The MOON P-8 preamplifier is a dual-mono fully balanced differential design, representing the next generation of MOON high-performance audio components. Using several newly developed proprietary technologies, this preamplifier yields absolutely no sonic colorations, a level of transparency second-to-none, and possesses a signal-to-noise ratio would have been considered unattainable until now. Further raising the bar, the P-8 can be fully integrated into a custom-install environment via an RS-232 port. As well, a plethora of user selectable cosmetic options are available at the time of purchase. |
| Significant Design Features: · 2-chassis design with the larger chassis housing the power supply, digital controller circuitry and software processing. The smaller chassis contains audio circuitry ONLY · RS-232 port for (i) full unsolicited bidirectional feedback and (ii) firmware updates · Custom proprietary toroidal transformer design with lower magnetic, electrical and thermal loss, yielding an improved power transfer and lower regulation factor. The result is increased current speed and better dynamics · A dual-mono oversized power supply features 6 stages of DC voltage regulation and extensive choke filtering · SimLink controller port for 2-way communications with other compatible MOON components · M-Ray volume control based on the R-2R resistor array configuration using metal film surface mount resistors with 0.1% tolerances, resulting in no sonic degradation of the audio signal, regardless of the selected volume setting · M-Lock for “user selectable” maximum volume setting lock-out for each line input · Power supply voltage regulation includes i²DCf (Independent Inductive DC Filtering); There is one inductor dedicated to each integrated circuit type component (DAC, Op-Amp, etc.) in the audio circuit’s signal path – 40 stages in all · “Gain offset” for each individual line input with a ±10dB range · Each line input is fully configurable to be “home-theater ready”, where the gain section of the P-8 is bypassed · 530 individual volume steps in 1dB and 0.1dB increments · 12 Volt trigger outputs for remote operation · An exceptionally short signal path measuring less than 8 inches in length from the rear panel's input to output connectors, yielding a much faster transient response · Fully differential, no global feedback circuit topology, using absolutely no capacitors anywhere in the audio signal path · 4-Layer PCB’s with pure copper tracings for a much shorter signal path; This results in greater sonic accuracy and a dramatically improved signal-to-noise ratio · Ultra rigid chassis construction to minimize the effects of external vibrations · Accurate matching of the very finest quality electronic components in a symmetrical circuit design · Improved reliabilty through the elimination of moving parts · Includes FRM-2 remote control. |
Overseas MOON P-8 RS
The RS series of MOON audio components benefit from an even higher standard of manufacturing process than the regular MOON versions. All significant differences are contained within the circuitry and construction of each model.
RS versions are built using different materials and parts in certain areas. For example, printed circuit boards are of a higher temperature grade than that of the military specification FR-4 material we normally use; Their traces are gold-plated instead of a tin/lead composite. As well, all capacitors use improved dielectric materials.
MOON RS models meet and/or exceed stricter manufacturing processes as required to pass many international safety standards such as those imposed by the E-U, Japan and South Korea. Cosmetically, the ONLY difference is the RS logo on the front panel.
RS versions are built using different materials and parts in certain areas. For example, printed circuit boards are of a higher temperature grade than that of the military specification FR-4 material we normally use; Their traces are gold-plated instead of a tin/lead composite. As well, all capacitors use improved dielectric materials.
MOON RS models meet and/or exceed stricter manufacturing processes as required to pass many international safety standards such as those imposed by the E-U, Japan and South Korea. Cosmetically, the ONLY difference is the RS logo on the front panel.
| Type | Solid State |
| Configuration | Dual-Mono / Fully Balanced |
| Circuit Topology | Open Loop |
| Balanced Inputs (XLR) | 3 pairs |
| Single-ended inputs (RCA) | 4 pairs |
| Input Impedance | 11,000 Ω |
| Input Sensitivity | 200mV – 4.0V RMS |
| Monitor Loop | 1 |
| Balanced Outputs (XLR) | 2 Pairs |
| Single-Ended Outputs (RCA) | 2 Pairs (variable & fixed) |
| Output Impedance (RCA / XLR) | 50 Ω / 100 Ω |
| Volume Steps | 1 dB from 0-30 and 0.1dB from 30-80 |
| Gain Control | M-Ray (fully discrete R-2R) |
| Gain | 9dB |
| Signal-to-noise Ratio (20Hz – 20kHz) | 130dB |
| Maximum Output Voltage – XLR | 12 Volts |
| Maximum Output Voltage – RCA | 6 Volts |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz – 100kHz (+0 / -0.1dB) |
| Crosstalk @ 1kHz | -130dB |
| IMD | unmeasurable |
| THD (20Hz – 20kHz) | 0.002% |
| 12 Volt Trigger Output Operation | Direct Logic (0V = off, 12V=on) using a 3.5mm mono microphone jack with an output impedance of 1000 Ω and current requirement of 12mA |
| SimLink Port | 1 input + 1 output each on 1/8" mini-jack |
| RS-232 Port | 9-pin female DB connector |
| IR input | 1/8" mini-jack |
| Remote Control | FRM-2 All-Aluminum Full Function |
| Display Type | 8 character dot matrix LED |
| Power Consumption @ idle | 25 Watts |
| AC Power Requirements | 120V / 60Hz 240V / 50Hz |
| Fuse Replacement – 120V | 400mA short slow blow |
| Fuse Replacement – 230V | 200mA short slow blow |
| Shipping Weight | 74 lbs / 33 Kgs |
| Dimensions – Preamp (w x h x d) | 18.8 x 3.9 x 16.8 in. |
| Dimensions – Controller / Power Supply | 18.8 x 5.4 x 17.0 in. |
Features & specifications are subject to change without notice.
D.G.

