Storied Montreal-based manufacturer MOON by Simaudio has just launched the first product in its new Compass Collection: the feature-rich 371 player, which integrates a premium 100Wpc amplifier, preamplifier, DAC, network player, and phono stage into a single chassis.

Within MOON’s product hierarchy, the Compass Collection sits just below the company’s flagship North Collection, introduced in 2023.

Remarkably, although the 371 retails for CA$8,800 (US$6,500 / €6,800)—significantly less than the average North Collection component—it incorporates several of the same core innovations. These include MOON’s proprietary MHP (MOON Hybrid Power) supply and MDCA (MOON Distortion Cancelling Amplifier). The MHP supply delivers ultra-stable power to the circuitry, while the MDCA virtually eliminates distortion and improves linearity for clean, dynamically effortless, and accurate sound reproduction. While the MHP supply has previously been used in North Collection network players/preamplifiers, the 371 is the first MOON amplifier to feature this technology.

Other features, highlighted in the press release, include:

Refined connectivity. Equipped with MOON’s MiND 2 streaming platform, the MOON 371 offers effortless access to leading streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, and Spotify. It is fully compatible with Apple AirPlay, is Roon Ready, and supports Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect for seamless operation. An additional connectivity option is provided by Bluetooth.

Uncompromising vinyl playback. The MOON 371, equipped with an advanced built-in phono stage for both MM and MC cartridges, delivers precise analog reproduction. Drawing on the legacy of MOON’s award-winning phono stages, like the 810LP, it preserves the integrity and detail of every recording with impeccable accuracy.

Industry-leading technology. Drawn from MOON’s flagship North Collection, the proprietary MHP (MOON Hybrid Power supply) and MDCA (MOON Distortion Cancelling Amplifier) ensure superior performance. The MHP supply provides ultra-stable power to the circuitry, while the MDCA virtually eliminates distortion and improves linearity, delivering exceptionally clean, dynamic, and accurate sound reproduction.

Beautifully easy to use. A striking 17cm colour screen displays settings, album art and track details, while the sleek CRM-4 metal remote, designed specifically for the Compass Collection, ensures effortless control.

Exceptional construction. The MOON 371 is designed and handcrafted in Canada using only premium materials. Each unit undergoes rigorous quality control and is backed by MOON’s industry-leading 10-year warranty.

“The 371 embodies the future of modern audio,” says Étienne Gautier, MOON’s Commercial Director. “This model reflects our commitment to redefining our approach to audio design. By carefully listening to the feedback from our customers and partners, we developed a new way of creating a MOON product. It brings together unprecedented performance and bold aesthetics in a single device, at a price point that makes high-end audio accessible to many music lovers.”

I’ll have more news to share about the 371 after my October 1 visit to the Simaudio factory, where I’ll experience it firsthand.

UPDATE, OCTOBER 10:

Before diving into my listening impressions of the MOON 371 network player, I want to briefly revisit Simaudio’s MDCA (MOON Distortion Cancelling Amplifier) technology.

Unlike traditional feedback-based amplifier designs, MDCA—also featured in Simaudio’s flagship North Collection—doesn’t rely on feeding a portion of the output signal back to the input to reduce distortion. Instead, it employs a corrective circuit that runs in parallel to the main signal path, continuously comparing the input and output signals to detect and eliminate distortion in real time.

By avoiding the global feedback loops typical of conventional designs, Simaudio claims MDCA achieves markedly lower distortion and noise levels, yielding a cleaner, more linear, and more dynamic sound. I bring this up because I believe this technology—working in concert with the ultra–low-noise MHP (MOON Hybrid Power) supply, itself derived from the North Collection—is central to my impressions of the 371’s sonic character.

Why do I believe that? Because the qualities I found most striking in the 371’s sound were its grainless, tonal purity and bulging, palpable images—characteristics I associate with very low distortion and noise.

The 371 marks the debut of Simaudio’s new Compass series, which will eventually replace the Neo line introduced in 2013. While not a direct successor to the all-in-one ACE player, the 371 effectively takes its place in the lineup—the ACE has now been discontinued. Aside from sharing the MiND 2 streaming platform, the 371 is an entirely new design from the ground up.

Having heard the 371 driving the very-capable Dynaudio Contour Legacy for about forty minutes at Simaudio headquarters on Montreal’s South Shore, I’ll admit it sounded more impressive than I’d expected given my outdated but hard to shake off preconception that an integrated can’t match the performance of separates. Not only is this no longer a given, the reality is often the opposite— today’s integrated high-end products can sound more cohesive than many separates, regardless of price. Credit that to advances in circuit design, shorter signal paths, and the meticulous optimization of each stage within the component.

The 371’s presentation was utterly cohesive, well-balanced, and transparent. During my audition—focused mostly on acoustic recordings—it sounded gutsy, full-bodied, and expansive, with images that popped vividly from a vast, harmonically rich, panoramic soundstage. Bass went deep and was defined; vocals were finely layered and palpably present; percussion was tactile and impactful. Listener fatigue was non-existent.

And that’s where I return to MDCA—the lack of distortion—the black, velvety silence between images—felt almost tangible.

It’s the type of product that could make one wonder if there’s a need for more. For some, this could be an end-game product, and if you hear it, you’ll understand why.

The 371 also shares another connection to the North Collection, though this one is optional. The unit includes a perfectly functional remote with three preset buttons for radio stations—press one, and your favourite station springs to life instantly, no need to power on the unit. For those seeking a more luxurious tactile experience, Simaudio offers the BRM-1 remote, the same beautifully engineered controller used in the North Collection. It not only provides a more refined interface but brings the 371 closer to the heights and feel of the company’s flagship line.