Up to about five watts, the two power amplifiers operate in Class A. By the way, „Standby“ on the Moon actually means that the amplifier remains „in its core“ ready for operation, which is intentional, because the sound is better. If, however, you don‘t use it for a long time, you can also switch it off „hard“ on the rear.
Nevertheless, during the three-week test cycle sound literally got better with every hour and every day on the grid. This should not be neglected. If the amp has been disconnected from the mains for a longer period of time, it is best to allow it some „warm-up“ time. By the way, this is not uncommon with high-quality devices. Capacitors have to line up, the optimum operating temperature and the corresponding operating points for top sound have to be found.
The whole thing seems well tailored and is technically very clever, in parts solved by traditional means but in a modern and noble dress, which I personally find on the one hand calming and on the other hand absolutely stunning. Of course, the 530 level volume control from the 850P preamp runs via MDACs with a resistor network, and the signal isn‘t degraded regardless of the setting. This can be seen extremely well and similarly with other top amplifiers (for example of Japanese provenance), of course, then, with much more marketing about it.
There is also a home cinema mode, and name, sensitivity and maximum volume are configurable for each input (M-Lock), which is really a great feature if you got some teenagers in the house.
Obviously short signal paths and perfect grounding thanks to four-layer copper circuit boards should result in exceptionally good freedom from interference.
The red, dimmable and switchable display is easy to read even from greater distances and even with poorer eyesight. The distinctive remote control is a well thought-out, congenial addition. Valuable virtues from the good old days can also be found haptically, as, after all, great amplifiers were, with a few exceptions, always as heavy as lead – and this one weighs almost 55 pounds. The solid, large volume control knob also inspires confidence – an impression that is reinforced when using it.
Passion and energy
An excellent old-school integrated amplifier. No bells and whistles, but a purely analog Class A/B sound machine with a signal path that does what it‘s supposed to do with outstanding elegance and musicality. While the 600i already set a high standard, the V2, modified in details in power supply and preamplifier, surpasses it once again. It plays absolutely effortlessly and dissolves details very finely without disrupting the whole – pure finesse. In addition, it has plenty of power, which it can transform into physical pressure.