Tech Talk: Dominique Poupart of MOON

Canadian manufacturer Simaudio is best known for its range of audio electronics called MOON. A few years ago, the higher-end MOON range was transformed by the technologies that went into its North Collection, which is transforming the company’s 600, 700, and 800 high-end product lines.. 

We spoke with Dominique Poupart, Product Director about his role in the company, the 371’s development and more…

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Dominique Poupart, and I am the Product Director for MOON. I recently marked 25 years with the company. My journey started during my final year of engineering at Polytechnique Montréal, where I completed my degree project with Simaudio. Shortly afterwards, I officially joined the R&D team and began working on product development.

Over time, I advanced from engineer to team leader, then to product manager, and now I am a Product Director. Today, I have one foot firmly in R&D and the other in marketing, with my focus on shaping the future. I remain deeply involved in the details of product development, guiding and mentoring the team, while working closely with marketing to define future products, features, and the overall lineup. It’s a demanding role with significant responsibilities—but honestly, I believe I have the best job in the company!

What can you tell us about the new 371?

The MOON 371 isn’t just a new product; it’s the first chapter in our Compass Collection, a line that will grow with exciting new models in the coming years. This made the project particularly meaningful: we weren’t just engineering a component but also shaping the design language for an entire collection. Our mission was clear—preserve the MOON DNA that enthusiasts cherish, while refreshing and elevating it for a new era. 

What challenges did you face?

Many components required manufacturing techniques we had never employed before. A notable example is the top cover: instead of machining or laser cutting, we chose moulding. This enabled us to produce elegant louver-style ventilation openings and seamlessly integrate the MOON logo—a decision driven by aesthetics and refinement. Naturally, new processes introduce new obstacles, and we addressed each one to achieve the finish we envisioned.

One tough challenge arose late in the cycle with the front panel and its colour display. These components are sourced externally, and we encountered issues with consistency and cosmetic quality. Rather than compromise, our engineering, purchasing, and quality teams collaborated to identify alternatives, run accelerated tests, and validate every detail. Ultimately, we transitioned to a supplier who met our exacting standards, ensuring the product delivered the quality our customers expect—without delaying the launch.

How long did it take? 

Officially, development work on the MOON 371 began right after we finished designing the last model in the North Collection. In reality, the story is a bit more complicated. Some elements had been in progress long before that, such as our MHP (MOON Hybrid Power) power supply for the amplifier, which had already been years in development when we started work on the 371. This overlap reflects our approach to innovation: laying the groundwork for future products well in advance, so that when a new model like the 371 appears, it benefits from technologies that have been refined over many years.

What went into the design of the 371?

We achieved this design by combining deep engineering expertise, many years of collective knowledge, and an unwavering attention to detail. At MOON, product development is a highly collaborative effort. It started with a clear vision: a modern audio amplifier that could serve as the centre of a complete Hi-Fi system—driving speakers directly—without the compromises that arise from cramming so many functions into a single chassis. 

For the 371, this involved integrating advanced technologies such as our MHP power supply for the amplifier and our proprietary MDCA (MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier) architecture to produce the purest, most accurate sound possible. However, technologies alone do not create excellence; they must be carefully engineered and seamlessly integrated within the system.

To achieve the performance we envisioned, we had to tackle the physical challenge of fitting everything into a single enclosure while isolating noise between key sections—power supplies, display, digital circuitry—and safeguarding the sensitive phono stage. Every subsystem needed to work in harmony. This required meticulous attention to geometry, the relative positioning of components, and precise tuning of every electrical parameter. Additionally, the fact that the MHP operates at frequencies well above the audio range is a significant advantage. Using a large toroidal power transformer in a typical linear power supply instead would have inevitably degraded noise performance.

At the same time, careful attention was given to effective passive ventilation, ensuring thermal balance for long-term reliability. After all, our ten-year warranty is not just a promise—it’s a design necessity. These considerations run alongside the primary goal: unblemished music reproduction. Extensive laboratory measurements and critical listening sessions guided every step, guaranteeing that performance was not only quantifiable but also deeply enjoyable.

The result is a masterfully engineered product where all these elements come together seamlessly, enabling the 371 to stand as a truly outstanding amplifier. That’s how we do it.

Why did you do it?

Nearly a decade ago, we launched the MOON ACE—an excellent integrated amplifier that set a new standard for versatility and performance at the time. It met the increasing demand for a modern solution that could serve as the heart of a complete Hi-Fi system without compromise.

Today, expectations have changed, and so have we. With the MOON 371, we are redefining what is achievable in this category. This new model is the outcome of years of research and innovation, drawing on the technological advancements and design philosophies developed for our flagship North Collection. 

The outcome is an integrated amplifier that surpasses expectations for its class—designed for audiophiles who demand the highest sound quality without the complexity of multiple components. The 371 is not merely an evolution; it is a bold statement of what modern Hi-Fi can accomplish. At MOON, our ultimate goal is simple yet profound: to bring listeners closer to the music they love, to create moments of pure emotion, and to ensure that every note resonates with truth and beauty for years to come. 

Read the review of the Moon 371 here

Contact details

Manufacturer

Simaudio

simaudio.com

More from Moon

Back to Home