moon Neo 230HAD User manual

230HAD Series
Headphone Amplifier / DSD DAC
Owner’s Manual

230HAD Nēo Series

Owner’s Manual
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
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.

230HAD Nēo Series
Important Safety Instructions (cont’d)
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 Nēo 230HAD Headphone Amplifier.
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 supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.
2. The Nēo 230HAD 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 Nēo
230HAD 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 Nēo 230HAD 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 Nēo 230HAD with
any liquid. If a liquid substance does enter your
Nēo 230HAD, immediately disconnect it from
the AC mains and take it to your MOON dealer
for a complete check-up.
7. NEVER spill or pour liquids directly onto the
Nēo 230HAD.
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 Nēo 230HAD. If a
problem occurs contact your MOON dealer.
12. NEVER expose the Nēo 230HAD to extremely
high or low temperatures.
13. NEVER operate the Nēo 230HAD 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.

Owner’s Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction 6
Unpacking 7
Installation & Placement 7
Front Panel Controls 8
Rear Panel Connections 9
Operating the Nēo 230HAD 10
Remote Control Operation 11
Specifications 12
www.simaudio.com
Simaudio Ltd., 1345 Newton Road
Boucherville, Québec J4B 5H2 CANADA
Date Code: 20150708

230HAD Nēo Series
6
Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Nēo 230HAD Headphone
Amplifier/DAC as a part of your hi-fi reproduction
system. This Headphone Amplifier 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 among the finest
headphone amplifiers available. We have been building
high-performance audio equipment for 35 years, and
the know-how gained through our cumulative
experience is an important reason why MOON
Headphone Amplifiers are so musically satisfying.
The performance of your 230HAD will continue to
improve during the first 300 hours of listening. This is
the result of a “break-in” period required for the
numerous high quality electronic parts used
throughout this headphone amplifier.
Before setting up your new Nēo 230HAD, we
encourage you to please read this manual thoroughly to
properly acquaint yourself with its features. We hope
you enjoy listening to the Nēo 230HAD Headhone
Amplifier/DAC 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
Your Nēo 230HAD Headphone Amplifier incorporates
many significant design features to achieve its “world-
class” level of performance. This is an abbreviated list of
the more important features:
Pure analog amplifier includes a transconductance
circuit topology
Inputs include 1 single-ended on rear-mounted RCA’s
and 1 single-ended on 1/8” jack located on the front
panel.
Outputs include a 1/4" TRS headphone jack on the front
panel, as well as, both fixed and variable line-level
single-ended RCA stereo pairs in the rear
An oversized power supply using 1 toroidal
transformers in conjunction with 8 stages of DC voltage
regulation (4 each for the amplifier and the DAC).
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) with four (4) digital
inputs (S/PDIF x 2, Toslink x 1 & USB x 1) allowing for use
with virtually any digital source; Supports DSD64,
DSD128 and DSD256 (USB input only); Supports PCM
16/44.4kHz to 24/192kHz (all inputs) and up to PCM
32/384kHz (USB input only)
Rigid chassis construction to minimize the effects of
external vibrations
Optimized selection of very high quality electronic
components throughout
Low operating temperature for an ultra-long life
expectancy.

Owner’s Manual
7
Unpacking
The Nēo 230HAD headphone amplifier should be removed from its box with care.
The following accessories should be included inside the box with your headphone amplifier:
9 AC power cable
9 ‘CRM-2’ remote control with two ‘AA’ batteries
9 This owner’s manual
9 Warranty and product registration information (USA and Canada only)
Once the Nēo 230HAD 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 you’re required to
transport this product. The customized packaging is specially designed to protect the 230HAD from any potential
damage during transit.
Please write the serial number of your new Nēo 230HAD in the space provided below for future reference.
Serial Number
Installation & Placement
The Nēo 230HAD requires only minimal ventilation to
maintain an optimum and consistent operating
temperature. However, you should avoid placing it near
a heat source as this could compromise the headphone
amplifier’s performance and reliability. As well, it should
be placed on a solid level surface. The 230HAD uses
toroidal transformers; even though they are well
shielded, you should not place the preamplifier too
close to source components sensitive to EMI, such as a
turntables.
If you intend to use the USB input connection (PCM or
DSD) with a Windows-based computer, you will need
to install our USB HD DSD driver, which can be
downloaded from the support section of our website.
Note: Apple-based computers don’t require this driver.

230HAD Nēo Series
Front Panel Controls
Figure 1: Nēo 230HAD Front panel
The front panel will look similar to Figure 1 (above). The “Standby” button toggles the Nēo 230HAD between
standby mode and operational mode. When switching back from “Standby” to the “on” mode, the selected ‘input’
will be memorized from the previous listening session. The blue indicator LED turns off when the 230HAD is in
“Standby” mode.
There are two columns of LED indicators. The first
column identifies the selected input; The second
column indicates the sample rate of the selected digital
input once the Nēo 230HAD has successfully locked
onto the digital signal. Refer to the following page for
further details.
The “MP” input uses a 1/8” mini-jack connector which is
the most common type of connection found on
portable media players. This is an analog only input .
The “Phones” jack is used for connecting a pair of stereo
headphones to the 230HAD. The input connector uses
a standard single-ended ¼” TRS jack. When a pair of
headphones are used with the Nēo 230HAD,the
output signal will continue to be sent to both the fixed
and variable output connectors located on the rear
panel.
8
The “Input” button allows you to sequentially scroll,
forward through all six (6) available inputs.: “MP”, “A1”,
“D1“,“D2“,“D3“ and “D4“ These abbreviations
correspond to the labeling of the inputs as follows. “MP”
on the front panel. “A1”, located on the rear panel is
intended for use with any type of source component
that outputs a single-ended analog signal.
“D1“,“D2“,“D3“ and “D4“ are the four (4) digital inputs
located on the rear panel: “D1” uses an optical Toslink
connector, “D2” and “D3” use S/PDIF on an female RCA
connector and “D4” uses a type-B USB connector. The
“D1” is intended for use with a source equipped with a
Toslink digital output such as a satellite dish receiver or
DVD player; The “D2” and “D3” inputs are intended for
use with a source equipped with a S/PDIF digital output
such as a network player, music server or CD transport.
The “D4” input is for use with a computer equipped
with a USB connector and music player software; you
cannot connect a USB flash drive or external hard drive
to the “D4” input.
Notes: (i) DSD format signals can ONLY be played
through the USB (“D4”) input. (ii) PCM format
signals with sample-rates of 352.8kHz and 384kHz
can ONLY be played through the USB (“D4”) input
The rotary “Volume” control determines the output
level.
The IR sensor for the included CRM-2 remote control is
located below and to the right of the volume control.

Owner’s Manual
When you select one of the four digital inputs, the
second column of LED’s will indicate that the DAC has
successfully locked onto a digital signal and indicate the
sampling rate in the following manner:
PCM Sampling Rate Illuminated LED(s)
44.1kHz 44.1
48.0kHz 48
88.2kHz 44.1 & 2X
96.0kHz 48 & 2X
176.4kHz 44.1 & 4X
192.0kHz 48 & 4X
352.8kHz 44.1 & 2X & 4X
384.0kHz 48 & 2X & 4X
DSD Sample Rates Illuminated LED(s)
DSD 64 DSD
DSD 128 DSD & 2X
DSD 256 DSD & 4X
Rear Panel Connections
Figure 2: Nēo 230HAD Rear panel
The rear panel will look similar to Figure 2 (above). There are four (4) digital inputs labeled D1, D2, D3 and D4. The
D1 input is on an optical Toslink connector; both the D2 and D3 inputs are on a S/PDIF connector; the D4 input is
on a USB type B connector. Directly below there is one (1) pair of single-ended analog inputs on RCA connectors
labeled “A1”.
9

230HAD Nēo Series
10
The Nēo 230HAD headphone amplifier has two (2)
pairs of single-ended outputs on RCA connectors,
labeled ‘FIX’ and ‘VAR’, located next to the “A1” analog
input. The ‘FIX’ output is intended as an output to a
preamplifer or integrated amplifier when the 230HAD is
used as a DAC. Keep in mind that the output level is
fixed and cannot be adjusted by the 230HAD’s volume
control. The ‘VAR’ output is designated for output to a
power amplifier with single-ended RCA inputs. Don’t
hesitate to use high quality interconnect cables*. Poor
quality interconnect cables can degrade the overall sonic
performance of your system.
Connect the supplied AC power cable to the IEC
receptacle, located on the headphone amplifier’s rear
panel. Ensure that the AC wall outlet you use has a
functioning ground. For the best sonic performance, it is
preferable that you plug your 230HAD directly into a
dedicated AC outlet and avoid using an extension cord.
* Please speak with your MOON Authorized Retailer about the
benefits of high quality cables for your system, and superior
quality AC wall outlet.
Operating the Nēo 230HAD
We recommend leaving your Nēo 230HAD powered up
at all times to maintain optimal performance. When you
plan on being away for a few days, it may not be a bad
idea to power off your amplifier. Please keep in mind
that once fully “broken-in”, your 230HAD requires
several hours of operation before reaching optimal
performance after powering it up again.
Turning on your Nēo 230HAD for the first time
Prior to turning the amplifier on for the first time, make
sure that every cable is properly connected to avoid any
problems. Next, briefly press the push 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 230HAD is now powered up and
ready for use.
On and Off Sequence
To avoid having any annoying noises (ie. “thumps” and
“pops”) emanate from your headphones when
powering your 230HAD on or off, you should always
power up any source components prior to powering up
your 230HAD. As well, always power down your
230HAD prior to powering down any source
components.

Owner’s Manual
Remote Control Operation
The Nēo 230HAD Headphone Amplifier uses the ‘CRM-2’ full-function
remote control (figure 3). It operates on the Philips RC-5 communication
protocol and can be used with other Simaudio MOON components.
The ‘CRM-2’ remote uses two AA batteries (included). To install them, simply
slide the back plate off in the direction of the arrow; insert the batteries in the
correct direction and then replace the back plate.
To engage the ‘CRM-2’ remote for use with the Nēo 230HAD Headphone
Amplifier/DAC, you must first press the button labeled D/A.
The POWER button located on the upper left will switch the Headphone
Amplifier to either ‘Standby’ or ‘On’ mode.
The 2 buttons labeled ◄INPUT ►allow you to sequentially scroll, either
backwards or forwards, through all available inputs. For example, to switch
from the “A1” to the “B1” input, press ◄INPUT two (2) times. To switch from
the “B1” to the “A1” input, press INPUT ►two (2) times. Pressing and holding
down either of these buttons results in only a single change to the selected
input.
The 2 buttons labeled ▼VOL ▲allow you to control the volume level. Pressing
▼VOL results in a decrease in the volume level; Pressing VOL ▲results in an
increase in the volume level. You may either press and hold these buttons
down or press them briefly to make volume adjustments.
NOTES: The ◄BAL ►buttons don’t affect the operation of the 230HAD.
The MUTE button doesn’t affect the operation of the 230HAD.
Figure 3: CRM-2 Remote Control
11

230HAD Nēo Series
Specifications
Configuration Single-Ended
Headphone Impedance 20 - 600Ω
Power Supply Transformers 1 x 10VA
Power Supply Capacitance 13,200μF
Type of Amplification Transconductance
Single-ended inputs (RCA) 1 pair
Mini-jack input 1 (1/8”)
Input Impedance 22,000Ω
Output Device Type Bipolar
Single Ended Headphone Output 1/4” Stereo TRS
Single Ended Preamp Outputs (RCA) 2 pairs (fixed and variable)
Output Power @ 600Ω100mW
Output Power @ 300Ω200mW
Output Power @ 50Ω1W
Audible Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1dB
Full-range Frequency Response 5Hz - 100kHz +0/-3.0dB
Output Impedance 1.25Ω
Signal-to-noise Ratio (20Hz-20kHz) 115dB @ full output
Crosstalk @ 1kHz 80dB
Maximum Output Voltage (Preamp) 10 Volts
Total Harmonic Distortion (20Hz-20kHz) 0.005%
Intermodulation Distortion 0.005%
Remote Control Full-Function (CRM-2)
Power Consumption @ idle 10 Watts
AC Power Requirements 120V / 60Hz ou 240V / 50Hz
Shipping Weight 6.2 lb. / 2.8 Kg.
Dimensions (W x H x D, inches / cm.) 7.0 x 3.0 x 11.0 / 17.8 x 7.6 x 28.0
Fuse Replacement: 120V version uses a 0.2A slow blow (5 x 20mm size)
230V version uses a 0.1A slow blow (5 x 20mm size)
12

Owner’s Manual
13
Specifications (cont’d)
Digital-to-Analog Converter:
Digital Input Types S/PDIF (RCA) x 2 USB x 1 Toslink x 1
DSD Data Rates (2.8224MHz), Double (5.6448MHz) and
Quadruple (11.2896) (via USB only)
DSD Sample Rates DSD64, DSD128 & DSD256 (via USB only)
PCM Bit-depth range 16 - 32 bits (32-bit via USB only)
PCM Sampling Frequency Rates 44.1 - 384kHz (352.8 & 384kHz via USB only)
Frequency Response (audible) 20Hz - 20kHz +0/-0.2dB
Frequency Response (full range) 2Hz - 72kHz +0/-3dB
THD @ 1kHz, 0dBFS (A-weighted) < 0.001 %
IMD < 0.004 %
Dynamic Range > 118dB
Signal-to-noise Ratio > 114dB @ full output
Slew Rate 50V/μs
Channel Separation > 114dB
Low Level Linearity ±1.0dB to below 120dBFS
Intrinsic Jitter < 100 picoseconds RMS

230HAD Nēo Series
14