The MOON 681 Network Player / DAC is a high-end streaming DAC designed as a complete digital front end for premium stereo systems. With the MiND 2 platform, MDE1 digital engine, and fully balanced architecture, it delivers low-noise, high-resolution PCM and DSD playback with exceptional clarity. Six digital inputs—including HDMI ARC—make it easy to connect streamers, transports, and TVs, while RCA/XLR outputs (fixed or variable) provide flexible system matching. A 4.3" color display and included BRM-1 intelligent remote make everyday control simple and refined.
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MOON 681 Network Player / DAC

The MOON 681 is a feature-rich network player and high-end DAC built to be a complete digital front end for virtually any analog amplifier. Powered by the MiND 2 streaming platform and the MDE1 digital engine, it delivers a clean, balanced, high-resolution signal with the kind of stability and low noise that lets your system sound effortless and natural. Native support for major streaming services and modern playback ecosystems keeps everything simple, while the MHV (MOON Hybrid Volume) control lets you run fixed or variable output to match your setup—whether you’re feeding an integrated amp, a preamp, or going direct.

A crisp 4.3" color display presents album art, format, source, and playback status at a glance, and the minimalist front-panel controls keep operation intuitive. With six digital inputs (including HDMI ARC) plus robust analog outputs on both RCA and XLR, the 681 is designed to slot neatly into modern stereo systems and TV-based listening rooms alike. Add MOONLink integration and thoughtful power management (including 5 W low-power standby), and you get a future-ready streamer/DAC that’s built for daily use and long-term relevance. The MOON 681 is part of ListenUp's MOON Streamers/DACs Collection.

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What It's Good At:

• High-end streaming made simple with MiND 2 and native support for major services and ecosystems
• True hi-res playback for PCM and DSD with clarity, balance, and low noise
• Flexible system matching thanks to fixed/variable outputs and MHV hybrid volume control
• TV-to-hi-fi integration via HDMI ARC for cleaner, better-sounding living-room audio
• Fully balanced signal handling for excellent channel separation and ultra-low distortion
• Easy daily operation with a 4.3" color display, clean UI, and included intelligent remote

MOON 681 Full Specifications:

• Type: Network Player / DAC
• Streaming / Platform: MiND 2 module
• Digital Engine / DAC Technology: MDE1 DAC Technology
• Volume / Level Control: MHV (MOON Hybrid Volume) level control
• Configuration: Fully-balanced configuration
• Display: 4.3" graphic color display
• Remote: BRM-1 intelligent remote control
• Digital Inputs: 6 total
  • 1 × HDMI with ARC
  • AES/EBU
  • USB audio
  • Optical
  • Coaxial
• Analog Outputs: RCA and XLR (fixed and variable)
• Analog Input Impedance: 50 Ω
• Analog Output Level: 2 Vrms / 3.5 Vrms / 6.5 Vrms
• Crosstalk: –125 dB
• Frequency Response: 2 Hz – 100 kHz (+0 dB / –3 dB)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 125 dB
• Dynamic Range: 125 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (@ 0 dBFS): 0.0003%
• Intermodulation Distortion: 0.0002%
• Power Consumption (Idle): 15 W
• Power Consumption (Full Power Standby): 12 W
• Power Consumption (Low Power Standby): 5 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 18.95 × 4.03 × 16.80 in (48.1 × 10.2 × 42.7 cm)
• Shipping Weight: 40 lbs / 18 kg
• In the Box:
  • AC power cable
  • BRM-1 intelligent remote control
  • MOONLink
  • 2 × Wi-Fi antenna
  • Owner’s manual
  • Warranty and product registration information (USA and Canada only)

MOON 681 Q&A:

What is the MOON 681, and what role does it play in a stereo system?

The MOON 681 is a network player and DAC designed to act as a complete digital front end, converting digital sources into high-quality analog output for an amplifier.

Can I stream music directly to the 681 without extra hardware?

Yes. The 681 is built for direct streaming via its MiND 2 platform and supports multiple popular streaming services and playback ecosystems.

Does the MOON 681 support high-resolution audio formats?

Yes. It supports hi-res formats including PCM and DSD, designed to deliver clarity, balance, and low noise.

What inputs does the 681 include for connecting digital sources and a TV?

It provides six digital inputs, including HDMI ARC, plus AES/EBU, USB audio, optical, and coaxial connections.

Can the 681 connect to both RCA and XLR systems?

Yes. It offers analog outputs on both RCA and XLR, with fixed and variable output options for flexible integration.

Can I use the 681 as a digital preamp with volume control?

Yes. The MHV (MOON Hybrid Volume) level control supports variable output operation for systems where you want volume control from the unit.

Is the MOON 681 fully balanced internally, and why does that matter?

Yes. Its fully balanced configuration supports excellent noise rejection and channel separation, helping preserve detail and control.

What’s included in the box?

You get the AC power cable, BRM-1 intelligent remote, MOONLink, two Wi-Fi antennas, the owner’s manual, and (in the USA/Canada) warranty and registration information.

MOON 681 Downloads:

MOON 681 Manual

MOON North Collection Video: