MOON 260D CD Transport with optional DAC

MOON 260D CD Transport with Optional 32-bit DAC

The MOON 260D is a high-performance CD transport built for listeners who still value reference-quality disc playback, but also want a modern digital hub. Its proprietary MOON CD drive (with in-house hardware/software) is mounted on the M-Quattro gel-based 4-point floating suspension, helping reduce vibration so low-level detail, soundstage depth, and timing remain intact. For maximum flexibility, the 260D can be configured as a transport-only solution, or upgraded with an optional 32-bit asynchronous DAC that turns it into a full CD player/DAC combination—ideal for adding premium conversion later without replacing the unit.

With the DAC installed, the 260D becomes a versatile centerpiece for multiple sources thanks to its digital inputs and refined analog output stage (including a DC servo circuit and proprietary analog filtering). Digital outputs include S/PDIF and AES/EBU, and the transport supports MQA pass-through, sending the MQA data stream to an external MQA-certified DAC for decoding. It also includes integration-friendly control features like RS-232, SimLink™, and an IR input, plus the full-function CRM-3 remote.

What It's Good At:

• Delivering clean, stable, low-jitter CD playback with strong imaging and natural detail
• Reducing vibration artifacts via the M-Quattro floating suspension CD mechanism
• Serving as a high-end digital hub (with optional DAC) for additional sources through onboard digital inputs
• Feeding premium external DACs with AES/EBU or S/PDIF, including MQA pass-through capability
• Offering a smart upgrade path: start as a transport, add the 32-bit DAC later
• Integrating easily into custom systems via RS-232, SimLink™, and IR control input

MOON 260D Full Specifications:

• Product type: CD Transport with optional 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)
• CD drive: Proprietary MOON CD drive system with in-house developed hardware & software
• Vibration control: M-Quattro gel-based 4-point floating suspension for vibration damping
• Chassis: Rigid chassis construction to minimize effects of external vibrations
• Power supply: Oversized power supply with up to 13 stages of voltage regulation (5 for Transport, 8 for DAC)
• MQA: MQA pass-through via digital output (external MQA DAC required for decoding)
• Configuration: Single-Ended
• Digital outputs (2): S/PDIF (RCA), AES/EBU (XLR)
• Optional 32-bit DAC: 32-bit (asynchronous)
• Digital inputs (3, with DAC): 2× S/PDIF (RCA) + 1× Optical TosLink
• Frequency response (full range): 2Hz – 100kHz, +0/-3dB
• THD @ 1kHz, 0dBFS (A-weighted): 0.005%
• Intermodulation distortion: 0.005%
• Dynamic range: 120dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 120dB @ full output
• Channel separation: 116dB
• Intrinsic jitter: 1 picosecond RMS
• Analog outputs (Balanced / Single-ended): 1 pair XLR / 1 pair RCA
• Analog output impedance (XLR / RCA): 75Ω
• Analog output @ 0dBFS (XLR / RCA): 2.0V
• PCM bit-depth range / sampling frequency: 16–24 bits / 44.1–192kHz
• Analog design notes: DC servo circuit and proprietary analog filter
• Remote control: Full-function CRM-3 (Philips RC-5 protocol)
• RS-232: Bi-directional control/status + firmware update capability
• SimLink™: In/Out (1/8” mini jacks)
• IR input: 1/8” mini-jack input
• Power consumption (standby): 0.5W
• AC power requirements: 120V / 60Hz or 240V / 50Hz
• Shipping weight: 16 lb / 7.5 kg
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 16.9 × 3.4 × 13.1 in (42.9 × 8.6 × 33.3 cm)
• Balanced XLR pin assignment: Pin 1 Ground; Pin 2 Positive; Pin 3 Negative
• Fuses: F1 (120V: 0.2A slow blow 5×20mm; 230V: 0.1A slow blow 5×20mm); F2 (all: 0.5A slow blow 5×20mm)
• In the box: AC power cable; CRM-3 remote + 2× CR-2032 batteries; SimLink™ cable; owner’s manual; warranty/registration info (USA/Canada only)
• Comparison chart note: A MOON DAC comparison chart lists USB input for the 260D as “PCM 24/192”; current 260D DAC documentation specifies 3 digital inputs (2× coax + 1× TosLink).

MOON 260D Q&A:

Does the MOON 260D include a DAC by default?

No. The 260D is a CD transport that can be purchased as transport-only, and the 32-bit DAC is an optional add-on that can be installed later.

What digital outputs does the 260D provide for connecting to an external DAC?

It includes two digital outputs: S/PDIF (RCA) and AES/EBU (XLR) for high-quality digital connection options.

Does the 260D decode MQA discs internally?

The 260D supports MQA pass-through, meaning it outputs the MQA data stream so an MQA-certified external DAC can decode it.

What inputs are available when the optional DAC is installed?

With the optional DAC, you get three digital inputs: 2× coaxial S/PDIF (RCA) and 1× optical TosLink to connect additional digital sources.

Can the 260D function as a standalone DAC for other sources?

Yes—when equipped with the optional DAC, the 260D can convert audio from its digital inputs and output through its RCA and XLR analog outputs.

What makes the 260D’s disc playback performance so stable and detailed?

Its proprietary CD drive is mounted on the M-Quattro gel-based floating suspension, which helps reduce vibration and preserves timing, space, and micro-detail.

Is the 260D easy to integrate into a custom or multi-room control system?

Yes. It includes RS-232 (control/status + firmware updates), SimLink™ in/out, and an IR input for flexible control integration.

What accessories are included in the box?

You’ll receive an AC power cable, CRM-3 remote with batteries, a SimLink™ cable, the owner’s manual, and warranty/registration info (USA/Canada only).

MOON 260D Downloads:

MOON 260D Manual
MOON 260D Comparison Chart