MOON 380D Digital-to-Analog Converter
Rear Panel Connections
Figure 2: MOON 380D Rear panel
The rear panel will look similar to Figure 2 (above). On the left side are two rows of analog outputs; The bottom row has two
pairs labeled “Right” and “Left”, each with a single-ended RCA and balanced XLR connectors. These are “Fixed Level” outputs
and are intended to be connected to a line-level input on your preamplifier or integrated amplifier. The top row also has two
pairs labeled “Right” and “Left”, each with a single-ended RCA and balanced XLR connectors. These are
OPTIONAL
“Variable
Level” outputs whose volume level can only be adjusted using the included remote control. They can be connected to a line-
level input on your preamplifier or integrated amplifier, or directly to your power amplifier’s input. We strongly recommend
that you use the balanced XLR connectors on your 380D to maximize its level of performance.
The middle section contains all of the digital inputs and outputs. The bottom row has one “Digital SPDIF Output” on an RCA
connector, immediately followed by the SPDIF digital “Monitor Loop” with one input and one output, both on RCA connectors.
Next is a group of eight (8) “Digital Inputs” labelled “D1” thru “D8”. Inputs “D1” and “D2” are AES/EBU on 3-pin XLR
connectors and they benefit most from cables with an impedance of 110
Ω
. Inputs “D3”, “D4” and “D5” are S/PDIF – the first
two on RCA connectors and the third on a BNC connector. They all benefit most from cables with an impedance of 75
Ω
.
Inputs “D6” and “D7” are Optical and use a Toslink connector. Finally, input “D8” is USB type-B connector.
The area directly above the eight (8) digital inputs is reserved for the optional MiND Music Streamer. If your MOON 380D is
equipped with the MiND option, the you will see a socket for a WiFi antenna and a RJ45 ethernet connector socket. Please
consult the “MiND Setup Guide” and “MiND User Guide” for further details.
The right side of the rear panel has various connectors for external communications. The 380D is equipped with full-function
bi-directional RS-232 port control and status for custom integration or automation, as well as future software updates.
Immediately to the right of the RS-232 port 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. To the far right, there’s a 12V trigger output on a 1/8” mini-jack.
Finally on the right side is the “AC Power” section with a main power switch (“0”=off, “1”=on) and IEC receptacle for the
included AC power cord.
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; 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
preamplifier and the rest of your components be completely turned off.
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Rear Panel Connections
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