Simaudio MOON i-1 User manual

Owner’s Manual
MOON
i-1
Integrated Amplifier

MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier
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.
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.
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MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier
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 Simaudio MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier.
1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables,
or when cleaning any component.
2. The MOON i-1 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 i-1 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.
4. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.
5. NEVER operate the MOON i-1 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 i-1 with any liquid. If a liquid substance does enter your MOON i-1,
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 MOON i-1.
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 i-1. If a problem occurs contact your MOON dealer.
12. NEVER expose the MOON i-1 to extremely high or low temperatures.
13. NEVER operate the MOON i-1 in an explosive atmosphere.
14. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.
15. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.
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MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier
Table of Contents
Congratulations ............................................... 5
Unpacking and Warnings ................................... 5
Introduction .................................................... 6
Installation & Placement ................................... 6
Front Panel Controls ......................................... 7
Rear Panel Connections ..................................... 8
SimLink™ ........................................................ 9
Operating the i-1 ............................................. 9
Remote Control Operation ................................10
Specifications .................................................11
www.simaudio.com
Revision no.: 20101001
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MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier
Congratulations!
Thank you for selecting the MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier 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 two-channel
Integrated Amplifiers available in its class. We have been building high-performance audio equipment for over 25 years, and
the know-how gained through our cumulative experience is an important reason why MOON integrated amplifiers are so
musically satisfying.
The performance of your i-1 will continue to improve during the first 400 hours of listening. This is the result of a “break-in”
period required for the numerous high quality electronic parts used throughout this integrated amplifier.
Before setting up your new MOON i-1, we encourage you to please read this manual thoroughly to properly acquaint yourself
with its features. We hope you enjoy listening to the MOON i-1 integrated amplifier 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/manuals.htm
Unpacking
The MOON i-1 integrated amplifier should be removed from its box with care.
The following accessories should be included inside the box with your integrated amplifier:
9 AC power cable
9 ‘CRM-2’ remote control with two ‘AA’ batteries (USA and Canada only)
9 This owner’s manual
9 Warranty and product registration information (USA and Canada only)
As soon as the integrated amplifier is safely removed from its box and placed down, perform a thorough physical inspection
and report any physical damage to your dealer immediately. We suggest that you keep all of the original packaging, storing it
in a safe, dry place in the event that you’re required to transport the integrated amplifier. The customized packaging is
specially designed to protect the MOON i-1 integrated amplifier from potential damage that may occur during shipping.
Please write the serial number of your new Simaudio MOON i-1 in the space provided below for future reference.
Serial No.: ________________
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Congratulations / Unpacking 5

MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier
Introduction
Your MOON i-1 integrated amplifier incorporates many significant design features to achieve its “world class” level of
performance. This is an abbreviated list of the more important features:
An oversized power supply using a custom toroidal transformer design
Rated output of 50 watts/channel into 8 ohms and 100 watts/channel into 4 ohms
Six line-level inputs including one front-mounted 1/8” mini-jack for personal media players
Headphone output on ¼” TRS jack located on the front panel
Remote control operation
RS-232 port for i) full unsolicited bidirectional feedback in custom installation setups and ii) firmware updates
IR input for external control
A single pair of bipolar output devices in the amplification section
Class “A” output to 5 watts for greater efficiency
Circuit board with pure copper tracings and gold plating that yields low impedance characteristics
Optimized selection of very high quality electronic components
Heat-sink free design incorporating an all-aluminum chassis for evenly distributed heat dissipation
Rigid chassis construction to minimize the effects of external vibrations
Designed to be powered up at all times for optimal performance
Low operating temperature for a longer than normal life expectancy.
Installation & Placement
The MOON i-1 requires reasonable ventilation to maintain an optimum and consistent operating temperature. As a result, it
should be placed in a location with empty space around it for proper heat dissipation. As well, it should be placed 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 this component’s performance and reliability. The i-1 uses a toroidal transformer; even though it is well shielded,
you should not place the integrated amplifier too close to source components sensitive to EMI, such as turntables and phono
preamplifiers.
You should never place another component directly on top of this integrated amplifier.
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Introduction / Installation & Placement 6

MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier
Front Panel Controls
Figure 1: MOON i-1 Front panel
The front panel will look similar to Figure 1 (above). On the lower left side you will find 9 push buttons with an indicator LED
directly above each one. The remote control sensor is located directly to the left of the “Standby” button and it should never
be blocked or remote control operation may be compromised. The “Standby” button disengages the input section from the
rest of the i-1’s circuitry. When in “Standby” mode all audio circuitry remains powered up to help maintain optimal
performance. When switching back from “Standby” to the “on” mode, both the ‘input’ and volume level settings will be
memorized from the previous listening session. The blue indicator LED does not illuminate when the i-1 is in “Standby”
mode.
The MOON i-1 integrated amplifier has six (6) inputs labeled CD, DVD, Tuner, Video, Aux, and MP. Each of the first five (5)
inputs has a corresponding pair of input connections located on the unit’s rear panel (refer to the section entitled “Rear Panel
Connections” for futher details). The sixth input, labelled “MP” (Media Player) has its corresponding input connection located
on the far right side of the front panel for easy access. As well, the “MP” input, located to the right of the volume control, uses
a 1/8” mini-jack connector which is the most common type of connection found on portable media players. Select any one of
these six (6) inputs by simply pressing the associated button. When selected, the corresponding red indicator LED, located
directly above the button will illuminate.
The “Mute” button mutes the output signal to the loudspeaker terminals, headphone jack and the “PRE OUT” connectors
(refer to the section entitled “Rear Panel Connections” for futher details). Pressing the “Mute” button a second time will
reinstate the volume back to its previous level. When the output signal is muted, the corresponding red indicator LED, located
directly above the “Mute” button, will flash on and off. As well, the LED corrsponding to the selected input will shut off.
The “Spk off” button fully disengages the output signal only to the loudspeakers connected to the MOON i-1. This feature is
very useful when listening to the i-1 with headphones. As well, the output signal to the “PRE OUT” is unaffected.
The rotary “Volume” control determines the output level. Turning it clockwise increases the volume level and turning it
counterclockwise decreases the volume level.
The “Phones” jack is used for connecting a pair of stereo headphones to the MOON i-1. The input connector is a standard
¼” stereo TRS jack. When a pair of headphones are used with the i-1,the loudspeakers will still receive an output signal.
However, you should use the aformentioned “Spk off” button for private listening.
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Front Panel Controls 7

MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier
Rear Panel Connections
Figure 2: MOON i-1 Rear panel
The rear panel will look similar to Figure 2 (above). There are five (5) pairs of single-ended inputs on RCA connectors labeled
CD, DVD, TUNER. VIDEO and AUX The left channel inputs are located on top and the corresponding right channel inputs are
located directly below.
The MOON i-1 integrated amplifier also has one pair of non-amplified outputs labeled ‘PRE OUT’, located next to the AUX
input, and is designated for output to a power amplifier with single-ended RCA inputs in the event that you wish to use your
MOON i-1 as a preamplifier only. The output level on the ‘PRE OUT’ is variable and is adjusted by the i-1’s volume control.
To the right of the input and “PRE OUT” section are a series of input/ouput connectors for external communication. From left
to right there are two (2) “SimLink” connectors labeled “in” and “out” on 1/8” mini jacks. Please refer to the next section
entitled SimLink™ for more details. Next, there’s a 1/8” mini-jack input for use with aftermarket infrared remote control
receivers. Finally, there’s a full-function bi-directional RS-232 port control and status for custom integration or automation on
a DB9 connector.
Next to the communication section and directly above the unit’s serial number plate, there is a pair of gold-plated binding
posts. Connect your loudspeakers, with the cables of your choice, to these binding posts, paying attention to respect the
polarity (“+” , “-” ) of the output.
Finally on the far right side is the main power switch (“0”=off, “1”=on), the IEC receptacle, labeled “AC Input” for the
included AC power cord, and the “AC Fuse” socket cover.
You will notice that all RCA input and output connectors on the rear panel have been color coded: ‘white’ for the left channel
and ‘red’ for the right channel. All rear panel connectors have been chosen because they provide the best possible
connections for your unit. A poor contact will degrade the signal substantially, and plugs and sockets should all look clean and
free of dirt and corrosion. The easiest way to clean them is to remove the cables from their sockets and push them back in
again. This procedure requires that your Integrated Amplifier and the rest of your components be completely turned off. Not
heeding this warning may result in serious damage to your equipment. Special contact cleaning fluids and enhancers should
not be used, as they deposit a difficult to remove residue which degrades the performance of your components.
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Rear Panel Connections 8

MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier
SimLink™
The SimLink™ provides communication features between various MOON components. For example, if you were to connect
the CD-1 to the i-1 via the SimLink™, pressing the X(play) button on the CD-1 will cause the i-1 to automatically switch to
the input labelled ‘CD’. A second feature of SimLink™ involves the “Standby” function. By pressing down and holding the
“Standby” button for 2 seconds on the either the CD-1 or i-1, both units will go into “Standby” mode. The same logic applies
when switching from “Standby” to active mode.
The connection rules for the SimLink™ are very basic. You must always connect the supplied cable between one component’s
“SimLink™ Out” jack and another component’s “SimLink™ In” jack. If you inadvertently connect the cable between either two
“SimLink™ In” or two “SimLink™ Out” jacks, the SimLink™ communication feature will not function. Also, there is no master
component in a SimLink™ chain; no one particular component operates as the main communications controller.
Operating the i-1
We recommend that you leave your MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier powered up at all times to maintain optimal performance.
In the event that you plan to be away from your home for a few days, powering off the Integrated Amplifier may not be a bad
idea. Once fully “broken-in”, please keep in mind that your i-1 will require several hours of playing time before it reaches its
peak performance after you’ve powered it up again.
Making the AC Connection
Connect the supplied AC power cable to the IEC receptacle, located on the rear panel of the integrated amplifier’s chassis.
Ensure that the AC wall outlet you use has a functioning ground. For the best sonic performance, it is preferable that you
plug your MOON i-1 directly into a dedicated AC outlet and avoid using an extension cord. In order to obtain the maximum
performance from your audio system, we strongly recommend that the detachable power cord not come into physical contact
with any of the interconnect and speaker cables running to and from your i-1. In the event that this can’t be avoided, you
should ensure that any cables coming into contact with each other are crossed at a ninety degree angle to minimize the
contact area.
Turning on your MOON i-1 for the first time
Prior to turning the integrated amplifier on for the first time, make sure that every cable is properly connected to avoid any
problems. Then turn on your integrated amplifier in the following manner:
1) Flick the main rocker switch labeled “POWER” to the ‘1’ (on) position on the rear of the i-1.
2) Press the push button labeled “Standby” on the i-1s front panel. The blue LED will illuminate.
On and Off Sequence
To avoid having any annoying noises (ie. “thumps” and “pops”) emanate from your speakers when powering your i-1 on or
off, you should
1) Always power up your i-1 integrated amplifier after powering up your source component(s).
2) Always power down your i-1 before powering down your source component(s).
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Operating the i-1 9

MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier
Remote Control Operation
The MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier uses the ‘CRM-2’ full-function remote control
(figure 3). It operates on the Philips RC-5 communication protocol and is 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 MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier,
you must first press the button labeled AMP.
The POWER button located on the upper left will switch the integrated amplifier to
either ‘Standby’ or ‘On’ mode.
The 2 buttons labelled ◄INPUT ►allow you to sequentially scroll, either
backwards or forwards, through all six (6) available inputs. For example, to switch
from the “CD” to the “VIDEO” input you may press either ◄INPUT three (3)
times or INPUT ►three (3) times. Pressing and holding down either of
these buttons results in only a single change to the selected input.
The 2 buttons labelled ▼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.
The MUTE button turns off the output volume. Pressing the “Mute” button a
second time will reinstate the output volume level back to its current setting.
Figure 3: CRM-2 Remote Control
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Remote Control Operation 10

MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier
Specifications
Configuration ......................................................... Stereo
Power Supply Transformer ....................................... 320VA
Power Supply Capacitance ...................................... 20,000µF
Class Of Operation - Amplifier .................................. Class A/B
Single-ended inputs ................................................. 5 (RCA)
Mini-jack input ........................................................ 1 (1/8”)
Input Sensitivity ..................................................... 370mV – 3.0V RMS
Input Impedance ................................................... 11,000Ω
Preamplifier output ................................................. 1 (RCA)
Headphone output ................................................... 1 ( 1/4” Strereo TRS)
Output Device Type - Amplifier ................................ Bipolars – 2 per channel
Output Binding Posts ............................................... shielded
Output Power @ 8Ω................................................ 50 Watts per channel
Output Power @ 4Ω................................................ 100 Watts per channel
Output Impedance .................................................. 0.04Ω
Damping Factor ...................................................... > 200
Gain ....................................................................... 37dB
Dynamic Headroom ................................................. 3dB
Signal-to-noise Ratio .............................................. 101dB @ full power
Maximum Output Voltage ........................................ 22 Volts
Slew Rate ............................................................... 20V/µs
Maximum Current – Peak ........................................ 15 amperes
Maximum Current – Continuous .............................. 9 amperes
Frequency Response .............................................. 10Hz - 100kHz +0/-3dB
Crosstalk @ 1kHz ................................................... -78dB
Intermodulation Distortion ...................................... < 0.05%
THD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 1 watt) ................................ < 0.015%
THD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 50 watts) ............................ < 0.02%
Remote Control ...................................................... Full-Function (CRM-2)
AC Power Requirements ......................................... 120V / 60Hz or 240V / 50Hz
Shipping Weight ..................................................... 22 lbs / 10 Kgs
Dimensions (W x H x D, inches) .............................. 16.88 x 3.50 x 14.75
NOTE: In the event that you require the RS-232 codes for your MOON I-1, please contact Simaudio Ltd.
directly by either email ([email protected]) or by toll-free telephone [phone]).
Fuse Replacement: For the 120V version use a 4A fast blow (3AG size).
For the 230V version use a 2A fast blow (3AG size).
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Specifications 11