De Sound
Contents
We have had some MOON products in our hands before. Most amplifiers of the Canadian brand are very popular with us. Also in the multitests they easily show their strong character: control, punch and energy. And that’s no different with this MOON 700i V2.
Flexible Muscle Balls
Most powerhouses are not immediately supple and light-footed. That’s different with this MOON. And to be honest, we didn’t expect this after our experience with the 340i, for example, because although it’s very nicely balanced, it’s not immediately nimble when compared to some of its competitors. The 700i is indeed very smooth. And the whole sound picture feels light and fast. That is a very pleasant feature in combination with the control and dynamics.
We hear these features on both the Focal Sopra No1 and the Gauder Akustik Arcona 100. The grip in the bass provides delicious punch and definition. This is clearly audible on pieces of Gorillaz and Massive Attack, for example. Especially in the latter, the track Angel is a test for both amplifiers and speakers. Angel goes particularly deep (below 30 Hz), which requires a lot of amplifiers and speakers. If they get out of breath, the whole gets muddy and messy very quickly.
Although we find it impressive when an amplifier has its power and control in the bass in order, we find it just as important that it is right across the board – so multiple genres. After all: not everyone needs genres with a lot of (electronic) bass.
Fortunately, the MOON 700i V2 also does justice to the more subtle genres. Think of pieces by James Blake, Agnes Obel or Beth Gibbons. The MOON really knows how to do honour to these genres as well.
Beautiful middle
One of the – for us – most striking features of the MOON 700i V2 is the insanely beautiful middle area. This is wonderfully round and supple. It really passes the Bryston 4B SST3 with ease. Although it has more power, almost twice as much, it still lacks the refinement of the MOON’s midrange. Especially with pieces of music with a lot of vocal work, that midrange is crucial. And there ‘nailed’ the MOON over and over again. Very impressive.
