Moon ‘Compass’ 371: First Look

BLOG
Alan Sircom
Sep 30, 2025

Moon by Simaudio’s recent success with its six-strong ‘North’ Collection demonstrates the Canadian brand’s strong position in the high-end market. But, when it comes to Moon’s more affordable 300 series, the line could do with a bit of a refresh. ‘Compass’ will gradually replace the existing 300 line, and, as the name suggests, it points… North. The 371 Network Player/Amplifier/streamer/phono stage/vibrating bread maker* is the first in this new line, and Moon decided to hit the ground running!

A select group of U.S., Canadian, U.K., and European journalists was invited to Moon’s factory, located just outside Montreal. This was intended to provide hands-on experience with the introduction to the new product, offer more background information on the Compass project, and provide an opportunity to visit the company’s impressive factory. That last will be the subject of one of our upcoming ‘Meet Your Maker’ features, but suffice it to say that – except for anodising or hand-rearing capacitors in a nearby farm – the company designs, builds, tests, and assembles everything on site. That’s impressive enough in its own right.

More than Ace

I’ll be honest. I expected a new ‘Ace’. Moon’s Network Player/Amplifier system was launched eight years ago and proved to be one of the stalwarts of modern audio system building. And, at a surface level, the 371 could be mistaken for ‘Ace II’. After all, it has a built-in MM/MC phono stage, a useful streaming DAC function, and shares the Ace’s ‘just add speakers’ ease of installation and use. However, if we were being picky about the original Ace, it wasn’t a powerhouse; while it was—and, for those who have one, remains—an excellent introduction to 21st-century audio, it could get a little rough around the edges when pushed.

The 371 is a distinctly different proposition, drawing on the technology from the North Collection, particularly the 641 integrated amplifier and 681 network player/DAC. Like the 641, the 371’s core design emphasises the importance of placing the gain adjustment precisely in the right place in the circuit. It doesn’t feature the BRM-1 remote control of the North Collection as standard, but the 371 is fully compatible with that clever control, and it will be independently available as an upgrade.

Many boxes in one

Journalists have a habit of reducing complex technology to an oversimplified ‘elevator pitch’. Years of painstaking R&D are condensed into a sentence or two. And at first glance, the need to slam everything together into the shortest possible space is irresistible. So, think of the Moon 371 as the company’s 390 preamp (with elements of the 891 network player/DAC and something between the 110LP and 310LP phono stage) with a 330A power amplifier, all designed to work in a single box. As with any oversimplification, there’s a lot wrong with this pithy description. For example, the phono stage features a simple MM or MC setting, lacking the loading adjustments of standalone models; however, it incorporates many of the high-performance circuit design elements found in these models.

Much of the sonic performance, too. We were given an extensive listening session, both ‘directed’ and using our own tracks from Qobuz. The system in Moon’s larger listening room comprised 371 (naturally), streaming using Moon’s own MiND 2 app running a NAS drive on the server and Qobuz Connect. The turntable was a Technics SL-1200G with an undisclosed (in all honesty, my handwriting went a little ‘doctor’ at that point) cartridge and the loudspeakers were Dynaudio Contour Legacy floorstanders, with Cardas Clear cable.

The 371 had more than enough drive to power those Dynaudios in a fairly large, sonically quite dead room. The easy-sounding character of the loudspeakers was never challenged, even when pushed musically and at volume. That’s the sure sign of a good and powerful amplifier. Meanwhile, the streaming and vinyl performances were both first-rate. The phono section had remarkably quiet backgrounds, while the streamer and phono stages were both musically adept, similar in tonality and staging properties. The streamer was also quick to react to commands, even when the app was getting a lot of random button-mashing from a room full of journalists.

The first reaction to this was that I was very wrong about this being the Ace II. It sets a new high standard in performance, and as an integrated amplifier, it sounds more like separates than you might ever expect. It’s detailed, musical, gives out a fine soundstage and – given the deceptive amount of motive force needed to raise those Dynaudios to play loud in a very controlled room – has the potential to be extremely powerful. We look forward to seeing the product in for test soon.

*Vibrating bread-making option subject to non-availability.

From the Moon by Simaudio press releases:

Montreal, September 30, 2025 – Simaudio today launches the MOON 371, an innovative network player/amplifier delivering exceptional performance, versatility, and elegance. This new model seamlessly combines the capabilities of a premium amplifier, preamplifier, DAC, network player, and phono stage into a single, beautifully crafted enclosure. The MOON 371 is the entry point to MOON’s Compass Collection, setting a fresh benchmark for modern audio systems.

Refined connectivity. Equipped with MOON’s MiND 2 streaming platform, the MOON 371 offers effortless access to leading streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, and Spotify. It is fully compatible with Apple AirPlay, is Roon Ready, and supports Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect for seamless operation. An additional connectivity option is provided by Bluetooth.

Uncompromising vinyl playback. The MOON 371, equipped with an advanced built-in phono stage for both MM and MC cartridges, delivers precise analog reproduction. Drawing on the legacy of MOON’s award-winning phono stages, like the 810LP, it preserves the integrity and detail of every recording with impeccable accuracy.

Industry-leading technology. Drawn from MOON’s flagship North Collection, the proprietary MHP (MOON Hybrid Power supply) and MDCA (MOON Distortion Cancelling Amplifier) ensure superior performance. The MHP supply provides ultra-stable power to the circuitry, while the MDCA virtually eliminates distortion and improves linearity, delivering exceptionally clean, dynamic, and accurate sound reproduction.

Beautifully easy to use. A striking 17cm colour screen displays settings, album art and track details, while the sleek CRM-4 metal remote, designed specifically for the Compass Collection, ensures effortless control.

Exceptional construction. The MOON 371 is designed and handcrafted in Canada using only premium materials. Each unit undergoes rigorous quality control and is backed by MOON’s industry-leading 10-year warranty.

“The 371 represents the future of modern audio,” said MOON’s Chief Commercial Officer, Etienne Gautier. “This model embodies our commitment to redefining how we approach audio design. By listening closely to the valuable feedback of our customers and partners, we’ve developed a fresh approach to creating a MOON product. It delivers uncompromising performance and striking aesthetics in a single component, all at a price point that opens the door to premium audio for many music lovers for the first time.”

About The Compass Collection

In creating the Compass Collection, MOON took a fresh approach and philosophy to deliver uncompromising products that embrace leading-edge technology and advanced design, while showcasing the company’s unique, modern, and elegant Canadian identity.

The Compass Collection follows the North Collection, which was launched in 2023. The North Collection comprises the 641 Integrated Amplifier, 681 Network Player/DAC, 761 Power Amplifier, 791 Network Player/Preamplifier, 861 Power Amplifier, and the 891 Network Player/Preamplifier. In the hierarchy of MOON’s product ranges, the Compass Collection slots in just below the North Collection.

The new collection has been named Compass to symbolize its role as a guide to reaching high-end hi-fi performance. Its iconic logo clearly illustrates that it will point the owner in the right direction. Indeed, the Compass Collection could serve as the entry point into the world of high-end audio for some of MOON’s customers. Additionally, with this name, Compass is the perfect stablemate for the North Collection.

Many of the models in the Compass Collection will feature technologies from the award-winning North Collection. The 371 is equipped with the proprietary MHP (MOON Hybrid Power) supply and MDCA (MOON Distortion Cancelling Amplifier) at its core. The MHP supply provides ultra-stable power to the circuitry, while the MDCA virtually eliminates distortion and improves linearity, delivering exceptionally clean, dynamic, and accurate sound reproduction. Previously, the MHP supply has been used in the North Collection’s network player/amplifiers. The 371 is the very first MOON amplifier to feature this remarkable technology.

Each model can be operated via controls on the front fascia (colour screen where appropriate), the MOON MiND app, or the stylish CRM-4 aluminium infrared remote, designed specifically for the Compass Collection. Alternatively, the MOON BRM-1 from the North Collection, featuring its own full-colour screen and exquisite volume control, can be purchased for use with the 371.

The Compass Collection features premium construction, exceptional styling, and functionality, ensuring performance that will satisfy the owner for many years. This is reflected in MOON’s industry-leading 10-year warranty.