MOON 891 Network Player / Preamplifier

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or another apparatus that generate heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for safety. If the provided plug does not fit into the outlet, consult an electrician to replace the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Unplug mains cord during transportation.
11. Only use attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. The apparatus is heavy and requires two people to lift it. Exercise caution when maneuvering.
13. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip over.
14. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
15. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as when the power cord has been damaged; liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus; or the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
16. No naked flame sources, such as candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

⚠ CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Marking by the "CE" symbol indicates compliance of this device with the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the European Community.

Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE): This equipment must be sent to a separate collection facility for the recovery and recycling of electrical and electronic waste wherever dedicated facilities exist. WEEE regulations aim to contribute to sustainable production and consumption, addressing environmental and other issues caused by the growing number of discarded electronics. The symbol for the separate collection of electrical and electronic equipment indicates that this product should not be discarded as unsorted waste.

FCC Compliance and Other Information

This device is equipped with the MiND Music Streamer module. This device contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: 2AJYB-S810. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference; and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses.

Apple, AirPlay, iPad, iPhone, and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Use of the Works with Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.

MQA technology requires less network bandwidth to stream high-quality audio files. This product implements the technology under license from MQA Limited. For more information about MQA, please visit: mqa.co.uk.

1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains, use the rocker switch on the rear panel or disconnect the power supply cable from the AC receptacle.

2. The unit must be terminated with a three-conductor AC mains power cord, which includes an earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used. Connect the unit only to an AC source of the proper voltage; both the shipping box and rear panel serial number label will indicate the correct voltage. Use of any other voltage will likely damage the unit and void the warranty.

3. ALWAYS connect the unit only to an AC source of the appropriate voltage. Both the shipping box and rear panel serial number label indicate the correct voltage. Incorrect voltage could damage the unit and void the warranty.

4. AC extension cords are NOT recommended for use with this product. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily accessible.

5. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.

6. NEVER operate the unit with any covers removed. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. An open unit, especially if it is still connected to an AC source, presents a potentially lethal shock hazard. Refer all questions to authorized service personnel only.

7. NEVER wet the inside of the unit with any liquid. If a liquid substance does enter your unit, immediately disconnect it from the AC mains and take it to your MOON Partner for a complete check-up.

8. NEVER spill or pour liquids directly onto the unit.

9. NEVER block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks.

10. NEVER bypass any fuse.

11. NEVER replace a fuse with a value or type other than those specified.

12. NEVER attempt to repair the unit. If a problem occurs, contact a MOON Partner.

13. NEVER expose the unit to extremely high or low temperatures.

14. NEVER operate the unit in an explosive atmosphere.

15. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.

16. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.

17. WARNING: Do not expose batteries or battery pack to excessive heat such as sunshine, or fire or the like.

Explore New Frontiers

The landmark North Collection represents the culmination of years of research and development in the fields of audio, electronics, materials, and manufacturing processes. Its exciting new look is surpassed only by improvements in performance made possible by the passionate team of Simaudio engineers and technicians dedicated to delivering an uncompromised music listening experience. With the purchase of this MOON product, you join an elite group of music lovers around the world who expect the absolute best performance and build quality from products in any class.

Get ready for the performance of a lifetime.

Before Getting Started

Carefully remove the unit from its packaging. Visually inspect it, and in the case of damage, report it to your MOON Retailer immediately.

The packaging materials were designed to protect this product while in transit. Store these materials in a dry location for the duration of the warranty period.

The information contained in this Manual is subject to change without notice. The most recent version is available at simaudio.com/guides-downloads.

What's Included

• Quick Start Guides (2)
• MOON BRM-1 Remote Control
• Power Cable
• Wi-Fi Antennas (2)
• Ethernet Cable
• USB Cable
• Warranty Registration Card (Canada & USA only)

Note the serial number of your MOON 891 for future reference.

MOON Damping Base

The MOON 891 features the MDB, a mechanical decoupling system designed to suppress parasitic vibrations that cause microphonics in audio electronic circuits.

The MDB is secured in place before leaving the factory. Follow these steps to unlock it and to permit the system to move freely...

1. Lay the unit upside down on a cushion, sofa, or carpet.
2. Remove the three transport screws indicated in red with their rubber gaskets. Screw them into the holes indicated in green for storage.
3. Slowly, turn the unit upright.

An illustration shows the MOON 891 unit placed upside down on a soft surface. Three red circles highlight transport screws. Three green circles indicate corresponding holes where these screws should be stored. An arrow indicates the unit is then turned upright.

Always return the transport screws to their original locations to secure the floating electronics when transporting or shipping the unit.

Install Your MOON 891

Consider the location and environment of the device carefully. Set it upon an open, stable, and flat surface. The device requires sufficient space above and around it to adequately disperse the heat it generates. Maintain a minimum gap of 5 cm (2") around the sides and 10 cm (4") above of the unit to enable airflow. When stacking multiple units, install MOON Bridges (sold separately) between them.

The performance of this device will continue to improve during the first 100 hours of listening.

Get to Know Your MOON 891

Front Panel

Standby toggles the device between active and inactive modes when the device is powered on.

Mute cuts and restores the audio signal to all outputs. Adjusting the volume also restores muted audio.

Input scrolls ◀ and ▶ through available inputs.

Display provides useful feedback about the state of the device. It identifies the active input and volume of the preamplifier and the sample rate of the DAC. On the MiND input, it can identify the stream. It also serves as the visual interface for the configuration menu.

Setup accesses the extensive configuration menu to personalize the device.

Navigating the Menu

• Use the volume knob to scroll through the options.
• Use OK to confirm a selection or Setup to cancel it.

OK selects or confirms on-screen prompts.

Rotary Knob Functionality

The rotary knob adjusts volume and interfaces with the configuration menu.

• Rotating the knob adjusts the volume in 1.0 dB increments between 0 and 20, and in 0.5 dB increments between 20 and 80.
• The knob also navigates the interface for the configuration menu.

Rear Panel

Diagram of the rear panel showing various input and output connectors.

Audio

Digital Inputs

• AES-EBU: balanced (XLR) connection for two-channel digital PCM source devices.
• SPDIF: coaxial (RCA) connections for two-channel digital PCM source devices.
• OPTICAL: optical (TOSLINK) connections for two-channel digital PCM source devices.
• USB AUDIO: USB (type-B) connection for two-channel computer source devices with audio encoded as PCM, MQA, or DSD. Note: Windows requires a driver available at simaudio.com for full compatibility. It is not necessary for macOS.
• HDMI ARC: HDMI (2.0b) connection for PCM audio input from an ARC-enabled TV.

Analog Inputs

• Phono / A1: single-ended (RCA) connections.
  • A1 for line-level analog source devices.
  • Phono for configurable RIAA stage accommodating moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) phono cartridges.
  • GND for terminal to ground a tonearm.
• A2: single-ended (RCA) connections for unbalanced line-level analog source devices.
• BALANCED: differential (XLR) connections for balanced analog line-level source devices.

Analog Outputs

Each pair of analog outputs may be configured independently as a Variable-volume output for use as a preamplifier or as a Fixed-volume output for use with a device with its own volume control (like an integrated amplifier).

When both pairs of outputs are set to Fixed, volume commands are relayed to the next MOONLink device in the signal chain.

Caution: The fixed volume level is extremely high! Before setting the analog output of this device to Fixed, lower the volume of the preamp or integrated amp to which it is connected.

Multiroom

The MiND Controller mobile app includes a feature to join multiple MiND 2 Zones together to play audio as a cohesive system. In addition to streaming audio via the MiND 2, this device may also share audio from any of its inputs with the other multiroom devices.

• Original mode maintains the original signal through this device while digitally sharing a digitized audio signal with other multiroom devices on the network.
• Synchronized mode forces all the multiroom devices to share one synchronized digital audio signal.

Bluetooth Audio

Devices may connect to this device to transmit their audio via Bluetooth to play through this device. Before connecting for the first time, the two devices must be paired to each other.

• Pair makes the device visible to nearby devices in pairing mode for up to 30 seconds.
• Disconnect an audio source when it should no longer transmit through this device.

Functionality

Remote Control

This unit may link with up to two BRM-1 remote control units at a time.

• Link Remote searches for a nearby MOON BRM-1 remote control, displaying its unique ID on both devices and permitting them to be associated.
• Unlink Remote displays associated BRM-1 units permitting them to be disassociated from this device.
• Information displays useful details about the associated BRM-1 units.

Refer to the separate Guide included with the BRM-1 for more information.

MOONLink

MOONLink technology makes MOON products more intelligent. A single button press can trigger automated behaviours and simultaneously operate multiple devices over a network in a symbiotic MOONLink Group. MOONLink simultaneously toggles Standby and can adjust display brightness for all devices in the Group, while enabling volume control and automatic input selection of specific devices in the Group.

• MOONLink Group permits the customization of a Group. A MOONLink Group should include no more than one preamplifier.
  • Name identifies a device within the Group.
  • Group ID assigns a Group number to a Device. Assigning the same ID to other devices joins them together as a Group.
  • Status lists information about the device.
  • Reset the name and ID to their default values to remove a device from a Group.
  • Firmware verifies the firmware of the selected device and updates it when necessary.
• Available Devices lists devices on the network that could be added to a Group.
• MOONLink with Wi-Fi permits devices to form a MOONLink Group while one device is connected to a wireless network (Wi-Fi). Since connecting an Ethernet cable to this device normally disables its Wi-Fi connection, MOONLink with Wi-Fi enables the device to remain simultaneously connected to a Wi-Fi and hard-wired to MOONLink-compatible amplifiers. This device must be configured for the Wi-Fi before enabling MOONLink with Wi-Fi. Once enabled, only connect devices with MOONLink functionality to the Ethernet ports on this device. A MOONLink Group should include no more than one preamplifier.

Holding the Standby button on the front panel for two seconds automatically toggles Standby mode on all the devices in the MOONLink Group.

Display

Display On

The display may be disabled so that only user interaction temporarily activates the display.

Brightness

• The display brightness is variable and may be customized.
• Brightness Level is a value from 0% to 100%.
• Adaptive Brightness uses sensors to adjust automatically to ambient lighting in the environment.
• MOONLink Brightness Sync duplicates the brightness adjustments of this device on other devices in the MOONLink Group.

Background Image

This device displays a pre-defined background image or none at all.

Screen Saver

Two screen saver styles are available, which may also be disabled.

• Mode determines what triggers the screen saver.
  • One mode activates the screen saver after 20 minutes of silence.
  • One mode activates the screen saver after 20 minutes of inactivity.
• Style sets the automatic screen saver to display a blank screen or a floating MOON logo.

Volume Settings

The highest volume setting of the preamp is 80.

• Startup Volume sets a default initial volume level.
• Maximum Volume level sets an upper threshold to prevent accidents.
• Volume Steps selects whether the volume level changes in increments of 0.5 dB (default) or 0.1 dB when the volume level is above 20.0.

Standby Settings

• Full Power keeps most of the electronics powered up while in Standby.
• Low Power powers down most of the electronics while in Standby.
• Auto-Standby engages Low Power Standby after 20 minutes of inactivity.

Firmware

Certain hardware components in this device require firmware to function.

• Versions displays the various firmware versions currently installed.
• Update begins the procedure of verifying and, if necessary, updating the firmware with on-screen guide prompts.

Information

Device information, including its serial number, and certifications are displayed for referencing.

Reset

The Reset procedure reverses all customizations (including input configurations) to factory default settings. It does not revert the firmware to an earlier version.

Enjoy Your MOON 891

MiND Controller

State-of-the-art MiND (MOON intelligent Network Device) technology brings together digital music libraries, which continue to increase in size and number, in a sophisticated and intuitive app, adding greater possibilities for the future of music playback. The MOON MiND Controller provides users one clever app to consolidate their music libraries and to control a MOON audio system.

The MiND Controller enables users to stream music from several online services and local network servers, update MOON products automatically, and synchronize playback across devices in multiple Zones simultaneously. The app even makes it easy to mix files from different services into a single coherent playlist. In addition to typical streaming functions, the MiND Controller can toggle Standby, switch inputs, and even control the volume of MOON products anywhere in the home. Only the MiND Controller merges all these features in one straightforward app.

For more information about MOON and MiND, please visit simaudio.com.

Roon Ready

This is a Roon Ready product. Roon enables users to select and play files through the MiND and to control the volume of the preamp using Roon software instead of the MiND Controller.

For more information about Roon, please visit roonlabs.com.

TIDAL Connect

TIDAL Connect enables users to select and play files through the MiND using the native TIDAL app instead of the MiND Controller.

For more information about TIDAL Connect, please visit tidal.com/connect.

Spotify Connect

Use your phone, tablet, or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Go to spotify.com/connect to learn how.

AirPlay

AirPlay is an Apple technology to control audio systems and speakers anywhere on your network with the tap of an iPhone or iPad, or by asking Siri.

This device supports AirPlay, which requires iOS 11.4 or later. AirPlay enables compatible Apple devices to stream audio to the network player, to pause, play, and skip forward or backward, and to control the volume of the preamp from within a wide range of apps like Apple Music and YouTube Music.

App Store availability: Download on the App Store

Google Play availability: GET IT ON Google Play

Apple AirPlay compatibility: Works with Apple AirPlay

Technical

Digital Audio

The MOON 891 converts up to 32-bit PCM and MQA, as well as DSD.

USB Host

Specifications