7. Do not block ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or another apparatus that produces
heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong is provided for safety. If the provided plug does not fit into the outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus. Unplug mains cord during transportation.
11. Only use attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as when the power cord or plug has been damaged; liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus; or the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. No naked flame sources, such as candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
Marking by the “CE” symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the
European Community
Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before
operating your Simaudio MOON 810LP Phono Preamplifier.
1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables,
or when cleaning any component. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains, disconnect
the power suppy cord plug from the AC receptacle.
2. The MOON 810LP must be terminated with a three-conductor AC mains power cord which includes an earth
ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used. Connect the
MOON 810LP only to an AC source of the proper voltage; Both the shipping box and rear panel serial
number label will indicate the correct voltage. Use of any other voltage will likely damage the unit and void
the warranty.
3. AC extension cords are NOT recommended for use with this product. The mains plug of the power supply
cord shall remain readily accessible.
4. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.
5. NEVER operate the MOON 810LP with any covers removed. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. An
open unit, especially if it is still connected to an AC source, presents a potentially lethal shock hazard. Refer
all questions to authorized service personnel only.
6. NEVER wet the inside of the MOON 810LP with any liquid. If a liquid substance does enter your MOON
810LP, immediately disconnect it from the AC mains and take it to your MOON dealer for a complete checkup.
7. NEVER spill or pour liquids directly onto the MOON 810LP.
8. NEVER block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks.
9. NEVER bypass any fuse.
10. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified.
11. NEVER attempt to repair the MOON 810LP. If a problem occurs contact your MOON dealer.
12. NEVER expose the MOON 810LP to extremely high or low temperatures.
13. NEVER operate the MOON 810LP in an explosive atmosphere.
14. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.
15. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.
16. WARNING: Do not expose batteries or battery pack to excessive heat such as sunshine, or fire or the like.
Thank you for selecting the MOON 810LP
Reference Dual-Mono Phono Preamplifier as a
part of your music/cinema system. This component
has been designed to offer state-of-the-art high-end
performance in an elegant package, while retaining
all the sonic hallmarks on which Simaudio has made
its reputation. We have spared no effort to ensure
that it is amongst the finest phono preamplifiers
available. We have been building high-performance
audio equipment for over 30 years, and the
know-how gained through our cumulative
experience is an important reason why MOON audio
components are so musically satisfying.
The performance of your 810LP will continue to
improve during the first 500 hours of listening. This
is the result of a “break-in” period required for the
Your MOON 810LP Phono Preamplifier incorporates many significant design features to achieve its “world
class” level of performance. This is an abbreviated list of the more important features:
The oversized power supply, located within the main
chassis, is housed in an isolated enclosure that is
constructed from satin coated 14-gauge steel to
eliminate all traces of AC artifacts. Power supply featuring
a "pi-type" filter using 40,000uF of capacitance and
dual choke inductance (2x 200mH). The result is a
power supply with a noise floor of -150dB related to 1.0V,
DC - 100kHz.
4 stages of our newly developed M-LoVo MOON low voltage DC regulation circuit; a highly sophisticated
circuit made up of a clever combination of IC’s and
discrete parts that is virtually free of noise, yielding an
exceptionally fast, precise, and stable DC voltage. The
result is a power supply with a noise floor of -150dB
related to 1.0V, DC - 100kHz.
Power supply voltage regulation includes i2DCf
(Independent Inductive DC Filtering); 1 inductor for each
and every chip (i.e. OpAmp, etc.) in the audio circuit’s
signal path – 24 stages in all.
The dedicated audio circuit board is mounted on a 5-
point gel-based floating suspension, derived from our
M-Octave technology, originally developed for the
reference MOON 850P Preamplifier.
The shortest possible signal path for a faster transient
response and the lowest possible noise floor.
numerous high quality electronic parts used
throughout this phono preamplifier.
Before setting up your new MOON 810LP, we
encourage you to please read this manual
thoroughly to properly acquaint yourself with its
features. We hope you enjoy listening to the
MOON 810LP Phono Preamplifier as much as
the pride we have taken in creating this fine audio
product. We understand the power and emotion of
music and build our products with the goal of
faithfully capturing these elusive qualities.
The information contained in this manual is subject
to change without notice. The most current version
of this manual is available on our official website at
http://www.simaudio.com
Adjustable impedance loading - 64 available settings
from 12.1Ω to 47kΩ
Adjustable capacitance loading - 16 available settings
from 0pF to 1120pF
Adjustable gain settings - 16 available settings from
40dB to 70dB
Selectable equalization curves for both the RIAA and
the IEC standards
Customized parts include metallized polypropylene
film capacitors with very tight tolerances of 1%
Four-layer PCB tracings with dedicated ground and
power planes using pure copper for low impedance
characteristics. The advantages include better circuit
layouts resulting in a much shorter signal path and a
vastly improved signal-to-noise ratio
Optional external power supply.
Ultra rigid chassis construction to minimize the effects
of external vibrations.
The MOON 810LP Phono Preamplifier should be removed from its box with care.
The following accessories should be included inside the box with your phono preamplifier:
9
AC power cable
9
One (1) pen shaped plastic hand tool for making DIP-switch adjustments
9
This owner’s manual
9
Warranty and product registration information (USA and Canada only)
Once the 810LP is unpacked, inspect it thoroughly
and report any damage to your dealer immediately.
We suggest that you keep all of the original
packaging, storing it in a safe, dry place in case
Please write the serial number of your new MOON 810LP in the space provided below for future reference.
you’re required to transport this product. The
customized packaging is specially designed to
protect the 810LP from any potential damage
during transit.
Serial No.: ________________
Installation & Placement
The 810LP is more sensitive than most other types
of audio components to EMI (electro-magnetic
interference) from power supplies and motors.
Consequently, it should be placed at a minimum
distance of 18 inches from power supplies,
turntables, tape decks, AC line filters, etc.
You
should never place another component directly on
top of this phono preamplifier.
on a solid, level surface. You should avoid placing it
near a heat source or inside a closed cabinet that is
not well ventilated as this could compromise the
preamplifier’s performance and reliability.
It should be placed
If the surface you have chosen isn’t perfectly level,
each of the four (4) cones of your 880M are height
adjustable; carefully using your fingers, you can
either raise each leg by turning the cone underneath
clockwise, or lower each leg by turning it
counterclockwise.
We strongly recommend that you leave these cones
mounted to the component at all times for reasons
related to both performance and aesthetics.
Settings for cartridge resisitance loading, cartridge
capaciitance loading, gain and equalization curve are
all done using white colored DIP switches located on
the 810LP’s bottom panel as shown above in figure
1. There are two (2) banks of DIP switches – The
upper bank provides for the capacitance and
resistance loading adjustments; the lower bank for
gain level and equalization curve settings. Examples
of the DIP switch positions for all available settings
are clearly shown on the bottom panel – below and
to the right of the actual DIP switches. Since the
MOON 810LP is a genuine dual-mono design,
there are 2 sets of DIP switches for each adjustment
– one each for the left and right channels.
Prior to making any of these adjustments, always
disconnect the AC power cord and all interconnects
from MOON 810LP. We strongly recommend using
pen shaped plastic hand tool
the
included with your 810LP as it was specifically
designed for this purpose. Using another tool made
In the following examples,
white always indicates the
position - left (‘ON’) or right
(‘OFF’) of the DIP switch.
Capacitance Loading:
There are sixteen (16) unique capacitance loading
settings available using DIP switches 7 through 10,
located at the top of the upper DIP switch bank. The
that we have
the color
In the
from a material other than plastic may damage the
DIP switches and/or scratch the painted surface on
the bottom of the 810LP’. Finally, to achieve the
best possible sonic performance, it is absolutely
necessary that all settings be identical for both the
left and the right channels.
example to the left, the DIP switch is in the left
position (‘ON’).
This is to be consistent with the
actual white color of these switches.
range of available settings begins at 0pF and ends at
1120pF:
Figure 2: Left and right channel DIP switches for capacitance loading adjustments
The factory default is 100 pF, whereby DIP switches
10, 9, and 8 are all in the right (‘OFF’) position and
DIP switch 7 is in the left position (‘ON’) as seen in
When you are using a moving coil cartridge, you will
most likely want to set the capacitance loading to
0pF. This is done by positioning all four DIP switches
A comprehensive diagram of the DIP switch
combinations for all 16 available capacitance loading
settings can be seen on the bottom panel,
immediately to the right of the switches. Finally, the
values written beside the DIP switch number
represent the capacitance load if only that switch is
the example to the right. This setting
would be applicable for most moving
magnet cartridges.
(7, 8, 9, & 10) to the right position (‘OFF’)
as seen in the example to the right.
in the left position (‘ON’). For example, when only
switch 10 is in the left position (‘ON’), the load value
will be 470pF; when only switch 9 is in the left
position (‘ON’), the load value will be 330pF; and
finally when only switch 8 is in the left position
(‘ON’), the load value will be 220pF.
There are sixty-four (64) unique resistance loading
settings available using DIP switches 1 through 6,
located at the bottom of the upper DIP switch bank.
The range of available settings starts at 12.1Ω and
ends at 47kΩ:
Figure 3: Left and right channel DIP switches for resistance loading adjustments
The factory default is 47KΩ, whereby DIP switches
6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 are all in the right (‘OFF’) position
as seen in the example to the right. This setting
When you are using a moving coil cartridge, you will
most likely want to set the resistance loading to a
much lower impedance value. For instance, when
your cartridge manufacturer recommends a value of
100Ω, you would position DIP switch 3 to the left
(‘ON’) and the other remaining switches (1, 2, 4, 5 &
A comprehensive diagram of the DIP switch
combinations for all 64 available resistance loading
settings can be seen on the bottom panel,
immediately to the right of the switches and just
below the previously mentioned capacitance settings
diagram. Finally, the values written beside the DIP
switch number represent the resistance load if only
that switch is in the left position (‘ON’). For example,
when only switch 1 is in the left position (‘ON’), the
load value will be 22Ω; when only switch 4 is in the
left position (‘ON’), the load value will be 221Ω; and
finally when only switch 6 is in the left position
(‘ON’), the load value will be 1000Ω.
would be applicable for most moving
magnet cartridges.
6) to the right position (‘OFF’) as seen in
the example to the right.
We strongly
recommended that you never use the
47kΩ resistive load setting for moving coil
cartridges.
Note:
Choosing a loading impedance for a moving
coil cartridge is not an exact science as there are
many variables that can affect the manufacturer’s
recommended setting. Choosing the best impedance
is ultimately a compromise between what sounds
best to your own ears and what works best for the
cartridge, based on its internal workings. When
experimenting with different impedance settings,
always keep in mind that a poorly loaded moving
coil cartridge will result in sonic performance yielding
a lack of definition, reduced bass performance, as
well as aggressive upper-mid and high frequencies.
There are sixteen (16) unique gain level settings
available using DIP switches 2 through 5, located at
the top of the lower DIP switch bank. The range of
available settings runs from 40dB all the way up to
70.0dB:
Figure 4: Left and right channel DIP switches for gain level settings
The factory default gain level setting is 40dB
whereby DIP switches 5, 4, 3 & 2 are set to the right
The example to the right shows a gain level setting
of 60.0dB where DIP switches 5 and 3 are in the left
When you are using a moving coil cartridge, you will
need to increase the gain level setting. This is a
general rule for determining the gain of a MC
cartridge: For a low output MC cartridge (0.7mV and
lower), set the gain level to at least 66dB; for a
Equalization Curve:
The MOON 810LP Phono Preamplifier is
equipped with circuitry for two (2) different
equalization curves; The RIAA standard and the less
common IEC modified curve. The main difference is
that the RIAA curve produces a flat frequency
response from 20Hz to 20kHz; The IEC curve acts as
position (’OFF’). This setting would be
applicable for most moving magnet
cartridges.
(‘ON’) position and DIP switches 2 and 4
are in the right (‘OFF’) position.
medium output MC (0.7mV to 1.5mV) set the gain
level to 60dB; for a high output MC (> 1.5mV) set
the gain level to 54dB. Since every audio system is
different, these are just approximated values.
a subsonic filter removing inaudible infrasonic bass
only
below 20Hz. Using DIP switch 1 on lower bank.
The factory default is the RIAA curve whereby DIP
switch 1 is in the right (‘OFF’) position. To change to
the IEC curve, simply move this DIP switch to the
left (‘ON’) position.
Figure 5: Left and right channel DIP switches for equalization curves
To determine which curve is best for you, perform
this simple test: Use the 810LP with the RIAA curve
and watch the movement of your loudspeaker’s bass
drivers. If their motion doesn’t follow the pattern of
the record you’re playing or you see excessive driver
movement, chances are you should use the IEC
curve to eliminate the subsonic information not
present on the record.
The rear panel will look similar to Figure 6 (above).
All audio connectors are located on the left side of
the rear panel. As a result of the MOON 810LP Phono Preamplifier’s balanced and symmetrical
circuit design, the layout of these audio connectors
follows the same orientation: A pair of single-ended
RCA input connectors are located in the middle and
on either side you will find the balanced XLR input
connector for that same channel. Connect the cables
from your turntable to either the RCA or XLR inputs.
The design of the 810LP allows for ONLY 1 input
connection so you cannot use both types of input
connectors
input connectors are the balanced XLR output
connectors. Beside each XLR output is the singleended RCA output connector for that same channel.
You can use either or both the XLR outputs and RCA
outputs to connect to your preamplifier/integrated
amplifier. If the preamplifier/integrated amplifier
. Immediately to each side of the XLR
you’re connecting the 810LP to has balanced
inputs, its highly advantageous to use the 810LP’s
XLR outputs. This will provide you with an even
better signal-to-noise ratio.
Wen you’re using the balanced XLR inputs, you
must first remove the factory installed
“dummy” XLR jumpers (see figure 7 below) from
the back panel XLR connectors and store them in a
safe place. These jumpers are required ONLY when
using the single-ended RCA inputs. In If you decide
to switch to single-ended input mode, you must
reinstall the XLR jumper (between pins 1 and 3)
exactly as show below. The purpose of these
jumpers is to help maintain the lowest possible noise
level when not using the 810LP’s balanced input
circuitry.
Figure 7: XLR connector without and with jumper accessory
To the right of the array of audio connectors is a 4pin XLR connector labeled “DC Input” which is
reserved for future use when an external power
supply will be made available for the MOON 810LP. Directly to the right of the 4-pin XLR are
two 12 Volt triggers, each on a 1/8” mini-jack; one
input and one output, the latter for use in if you
wish you to “daisy chain” an additional component
on the same trigger circuit. Finally on the far right
side is the “AC Power” section with a main power
switch (“0”=off, “1”=on) and IEC receptacle for the
included AC power cord.
12
Page 13
810LP Reference Dual-Mono Phono Preamplifier
The MOON 810LP is equipped with a 5-point
version of our M-Octave Damping system,
whereby the main audio circuit board is coupled to
the chassis using an 5-point floating suspension that
is designed to eliminate distortion caused by the
“Microphonic effect” of airborne vibrations. All audio
connectors are directly mounted to this main audio
circuit board. As a result, a dual-layered rear panel
is required to accommodate this suspension, with
Balanced Operation
When using an unbalanced interconnect, the audio
signal runs through both the center wire and the
shield/ground wire. Any noise picked up by this
interconnect (ie. nearby magnetic fields such as an
AC power cord) will be reproduced by the integrated
amplifier, then heard through the loudspeakers.
Conversely, a balanced interconnect has three
separate conductors; one for the ground and two for
the actual signal. These two signals are identical
except that one is 180 degrees out of phase with the
the outer layer affixed to the 810LP’s chassis and
the inner layer – with the audio connectors – affixed
to the main audio circuit board.
you connect cables to (or disconnect cables from)
the 810LP, this inner rear panel will move slightly –
This is normal.
completely independent of each other, only coming
into physical contact when either connecting or
disconnecting cables.
other. For example, when one conductor is carrying
a signal of +2 Volts, the other will be carrying a
signal of –2 Volts. When these two inverted signals
on a balanced line are output from the MOON 810LP, any noise picked up by the interconnect will
be eliminated since a differential circuit amplifies
only the difference between these two signals: Noise
on a balanced interconnect will be equal on both
conductors and therefore cancel out.
These rear panel layers are
Consequently, when
Operating the 810LP
We recommend that you leave your MOON 810LP
dual-mono phono preamplifier powered up at all
times to maintain optimal performance. When you
plan to be away from your home for a few days,
powering off the preamplifier may not be a bad idea.
Turning on your MOON 810LP for the first time
Prior to turning the phono preamplifier on for the
first time, make sure that every cable is properly
connected to avoid any problems. Flick the main
rocker switch, located on the rear panel, labeled
“POWER” to the ‘1’ (on) position to place your 740P
in to standby mode. Next, briefly press the push
On and Off Sequence
To avoid having any annoying noises (ie. “thumps”
and “pops”) emanate from your speakers when
powering your 810LP on or off, you should always
power up your 810LP phono preamplifier before
Once fully “broken-in”, please keep in mind that
your 810LP will require several hours of playing
time before it reaches its peak performance after
you’ve powered it up again.
button labeled “Standby” located on the front panel.
You will hear a very faint click sound confirming that
everything is in order. The blue LED on the front
panel will illuminate, indicating that the 810LP is
now powered up and ready for use.
powering up your preamplifier or integrated
amplifier. As well, always power down your 810LP
after powering down your preamplifier or integrated
amplifier.
In figure 8 we have a 810LP Phono Preamplifier,
850P Preamplifier, and 870A Power Amplifier
connected together via their respective 12V triggers;
The two 12V trigger outputs on the 850P are
connected to the 12V trigger inputs on both the
810LP (using a 1/8” mini-jack cable) and 870A.
When you turn on the 850P via remote control (or
its Standby button), both the 810LP and 870A will
turn on automatically. The same rule applies when
you put the 850P into Standby mode.