MOON 780D Reference Streaming DSD DAC
The original MOON 780D is a reference streaming DSD DAC engineered for listeners who want uncompromising digital playback, refined musicality, and serious system flexibility. Its fully balanced dual-mono architecture uses two ESS ES9018S Sabre32 32-bit Hyperstream DACs, a femto second clock, and MOON Hybrid Power to deliver outstanding detail, low distortion, stable imaging, and exceptional control across the frequency range. With nine digital inputs that include USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, TosLink, Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, plus built-in MiND network streaming with TIDAL access and DSD over Ethernet, the 780D serves as a premium digital hub for high-end two-channel and music-focused home systems. Add in balanced XLR and RCA outputs, customizable software, custom-install connectivity, and compatibility with the MOON 820S external power supply, and the 780D stands out as a sophisticated audiophile DAC built for long-term ownership.
The MOON Certified Reserve Standard
Every MOON Certified product meets a strict manufacturer standard:
- Fully tested, refurbished, and certified by MOON technicians
- Includes new packaging and complete accessory packs
- Technician sign-off certification included
- Backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty
What It's Good At:
- Delivering reference-grade digital-to-analog conversion with exceptional clarity, dynamics, and low-noise performance.
- Serving as both a high-end DAC and network streamer through the built-in MiND platform.
- Handling a wide range of digital sources, from computers and transports to network audio and Bluetooth devices.
- Preserving timing accuracy and musical detail with ultra-low jitter clocking and advanced power regulation.
- Integrating easily into premium systems with balanced and single-ended outputs plus custom-control connections.
- Supporting serious system growth with modular design thinking and compatibility with the MOON 820S external power supply.
MOON 780D Full Specifications:
- Product type: Reference Streaming DSD DAC / Reference Digital-to-Analog Converter
- Configuration: Fully balanced differential
- DAC topology: Dual-mono design with one DAC chip per channel
- Digital filter / DACs: 2 x ESS ES9018S Sabre32 32-bit Hyperstream
- DAC circuit structure: Each DAC chip contains 16 individual DAC circuits, providing 8 differential mode DAC circuits per chip
- Frequency response: 2Hz - 100kHz, +0/-3dB
- THD @ 1kHz, 0dBFS (A-weighted): 0.0001%
- Intermodulation distortion: 0.0001%
- Dynamic range: 124dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 124dB @ full output
- Channel separation: 120dB
- Intrinsic jitter: 150 femto seconds RMS
- Analog outputs: 1 pair XLR and 1 pair RCA
- Analog output level @ 0dBFS: 2.0 Volts
- Analog output impedance: 100Ω
- DSD data rates via USB only: Single 2.8224MHz, Double 5.6448MHz, and Quadruple 11.2896MHz
- DSD sample rates via USB only: DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256
- DSD via MiND: DSD64 (2.8224MHz)
- PCM bit-depth range: 16 - 32 bits, with 32-bit via USB only
- PCM sampling frequency rates: 44.1 - 384kHz, with 352.8kHz and 384kHz via USB only
- Digital inputs (9): 1 x AES/EBU, 3 x S/PDIF, 2 x TosLink, 1 x USB, 1 x MiND network input via 100Base-T RJ45 Ethernet / IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and 1 x Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX audio support
- Network streaming platform: Built-in MiND network streaming player
- Streaming service support: Includes TIDAL music service access
- Ethernet audio support: DSD streaming over Ethernet via MiND
- Power supply platform: MOON Hybrid Power (MHP)
- Power regulation: Twelve stages of DC voltage regulation including two stages of M-LoVo and four stages of i²DCf
- Power supply design details: Conductive polymer capacitors, high-speed digital switching, and analog linear regulator post stages for ultra-stable, ultra-low-noise DC output
- Signal path: Very short capacitor-free signal path using a DC servo circuit and proprietary 18dB/octave analog filter
- Software/UI: On-board programmable software for customization of the end-user interface
- Control and integration: RS-232 port with full unsolicited bidirectional feedback and firmware updates, 12V trigger output, IR input, and SimLink ports for 2-way communication with other MOON components
- Chassis construction: Ultra-rigid, aircraft-grade aluminum chassis designed to minimize vibration
- Isolation design: Signature outrigger triangular pillars for added stability and isolation
- Circuit board construction: 4-layer printed circuit boards with pure copper tracings for a shorter signal path and improved signal-to-noise performance
- External power supply compatibility: Fully compatible with the MOON 820S external power supply
- Remote control: Full-function FRM-3 remote control; all-aluminum backlit design
- Power consumption at idle: 22 watts
- AC power requirements: 100V - 240V / 50Hz - 60Hz
- Shipping weight: 35 lbs / 16 kgs
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 18.75 x 4.0 x 16.8 inches / 47.6 x 10.0 x 42.7 cm
- Balanced pin assignment: Pin 1 Ground, Pin 2 Positive, Pin 3 Negative
- Fuse replacement: 1.0A slow blow (5 x 20mm)
MOON 780D Q&A:
- What kind of product is the MOON 780D?
- The 780D is a reference-level streaming DSD DAC designed to convert digital music into high-quality analog sound while also serving as a network-capable digital front end.
- What digital inputs does the 780D offer?
- It provides nine digital inputs: AES/EBU, three S/PDIF, two TosLink optical, USB, MiND network streaming via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX support.
- Does the 780D support high-resolution PCM and DSD playback?
- Yes. It supports PCM from 44.1kHz up to 384kHz and DSD up to DSD256 through USB, with DSD64 available through the MiND network input.
- Can the 780D stream music over a network?
- Yes. The built-in MiND network player supports Ethernet and Wi-Fi streaming, includes TIDAL access, and allows DSD streaming over Ethernet.
- Does it offer balanced analog output connections?
- Yes. The 780D includes both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog outputs, making it easy to match with a wide range of premium preamps and amplifiers.
- Is the 780D suitable for custom installation or advanced system control?
- Yes. It includes RS-232, 12V trigger, IR input, and SimLink connectivity for deeper integration into custom or multi-component MOON systems.
MOON 780D Downloads:
MOON 780D User Manual
MOON 780D Quick Start Guide
MOON 780D Comparison Chart