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