Moon 761 -> 861 upgrade but keeping the 791 preamp/streamer

@debrajray 

I love the 791 + 761 combo, especially given how clean and detailed it sounds.

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

Audiogon Discussion Forum

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!)

@yyzsantabarbara ​​@debrajray 

My reason for looking to changing my amplifier is not for more resolution, I get that in spades with my cart and phono stage...It's to open up doors for me with speaker choices since the Sugden (or any pure class A) amp is limiting in that regard

@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.

Thanks but no thanks...I alreaady have a Class A amp and I've heard CODA, Sugden was better to my ear.