In Montréal, subtraction usually means losing another lane of the Décarie Expressway to orange construction cones. MOON by Simaudio has a more appealing proposition: the new $5,000 MOON 341 Integrated Amplifier offers much of the amplification technology found in the $6,500 MOON 371 Network Player/Amplifier we just reviewed, without requiring owners to pay for a built-in streamer and DAC they might never use.
The 341 joins the Compass Collection as its more traditional analog integrated amplifier, aimed at listeners who already own quality source components and want a serious foundation for their music system. Designed and hand-assembled in Boucherville, Québec, it follows the same minimalist industrial design as its more connected sibling, with the company’s substantial engineering pedigree hiding beneath a relatively understated exterior.
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What Makes the MOON 341 Different?
The most interesting aspect of the 341 is what Simaudio hasn’t sacrificed. Its amplifier section uses the company’s proprietary MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier (MDCA) technology and an 800-watt MOON Hybrid Power (MHP) supply with Active Power Factor Correction, both derived from engineering developed for the considerably more expensive North Collection.
MDCA is designed to reduce distortion and improve amplifier linearity, while MHP provides stable, low-noise power to the amplifier circuitry. The design also incorporates MOON bipolar output transistors and a fully balanced analog preamplifier section, rather than treating the analog electronics as an inexpensive supporting act for a collection of streaming features.
The power supply’s 800-watt rating should not be confused with the amplifier’s continuous output rating. It describes the power supply architecture, not an invitation to connect a pair of loudspeakers and attempt to relocate the furniture.
What makes the 341 particularly interesting is that its published amplifier specifications match those of the 371 across several key measurements, including output power, distortion, signal-to-noise ratio, and damping factor. That doesn’t automatically establish identical internal construction or sonic performance, but it suggests Simaudio has taken the analog side of the new model very seriously.
More Analog Connections and a Proper Phono Stage
The MOON 341 provides three RCA line-level inputs, one balanced XLR input, and a dedicated phono input compatible with moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Its integrated phono stage offers menu-selectable MM and MC presets through the front-panel display, eliminating the need for a separate phono preamplifier in many vinyl systems.
There’s also a variable analog output for connecting a subwoofer, external power amplifier, or active loudspeakers, along with a front-panel 6.35mm headphone connection. Home Theater Bypass is available through the setup menu, allowing one of the analog inputs to work with an AV processor or receiver that handles volume control.
Despite its completely analog audio signal path, this isn’t an amplifier that refuses to acknowledge the 21st century. A 6.75-inch graphical display provides input and configuration information, while MOONLink connectivity enables integration with compatible components. The dual Ethernet connections are for network-based control and system integration, not music streaming, and the USB connection is a service port rather than a digital audio input.
The included CRM-4 aluminum remote handles everyday operation, with compatibility for MOON’s optional BRM-1 Bluetooth remote. Buyers can select either a two-tone black and silver finish or all-black, and the amplifier is backed by a 10-year warranty, subject to the applicable warranty terms.
MOON 341 vs. MOON 371: Which One Makes More Sense?
Having just completed my review of the MOON 371 Network Player/Amplifier, which earned an eCoustics Editors’ Choice award, the arrival of the 341 is particularly interesting.
The 371 delivered exceptional bass control, dynamic authority, transparency, and a wonderfully expansive soundstage in my listening room. Paired with the Wharfedale Super Denton, it demonstrated that its relatively modest power rating was a poor indication of what the amplifier could actually accomplish. It was also revealing enough to expose brighter or poorly recorded material, rather than applying the warmer sonic character of some NAD or Advance Paris amplifiers.
Not everything about the 371 was perfect, however. Its menu system required more effort than it should, the remote was less impressive than the amplifier itself, and the volume control lacked the satisfying tactile precision I expect at this price. Since the 341 uses familiar Compass Collection controls and the same CRM-4 remote, I wouldn’t assume those criticisms have magically disappeared.
The important differences are practical rather than theoretical.
Feature MOON 341 MOON 371 U.S. price $5,000 $6,500 Amplifier output 100W/8Ω, 200W/4Ω 100W/8Ω, 200W/4Ω Built-in DAC No Yes Network music streaming No MiND 2 Digital audio inputs No Includes S/PDIF, optical, and HDMI ARC RCA line inputs 3 1 Balanced analog input 1 XLR pair 1 XLR pair Phono stage MM/MC MM/MC Best suited to Owners of separate digital and analog sources Listeners seeking an integrated streaming system 
For someone starting from scratch, the 371 remains the more compelling all-in-one solution. Its integrated streaming platform, digital connectivity, and DAC eliminate several boxes and cables, and the additional $1,500 looks reasonable considering how much functionality is included.
The 341 makes a different argument. Someone already using a Cambridge Audio CXN100, Bluesound NODE ICON, or an external DAC they have no intention of replacing can retain those components, enjoy the flexibility of additional analog inputs, and allocate the savings elsewhere. Whether the new model can reproduce the 371’s impressive performance will have to wait until we get one into the listening room.
MOON 341 Integrated Amplifier Specifications
- Amplifier configuration: Two-channel Class A/B integrated amplifier
- Output power: 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms; 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms
- Amplification technology: MOON Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier (MDCA)
- Power supply: 800W MOON Hybrid Power (MHP) with Active Power Factor Correction
- Preamplifier: Fully balanced analog design
- Output transistors: MOON bipolar
- Analog inputs: 3 RCA line-level pairs, 1 balanced XLR pair, 1 MM/MC phono input
- Outputs: Speaker terminals, variable analog preamplifier output, 6.35mm headphone jack
- Additional connectivity: Dual Ethernet for MOONLink, USB service port, 12V trigger output
- Gain: 40 dB
- Input sensitivity: 0.3V to 4V
- Input impedance: 9.5 kilohms
- Frequency response: 5Hz to 100kHz (+0/−3dB)
- THD at 1 watt: 0.009%
- THD at 100 watts: 0.003%
- Intermodulation distortion: 0.005%
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 108dB
- Crosstalk: −108dB
- Damping factor: 425
- Display: 6.75-inch graphical color display
- Power consumption: 26W idle; 24W full-power standby; 6W low-power standby
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 16.9 × 3.5 × 15.2 inches
- Published shipping weight: 20 pounds (9kg)
- Finishes: Two-tone black/silver or all-black
- Remote: CRM-4 included; optional BRM-1 Bluetooth remote
- Warranty: 10 years, subject to applicable conditions
Two Competitors Worth Considering
Hegel A200 ($3,995)
The recently introduced Hegel A200 might be the MOON 341’s most relevant new competitor because it follows almost exactly the same philosophy. The Norwegian manufacturer has deliberately omitted streaming and digital conversion, focusing on its SoundEngine2 Class A/B amplification technology, rated at 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms under Hegel’s published test conditions.
The A200 also includes two balanced XLR inputs, two RCA line inputs, a dedicated MM phono stage, headphone output, and fixed and variable analog outputs. Its biggest limitation for serious vinyl enthusiasts is the absence of MC cartridge support without an external phono stage. At roughly $1,000 less than the MOON, however, it represents a significant challenge.
Yamaha A-S2200 ($5,799.95 MSRP)
Yamaha takes a more traditional approach with its substantial A-S2200, which combines a fully balanced circuit design, large toroidal transformer, moving magnet and moving coil phono support, and those gorgeous front-panel level meters. Rated at 90 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 150 watts into 4 ohms under Yamaha’s published conditions, it is a considerably larger and heavier amplifier built around classic Japanese hi-fi engineering.
The Yamaha offers a tactile, old-school ownership experience that some listeners will find more appealing than MOON’s graphical interface. It is also more expensive, and its substantial chassis demands considerably more space, giving the smaller Canadian amplifier a legitimate practical advantage.
The Bottom Line
The MOON 341 is an interesting response to an industry increasingly convinced that every integrated amplifier needs streaming, digital conversion, an app, and enough firmware updates to qualify as a second occupation. Simaudio is offering listeners the opportunity to build their systems around the sources they actually want, rather than the technology an amplifier manufacturer has decided they need.
Our recent experience with the Editors’ Choice 371 gives me considerable confidence in MOON’s amplifier engineering, but the 341 still has to prove itself in a direct listening evaluation. If it can deliver a similarly commanding presentation for $1,500 less, owners of established digital front ends may have found the most sensible way into the Compass Collection.
And for anyone in Montréal, the savings could buy a respectable amount of smoked meat at Snowdon Deli. Getting there without encountering another construction project remains a separate challenge.
Price & Availability:
The MOON 341 Integrated Amplifier is priced at $5,000 USD, $6,800 CAD, €5,200, and £4,400 through authorized MOON retailers.
For more information: simaudio.com
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