dynamic, transparent, and natural sound across all source types.

With variable and fixed outputs, balanced XLR connectivity, headphone amplification, and luxurious MOON styling, the 491 serves as a sophisticated centerpiece for modern high-performance audio systems.

Specifications

• Product Type: Network Player / Preamplifier / DAC / Phono Stage / Headphone Amplifier
• Streaming Platform: MOON MiND 2
• Roon Ready: Yes
• UPnP Renderer: Yes
• AirPlay Support: Yes
• Bluetooth Support: Yes
• Streaming Services: Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, Spotify
• Streaming Connect Support: Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect
• Control App: MOON MiND Controller App for iOS and Android
• DAC Configuration: Dual ESS 9039Q2M DACs in dual-mono mode
• DAC Architecture: Modular daughter board design
• Preamplifier Design: Balanced analog preamplifier
• Analog Inputs: 1 RCA line input, 1 balanced XLR input
• Phono Input: MM/MC compatible phono stage
• Phono Cartridge Support: Moving Magnet and Moving Coil
• Selectable Input Impedance: 47 kΩ, 1 kΩ, 470 Ω, 100 Ω, 10 Ω
• Selectable Input Capacitance: 0 pF, 100 pF, 470 pF
• Selectable Gain: 40 dB, 54 dB, 60 dB, 66 dB
• Equalization Options: RIAA and IEC
• Analog Outputs: Variable RCA, fixed RCA, variable balanced XLR
• Headphone Output: ¼” headphone jack
• Display: Full-color display with album art and playback information
• Remote Control: Aluminum CRM-4 remote control included
• Optional Remote Compatibility: BRM-1 Bluetooth remote control
• Power Supply Technology: MOON Hybrid Power (MHP)
• Power Supply Design: Hybrid linear and switch-mode architecture
• Chassis Finish: Black chassis with bead-blasted aluminum cheeks
• Available Side Panel Finishes: Black or silver aluminum cheeks
• System Matching: Designed to pair with MOON 461 power amplifier
• Warranty: 10-Year manufacturer warranty

What It's Great At

• Combining streaming, DAC, preamp, phono stage, and headphone amplification in one premium component
• Delivering highly detailed and natural digital and analog music playback
• Supporting advanced streaming platforms and modern music services
• Optimizing vinyl playback with highly configurable MM and MC phono controls
• Providing exceptional channel separation and low-noise performance
• Integrating seamlessly into high-end stereo systems with balanced connectivity
• Offering future-ready modular DAC architecture and long-term upgradeability

Expanded Key Features List

• All-In-One High-End Audio Design: Combines a network streamer, DAC, preamplifier, phono stage, and headphone amplifier into one premium chassis for simplified system integration.
• MiND 2 Streaming Platform: Supports Roon Ready operation, UPnP streaming, AirPlay, Bluetooth, and major music streaming services through the MOON MiND Controller app.
• Dual ESS 9039Q2M DAC Architecture: Uses dual-mono DAC configuration for improved channel separation, lower distortion, and enhanced musical detail.
• Modular DAC Design: Employs a daughter board DAC architecture to support future upgrades and long-term compatibility.
• Highly Configurable MM/MC Phono Stage: Provides adjustable impedance, capacitance, gain, and equalization settings for optimized cartridge matching.
• Balanced Analog Preamplifier Circuitry: Maintains low-noise signal integrity with refined analog performance and improved dynamics.
• MOON Hybrid Power Technology: Combines linear and switch-mode power supply technologies for stable, low-noise DC power delivery.
• Selectable RIAA and IEC Equalization: Allows precise vinyl playback tailoring based on cartridge type and record mastering preferences.
• Full-Color Display: Displays album artwork, playback information, and system settings in a clear and vibrant interface.
• Comprehensive Analog Connectivity: Includes RCA, balanced XLR, variable and fixed outputs, and dedicated headphone amplification.
• Premium Aluminum Remote Control: Includes the CRM-4 aluminum remote with intuitive operation and premium build quality.
• Compass Collection System Integration: Designed to pair perfectly with the MOON 461 power amplifier for reference-level system performance.
• Luxury MOON Chassis Construction: Features MOON’s signature black chassis with bead-blasted aluminum cheeks for timeless aesthetics and durability.

FAQ Section

Q: What functions are included in the MOON 491?
A: The 491 combines a network music player, DAC, preamplifier, phono stage, and headphone amplifier into a single premium component.

Q: Is the MOON 491 Roon Ready?
A: Yes, the 491 is fully Roon Ready and supports UPnP streaming, AirPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Q: Which music streaming services are supported?
A: The 491 supports Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, Spotify, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Spotify Connect.

Q: Does the MOON 491 support both MM and MC cartridges?
A: Yes, the integrated phono stage supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with extensive configuration options.

Q: What phono adjustments are available?
A: Users can adjust impedance, capacitance, gain, and select between RIAA and IEC equalization curves for optimized cartridge matching.

Q: What DAC chips are used in the 491?
A: The 491 uses dual ESS 9039Q2M DACs configured in dual-mono mode for improved channel separation and low distortion.

Q: Can the 491 be used with headphones?
A: Yes, it includes a built-in headphone amplifier with a dedicated ¼” headphone output.

Q: What makes MOON Hybrid Power technology important?
A: MOON Hybrid Power combines linear and switch-mode technologies to deliver highly stable, low-noise power for improved dynamics and lower distortion.

MOON 491 Specifications

Input Sensitivity : 0.3 V – 5 V

Input Impedance : 22 kΩ

Gain : 10 dB

Frequency Response : 10 Hz – 200 kHz +0.5/-3.0 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise : 0.0004%

Intermodulation Distortion : 0.0004%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio : 120 dB

Crosstalk : –120 dB

Power Consumption (Idle) : 16 W

Power Consumption (Full Power Standby) : 14 W

Power Consumption (Low Power Standby) : 6 W

Dimensions (width x height x depth) : 16.9x3.5x14.1 in / 42.9x8.7x35.7 cm

Shipping Weight : 20 lbs / 9 kg