Moon 761 -> 861 upgrade but keeping the 791 preamp/streamer
Hi there, I have a Moon 791/761 combo that feeds a pair of Wilson Watt/Puppy 50th Anniversary speakers. I’m looking for opinions on upgrading from the Moon 761 to the 861, under the assumption that I keep my Moon 791 as the streamer/DAC/preamp.
I should note that my listening is all-digital: Qobuz + local library via Roon. No analog sources — and no plans to go that route.
I love the 791 + 761 combo, especially given how clean and detailed it sounds. But I am wondering what the 861 might bring to the table, especially with Wilsons or other super-revealing speakers. Is it a real step up in terms of grip, dynamics, soundstage, etc.? Or is the 761 already "most" of the way there? Finally, am I missing out on some weird incompatibility between the 791 and the 861? I doubt it, but thought I’d ask.
Thanks in advance for your comments and opinions.
I would add that I think alot what I am hearing is the difference between a mosfet based amp and a bipolar based amp...Grip and bass, transparency accuracy all improves but loses alot of the things Mosfets bring to the table. I am sure there are bipolars that can do both, but not this amp.
It sounds incredibly good with say billie Eilish and some rock and pop...But for jazz and blues it's a mixed bag for sure. |
I loved the 761 and 791 pairing I heard them with some speakers I would never have used with them (speakers were too bright). If you want to take your detail retrieval and window into the music to a much higher level (a lot higher), then you should look at a better DAC and streamer. Changing your amp will only get you so far, especially something as good as the 761. My Benchmark HPA4 preamp (same as the LA4) and Schiit Yggi+ OG DAC were better to my ears than the much more costly 791. I used a Sonore OpticalRendu to stream which I think is better than the Ethernet streaming on the 791. Now if you really want to take this to the top. Try the new imersiv D-1 DAC on your system, but direct to amp (no preamp). It will be significantly better than the DAC in any of the Moon preamps and also my Schiit Yggi+ DACs that I sold after getting the D-1. Look at the thread I created on A'gon and/or look here. imersiv D-1 DAC (HDR-A) | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org There are more folks on Head-Fi that will be demoing this DAC. Though 2-channel speakers are where this DAC just blows everything else up. Since I have tuners and another DAC for SACD's, I use a preamp to go into the RCA of my CODA #16 amp. The D-1 DAC has to go into the XLR input on an amp. My CODA amp has a switch to toggle RCA/XLR Send me DM if you want more info on this. |
@jc51373, yes, transparency has its +s and -s and the tube warmth is definitely missing. In the end I went for the detail but I appreciate the difference. @yyzsantabarbara Boss I am an impecunious professor. I did try the LA4 at some point, not for me. Though at some point I will try your other suggestions. I have the 891 with the 761 on another system at home, so more of the same, but better (?). I will check out the imersiv D-1 DAC if I can. (BTW, given my bias for transparency and detail over warmth, fiber made a significant difference to my --- limited --- audio life. Thanks!) |
@jc51373 You should have a listen to a 20-year-old CODA #11 (eBay) or the new CODA #16. Both are incredibly powerful but also Class A on the first 100 watts. I use both in 2 systems and they can be used with very high sensitivity speakers (similar to the quiet Benchmark AHB2 or Moon 761/861) or very low sensitivity speakers like Maggies. Super quiet, finesse, and tremendous power. I actually use the older #11 on my very best speakers. I got that one used for $2400. It is a keeper. |
