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.
MOON products include a standard warranty and may qualify for extended coverage of up to 10 years, subject to product registration, territory, and applicable warranty conditions.
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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power
- 150 W/ch into 8 Ω (stereo)
- 300 W/ch into 4 Ω (stereo)
- 450 W into 8 Ω (bridged mono)
Electrical
- Input sensitivity: 1 V
- Input impedance: 22 kΩ
- Gain: 31 dB
- Frequency response: 5 Hz – 100 kHz (+0 / –3 dB)
Measured Performance
- THD+N @ 1 W: 0.005%
- THD+N @ 150 W: 0.003%
- Intermodulation distortion: 0.005%
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 114 dB
- Crosstalk: –114 dB
- Damping factor: 425
Design Features
- MDCA (MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier)
- No global feedback design
- Proprietary MOON output transistors
- Dual-mono internal architecture
- Two proprietary MOON Hybrid Power (MHP) supply modules (one per channel)
- Stereo / Bridged Mono / Bi-Amping Mono modes
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs
- MOONLink (dual Ethernet ports)
- USB service port
Power Consumption
- Idle: 35 W
- Full-power standby: 34 W
- Low-power standby: 1 W
Physical
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 42.9 × 8.7 × 36.8 cm (16.9 × 3.5 × 14.5 in)
- Shipping weight: 11 kg (24 lb)
