MOON 810LP Phono Preamplifier

MOON 810LP Phono Preamplifier

The MOON 810LP Phono Preamplifier is a true reference-grade, dual-mono phono stage built for listeners who want uncompromising analog realism and the flexibility to dial in virtually any cartridge. Its fully balanced differential topology, ultra-low-noise regulation, and meticulously optimized signal path deliver an inky-black background, precise imaging, and effortless dynamics—so your records sound bigger, cleaner, and more lifelike. For cartridge matching, the 810LP provides extensive DIP-switch tuning with 64 impedance settings (12.1Ω–47kΩ), 16 capacitance settings (0pF–1120pF), and 16 gain settings (40dB–70dB), plus selectable RIAA or IEC equalization for system and record optimization. A 5-point gel-based floating suspension helps minimize microphonics and vibration effects, while premium parts and a four-layer PCB preserve nuance and timing. It also supports use with the MOON 820S external power supply for those who want to push performance even further. The Moon 810LP is part of ListenUp's MOON Phono Preamplifier Collection.

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What It's Good At:

• Creating a wide, stable soundstage with exceptional image placement and separation
• Delivering ultra-low noise and “black background” clarity for fine low-level detail
• Matching both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges with deep adjustability
• Preserving speed, dynamics, and transient snap with a short, optimized signal path
• Reducing vibration/microphonic effects via a 5-point gel-based floating suspension design
• Providing balanced and single-ended connectivity for seamless integration in high-end systems

MOON 810LP Full Specifications:

• Configuration: Fully balanced differential, dual-mono
• 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
• Input Overload @ 40dB gain (XLR / RCA): 200mV RMS / 100mV RMS
• Input Overload @ 55.5dB gain (XLR / RCA): 30mV RMS / 15mV RMS
• Input Overload @ 60dB gain (XLR / RCA): 20mV RMS / 10mV RMS
• Input Overload @ 65dB gain (XLR / RCA): 10mV RMS / 5mV RMS
• Input Overload @ 70dB gain (XLR / RCA): 5mV RMS / 2.5mV RMS
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (full scale @ 40dB gain): 115dBr
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (full scale @ 55.5dB gain): 108dBr
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (full scale @ 60dB gain): 105dBr
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (full scale @ 65dB gain): 100dBr
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (full scale @ 70dB gain): 95dBr
• Frequency Response (RIAA & IEC curve): 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.1dB)
• Output Impedance: 50Ω
• IEC Curve Effect: -7dB @ 10Hz
• Crosstalk @ 1kHz: -106dB
• Intermodulation Distortion: 0.001%
• THD (20Hz – 20kHz): 0.0008%
• Power Consumption @ idle: 10W
• AC Power Requirements: 120V / 60Hz or 240V / 50Hz
• Shipping Weight: 40 lb / 18 kg
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 18.75 x 4.0 x 16.8 in / 47.6 x 10.2 x 42.7 cm
• Balanced Input Pin Assignment:
  • Pin 1: Ground
  • Pin 2: Positive
  • Pin 3: Negative
• Fuse Replacement:
  • For 120V version: 0.2A slow blow (5 x 20mm)
  • For 230V version: 0.1A slow blow (5 x 20mm)
• In the Box:
  • AC power cable
  • One (1) pen-shaped plastic hand tool for DIP-switch adjustments
  • Owner’s manual
  • Warranty and product registration information (USA and Canada only)
• Compatibility: Fully compatible with MOON 820S external power supply

MOON 810LP Q&A:

What types of cartridges can the MOON 810LP support?

The 810LP is designed to work with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, with broad gain and loading adjustability to match low, medium, and high output designs.

How do I match the 810LP to my cartridge?

Cartridge matching is done via bottom-panel DIP switches, giving you 64 impedance settings (12.1Ω–47kΩ), 16 capacitance settings (0pF–1120pF), and 16 gain settings (40dB–70dB).

What’s the benefit of selectable RIAA vs IEC equalization?

RIAA is the standard playback curve, while IEC adds subsonic filtering behavior (below 20Hz) that can help reduce infrasonic bass energy from warped records or sensitive speaker setups.

Does the 810LP offer balanced connections?

Yes. It provides both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs and outputs, making it easy to integrate into fully balanced or traditional systems.

How quiet is the MOON 810LP?

It’s engineered for extremely low noise, with signal-to-noise performance reaching 115dBr at 40dB gain and maintaining strong noise performance even at higher gain settings.

Can I leave the 810LP powered on all the time?

It’s commonly recommended to leave it powered for optimal performance; after power cycling, it may require some playing time to return to peak performance.

Is there a recommended starting point for MM vs MC cartridges?

For many MM cartridges, typical starting points are higher impedance (often near 47kΩ) and moderate gain, while MC cartridges often benefit from lower impedance loading and higher gain—fine tuning by ear is encouraged.

Can the 810LP be upgraded later for even higher performance?

Yes. It is compatible with the MOON 820S external power supply, which can be added to further enhance system performance.

MOON 810LP Downloads:

MOON 810LP Manual
MOON Phono Preamplifier Comparison Chart