An analog power amplifier engineered for accuracy, control, and flexible system configurations. As the most powerful model in the Compass Collection, the MOON 461 delivers low distortion, stable performance, and substantial output capability for demanding loudspeakers.
Performance and Reliability
The MOON 461 is engineered to deliver substantial power while preserving the integrity of the signal.
At its heart is MDCA, MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier, a proprietary architecture pioneered in the flagship North Collection. Designed to reduce distortion and improve linearity, MDCA helps the 461 reproduce the source signal with clarity, accuracy, and dynamic expression.
Two proprietary MOON Hybrid Power supply modules, one dedicated to each channel, provide stable, low-noise, high-current power to the amplifier. This dual-mono implementation supports channel separation, lowers crosstalk, and improves current delivery, especially with lower-impedance loudspeaker loads.
The 461 delivers 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 300 watts per channel into 4 ohms, and 450 watts in bridged mono mode into 8 ohms.
As with all MOON products, the 461 is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Experience and Design
The 461 is designed for systems that require both refinement and reserve power.
A rear-panel mode switch allows three amplifier configurations: Stereo, Bridged Mono, and Bi-Amping Mono. Stereo mode supports standard two-channel playback. Bridged Mono mode provides high-power single-channel output. Bi-Amping Mono mode allows separate amplification of a loudspeaker’s low and high frequency sections for greater system flexibility.
With its black chassis, bead-blasted aluminum cheeks available in black or silver, and clean architectural lines, the 461 carries the distinctive visual language of the Compass Collection. Its proportions are designed for elegant placement in racks, furniture, or dedicated listening spaces.
Sound
The MOON 461 is built to preserve musical structure, detail, and control under demanding conditions.
Its low-noise signal path, dual-mono architecture, and high-current power delivery are designed to maintain stability across a wide range of loudspeaker loads. Rather than imposing a sonic character, the 461 is intended to preserve transparency, dynamic expression, and composure from the quietest passages to more demanding musical peaks.
Paired with the MOON 491 network player / preamplifier, the 461 forms the highest-performing system in the Compass Collection.
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MDCA – MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier
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No Global Feedback Design
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MOON Transistors
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Dual-mono internal architecture
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Stereo / Bridged Mono / Bi-Amping Mono mode switch
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Two proprietary MOON Hybrid Power (MHP) supply modules, one dedicated to each channel
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MOONLink on dual-Ethernet port
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USB service port
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Bead-Blasted Aluminum Cheeks
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Output Power (Stereo 8 Ω)150 W
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Output Power (Stereo 4 Ω)300 W
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Output Power (Mono 8 Ω)450 W
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Input Sensitivity1 V
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Input Impedance22 kΩ
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Gain31 dB
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Frequency Response5 Hz – 100 kHz, +0 dB / -3 dB
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Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (@ 1 W)0.005%
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Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (@ 150 W)0.003%
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Intermodulation Distortion0.005%
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio114 dB
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Crosstalk-114 dB
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Damping Factor425
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Power Consumption (Idle)35 W
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Power Consumption (Full Power Standby)34 W
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Power Consumption (Low Power Standby)1 W
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Dimensions (width x height x depth)16.9x3.5x14.5 in / 42.9x8.7x36.8 cm
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Shipping Weight24 lbs / 11 kg
The following accessories should be included inside the box with your network player / amplifier:
- Quick start guide
- AC power cable
- 1 spare fast-blow fuse
- MOONLink
- Warranty and product registration information (USA and Canada only)