MOON 610LP Phono Preamplifier

MOON 610LP Phono Preamplifier

Built for serious vinyl systems, the MOON 610LP Phono Preamplifier delivers a remarkably “black” background and wide-open dynamics thanks to its dual-mono, fully balanced differential circuit topology—closely derived from the reference-grade MOON 810LP. With extensive cartridge optimization (64 impedance options, 16 capacitance settings, and 16 gain levels), it can be precisely matched to virtually any moving magnet or moving coil cartridge for maximum musical realism. A heavily engineered internal power supply, ultra-short signal path, and premium tight-tolerance components help reveal low-level detail, preserve transients, and keep noise out of the signal. Add balanced XLR connectivity, selectable RIAA/IEC equalization, 12V trigger control, and optional compatibility with the MOON 820S external power supply, and the 610LP becomes a high-end phono stage designed to extract everything your records have to offer. The Moon 610LP is part of ListenUp's MOON Phono Preamplifier Collection.

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What It's Good At:

• Producing a deep, quiet noise floor that makes detail, ambience, and decay easier to hear
• Dialing in exact cartridge matching with extensive impedance, capacitance, and gain options
• Delivering cleaner dynamics and separation via fully balanced, dual-mono differential circuitry
• Preserving speed and realism with a very short signal path and carefully optimized circuit layout
• Enhancing system integration with balanced XLR I/O and 12V trigger input/output
• Scaling performance even further with optional MOON 820S external power supply support

MOON 610LP Full Specifications:

• Configuration: Fully balanced differential, dual-mono
• Cartridge compatibility: Moving Magnet / Moving Coil
• Inputs (Balanced / Single-ended): 1 pair (XLR) / 1 pair (RCA)
• Outputs (Balanced / Single-ended): 1 pair (XLR) / 1 pair (RCA)
• Input impedance (adjustable): 64 settings from 12.1Ω to 47kΩ
• Input capacitance (adjustable): 16 settings from 0pF to 1120pF
• Gain level (adjustable): 16 settings from 40dB to 70dB
• Equalization curves: Selectable RIAA and IEC standards
• IEC curve effect: -7dB @ 10Hz
• Frequency response (RIAA & IEC curve): 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.1dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (full scale @ 40dB gain): 112dBr
• Signal-to-noise ratio (full scale @ 70dB gain): 93dBr
• Crosstalk @ 1kHz: -106dB
• Output impedance: 50Ω
• THD (20Hz – 20kHz): 0.001%
• Intermodulation distortion: 0.002%
• Input overload @ 40dB gain (XLR / RCA): 200mV RMS / 100mV RMS
• Input overload @ 70dB gain (XLR / RCA): 5mV RMS / 2.5mV RMS
• Stages of voltage regulation: i2DCf x 24
• Power supply design: “Pi-type” filter with 40,000µF capacitance and dual choke inductance (2 x 200mH)
• Power supply noise floor: -150dB related to 1.0V, DC – 100kHz
• Circuit / build: Four-layer PCB with dedicated ground & power planes using pure copper; ultra-rigid chassis construction to minimize vibration effects
• Component quality: Metallized polypropylene film capacitors with 1% tolerance
• External power supply support: Fully compatible with MOON 820S external power supply (DC input provided)
• 12V trigger: 1 input / 1 output (1/8" mini-jack)
• Power consumption (idle): 6W
• AC power requirements: 120V / 60Hz or 240V / 50Hz
• Fuse replacement: 120V version: 0.2A slow blow (5 x 20mm); 230V version: 0.1A slow blow (5 x 20mm)
• Balanced pin assignment: Pin 1 = Ground, Pin 2 = Positive, Pin 3 = Negative
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 18.75 x 4.0 x 16.8 in / 47.6 x 10.2 x 42.7 cm
• Shipping weight: 40 lb / 18 kg
• Break-in period: Performance continues improving over the first 500 hours of listening
• In the box: AC power cable; pen-shaped plastic hand tool for DIP-switch adjustments; owner’s manual; warranty & product registration information (USA and Canada only)
• Finish availability: Dependent on location

MOON 610LP Q&A:

Does the MOON 610LP work with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges?

Yes. The 610LP is compatible with both MM and MC cartridges, and its adjustable gain plus loading options make proper matching straightforward.

How do I match the 610LP to my cartridge’s recommended loading and gain?

The 610LP provides 64 impedance settings, 16 capacitance settings, and 16 gain levels. Use your cartridge manufacturer’s specs as a starting point and fine-tune for the most natural tonal balance and dynamics.

What’s the benefit of using the balanced XLR connections?

Balanced operation can improve noise rejection and overall signal integrity—especially helpful in systems with longer cable runs or higher susceptibility to interference.

Can I connect both RCA and XLR inputs at the same time?

No. The design allows for only one input connection type at a time, so you should choose either RCA or XLR for the input.

What do the RIAA and IEC equalization options do?

RIAA is the standard playback curve for most records. IEC adds a low-frequency roll-off (noted as -7dB at 10Hz) that can help reduce very low-frequency rumble in some setups.

What is the MOON 820S, and do I need it?

The 820S is an optional external power supply designed to further elevate performance. The 610LP is fully capable on its own, but the 820S can be a meaningful upgrade in very revealing systems.

Does the 610LP support 12V trigger control?

Yes. It includes a 12V trigger input and output, making it easy to power on/off with compatible MOON components.

What power does it require, and how much energy does it use?

It supports 120V/60Hz or 240V/50Hz operation and consumes 6W at idle. It also specifies different slow-blow fuse ratings for 120V vs. 230V versions.

MOON 610LP Downloads:

MOON 610LP Manual
MOON Phono Preamplifier Comparison Chart