Following the impressive showcase at Highend 2023 in Munich, I finally had the chance to listen to Moon/Simaudio's North collection at the OnOff store in Lisbon.
The listening session featured the exclusive Dali Kore speakers, known for their exceptional bass performance—a pair I was already acquainted with from a previous encounter in March (see here). Back then, the associated system comprised the Moon 780D V2 streamer and DAC (€17,900), Moon 850 P preamplifier (€36,900), and 888 monoblocks (€70,000 each). The demonstration was so impressive that it earned the prestigious Hificlube 2023 Award of the Year.
Pedro Henriques and I were even more impressed this time, despite the comparatively ‘modest’ setup. Perhaps because the Kore loudspeakers had meanwhile undergone proper burn-in, elevating their performance and now boasting even more power and class in the bass department. The Kore’s bass oozed power and articulation, as well as an impeccable sense of rhythm, which you can experience in the 4K video below using high-quality headphones or a sound system to understand what I mean. Now imagine what the sound was like live at the OnOff store.
OnOff Auditorium: Moon North and Dali Kore Live in Concert
While the Kore speakers are full-range, the OnOff auditorium’s compact size can occasionally act as a straitjacket for standing waves, so the Kore couldn't show off their extended bandwidth. However, with careful track selection and volume control, we were treated to yet another extraordinary audiophile experience.
Paulo Cardoso took the stage to introduce the Moon's North Collection by Simaudio before inviting us to test drive this Ferrari of Audio. In this setup, two new North Collection units were used:
Moon North 791 Network Player/Preamplifier with BRM-1 intelligent remote
- Moon North 791 Network Player/Preamplifier
An analogue preamplifier that combines an MM/MC phono deck with an advanced Roon Ready streamer/DAC that is compatible with all available streaming services. It has a colour graphic display and fully balanced circuitry. The BRM-1 smart remote control is sold separately and costs an extra €1,000, but the 791 can be operated with an iPad or mobile phone running Roon.
For full specifications click here.
Moon North 761 Stereo Power Amplifier
- Moon North 761 Power Amplifier
A 200W stereo amplifier with exclusive MDCA circuitry in dual-mono configuration, without global feedback.
For full specifications click here.
Unique purchase terms
Although the North Collection is expensive, the build quality and resulting high-end sound justify the investment. Besides, Moon stands out with unique purchase terms:
A signed and sealed contract that guarantees a 100% return in the first year and a 75% return in the second year if upgrading to a higher-quality model in the same category supplements the 10-year warranty. This is a remarkable offer considering that many competing models are worth 30% less the moment they leave the shop, sometimes even less.
Note: More details of the Moon Trade-Up Reach Programme can be found in the attached pdf below.
Dali Kore: a work of Art
Special Audition
But none of this would matter if the Moon North failed to deliver on sound quality. We know that this is a very subjective area where personal taste and interests play a major role, so we explored a diverse range of musical genres:
From the enchanting Prelude to Bach's Suite for Violoncello in D major BWV 1007 by Jean-Guihen Queyras, with just the right balance between the vibration of the strings and the resonance of the 17th-century cello body built by Gioffredo Capa; to Vivaldi's Concerto for Three Violins, which features Anne-Sophie Mutter, Elias David Moncado, and Mohamed Hiber, supported by Mutter's Virtuosi, demonstrating the musicians' technical mastery and the complementary nature of the three violins' different timbres. Anne-Sophie Mutter gives a superb performance.
We also listened to an acoustic rendition of Bowie’s "The Man Who Sold the World" by Nirvana, performed live in New York. Kurt Cobain used a distortion pedal to play the iconic riff shortly before his untimely death, showcasing his unique voice and guitar skills.
For bluesy-jazz enthusiasts, I highly recommend "Nobody" by Cécile McLorin Salvant. Ask Cardoso to play it loud on this system, and you’ll be astounded by her voice and artistry.
Saving the best for last, I recorded two outstanding tracks 'live' to spotlight the remarkable qualities of Kore's bass. First up is "The Sound of Silence," sung by David Radcliff, a Johnny Cash impersonator. His bass voice, timbre, and diction are extraordinary.
The second song is called "Dark Day" by Blues Company, a German band that can hold its own against many American bands. Pay attention to the groovy bass line played on Mike Titre's Fender Precision, which provides a rhythmic foundation for Toscho's voice and guitar to develop the melody. The dynamic variations will keep the listener engaged all the way to the end. It's truly fabulous!
Go North for less
OnOff's Auditorium 2 also showcased the most 'affordable' models in the North collection, including a pair of Dali Epicon 6 speakers (€11,900) with a classy finish. For example:
On the shelf, alongside the golden 40th Anniversary models I've already shown you here and a delicious Naim Nait 50th Anniversary (review here), were the following models from the North collection in active demonstration:
Go North for Less: Dali Epicon 6 speakers (€11,900), 691 Integrated Amplifier (€12,500), 681 Network Player DAC (€12,500)
691 Integrated Amplifier (€12,500)
125 W (8 Ohm) integrated preamplifier and amplifier, with colour graphic display, MDCA (Moon Noise Cancelling Amplifier) technology. For full specifications click here. https://simaudio.com/en/product/641-integrated-amplifier/
681 Network Player DAC (€12,500)
The digital complement to the 691 integrated amplifier with 4.3" colour graphic display.
For full specifications click here.
For further information, please contact: