MOON 310 LP phono preamplifier

This MOON 310 LP is the latest version of the Canadian manufacturer, replacing the famous LP5.3. It is already critically acclaimed by the American press! This beautiful fully aluminium housing (½ format) encompasses an innovative technology and boasts unprecedented component and assembly quality for this range. The circuit and components are military grade. All the copper connectors have been optimised to deliver a low impedance. It is naturally MM and MC compatible and can be associated with most cartridges thanks to its card with jumpers allowing for the selection of the gain, load and capacitance. It offers 4 gain levels, 5 impedance levels and 3 capacitance levels. The RIAA equalisation curve is particularly good and an IEC equalisation curve can be selected, which is a unique feature. Though it is similar to the RIAA curve, it has a low-pass filter that eliminates infrasound below 20 Hz, acting as a natural subsonic filter. It has comprehensive connectors, one RCA stereo input and a ground plug, an RCA stereo output and a real XLR symmetrical output! It can be connected to the input of a symmetrical preamplifier and use its full potential.

There is also the traditional IEC receptacle with a 4-pin connector next to it to accommodate an optional high end power supply. This 320 S delivers a high quality DC current that surpasses the performance of the 310 LP. Like many high-end products, this preamplifier does not have a power switch and must stay on continuously so as to ensure optimum operation.

We paired it with three benchmark cartridges, one MM, one low output MC and one high output MC. This MOON 310 LP immediately revealed mind-blowing performances in terms and transparency and definition. You don't often get that silence quality! It delivers the end of notes, reverberations and atmospheres with an unprecedented subtleness and legibility. The dynamics are incredible, giving the music an amazing tempo and punch. The transients are incredibly short. The frequency response is very wide and balanced, it does justice to all the registers. Music lovers may consider adding the 320 S power supply unnecessary. But don't be fooled, this upgrade will send the Moon 310 LP up there with the stars! All its assets are transfigured! Thanks to these, the MOON 310LP has a record signal-to-noise ratio! Over 114 dB for MM and over 92 dB for MC! Also, the dynamics seem even greater (could this be true!?) and the frequency response is broader! The bass has more impact and is more articulated. The transparency level is on par with the very best! This preamplifier favours a neutral and authentic sound. It does not embellish or colour the music, it just delivers the music as authentically as possible and we just love this option that is perfectly in line with the term 'HI-Fi', and after all, let's not forget that 'High-Fidelity' means just that …

Though we were not influenced by it, this MOON 310 LP was voted 'Analog product of the year 2013' by Absolute Sound magazine! Recommended

AWARDS:

The Absolute Sound - Product of the Year 2013
Hi-Fi News - Outstanding Product