MOON 850P – Reference Dual-Mono Preamplifier in Two-Chassis Design

With the MOON 850P, MOON consistently applies the principle of separation to analog preamplification: control, power supply, and audio circuitry are divided into two separate chassis. The result is a reference preamplifier that takes full control between source devices and power amplifier – for demanding music and home cinema systems alike.

What makes the MOON 850P special

• Two separate chassis – Power supply, control, software processing, and LED display are fully outsourced to a dedicated controller chassis. The second chassis is exclusively reserved for the audio circuitry.

  
  

• Dual-mono construction – Both channels operate completely independently. The MOON 850P is thus clearly designed for high-quality two-channel systems.

  
  

• M-Octave Damping System – The main board of the audio circuit is vibration-damped at eight points, protecting it from microphonic effects caused by airborne vibrations.

  
  

• M-Ray Volume Control – The fully discrete R-2R architecture allows for 530 precise volume steps for exact level adjustment in daily listening.

  
  

• Configurable line inputs – Naming, maximum level, level offset, bypass function, and activation status can be individually defined for each line input.

System role and application

The MOON 850P forms the analog heart before a separate power amplifier. It is designed for high-quality stereo systems but can also be seamlessly integrated into music or home cinema systems.

For those who want to manage multiple analog sources, level them cleanly, and comfortably pass them to a power amplifier, the 850P is the right solution. For home cinema applications, the volume control can be deactivated per line input.

Construction and signal processing

The physical separation of audio circuitry and everything else – power supply, digital control, software processing, display – is the guiding design principle of the 850P. The audio chassis contains exclusively audio circuits.

The power supply is built on a dual-mono principle and features a six-stage DC voltage regulation as well as i2DCf Independent Inductive DC Filtering. Each IC in the signal path has its own inductor.

Operation and setup

Setup is done directly on the device. In the setup menu, inputs can be named, deactivated, provided with a maximum level, or adjusted to the output levels of different sources via the Gain Offset in the range of ±10 dB – for more uniform and clearer operation of complex systems.

The included FRM-3 remote control covers all essential functions: standby, input selection, mute, volume, balance, display, and monitor loop. The illuminated buttons offer three brightness levels for the backlight.

Integration with MOON components

Via SimLink, the MOON 850P communicates with compatible components of the MOON Evolution Series.

With a corresponding SimLink connection, the MiND App can directly control the 850P – including volume, mute, standby, and automatic input switching. Streaming functionality is provided by the integrated MOON components, not by the 850P itself.

The two 12-volt trigger outputs automatically switch on connected devices as soon as the corresponding input on the 850P is selected.

Connections and analog connections

The MOON 850P is consistently designed for analog signal routing – with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections.

A monitor loop is available for recording devices or external signal processors, allowing for listening to recordings or integrating a processor into the signal path.

Placement and practical use

Due to its considerable weight, the MOON 850P requires a stable, level surface. Heat sources in the immediate vicinity and poorly ventilated cabinets should be avoided.

Both chassis stand on height-adjustable feet. The cones are fixed and remain on the device.

Pros and cons at a glance

The MOON 850P is ideal for:

• high-quality analog stereo systems with a separate power amplifier.

  
  

• music and home cinema systems where an analog preamplifier should take on the central control role.

  
  

• systems with multiple analog sources that need to be individually named, leveled, or deactivated if necessary.

  
  

• MOON systems with SimLink, MiND App control, or 12-volt trigger utilization.

  
  

What you should know about the MOON 850P before purchasing:

• The MOON 850P is a pure preamplifier – a separate power amplifier is mandatory.

  
  

• The two-chassis construction and high total weight require a stable and well-ventilated setup location.

  
  

Conclusion

The MOON 850P is the right preamplifier for systems where precise signal routing, deep configurability, and thoughtful system integration tolerate no compromises. It is particularly at home in high-quality setups with a separate power amplifier and multiple analog sources.

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