Owner`s manual

MOON i 5.3 Integrated Amplifier
Introduction
Your MOON i 5.3 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:
Proprietary “Advanced Renaisance” Technology which eliminates feedback. The results are as follows: Real-time
amplification is achieved since interactions from the speaker back to the amplifier are virtually eliminated; More
accurate musical reproduction with respect to tonality; Virtually non-existent transient intermodulation distortion
(which is far more degrading to sonic perfomance than harmonic distortion); The elimination of common phase errors
resulting from feedback.
An oversized power supply using a custom proprietary toroidal transformer design with lower magnetic,
electrical and thermal loss, yielding an improved transfer and lower regulation factor, resulting in increased current
speed and better dynamics.
An extremely short capacitor-free signal path measuring only fifteen inches in length, from input RCA connectors
to output binding posts, for a faster transient response.
Class “A” preamplifier section circuit topology.
A gain section that uses a Crystal microprocessor functioning as a “shunt to ground” that doesn't degrade sonic
performance regardless of the selected setting.
J-FET input devices in the preamplifier section. Precision matched Bipolar output devices, in the amplifier
section, which offer superb linearity throughout the entire audio frequency spectrum.
IR input for external control.
One single-ended audio input which functions as a “pass-through”, bypassing the gain stage to accommodate a
component such as a home-theater processor, whose own volume control is used instead.
Extremely rigid chassis construction to minimize the effects of external vibrations.
A symmetrical circuit design with accurate matching of the very finest high quality electronic components.
Pure copper circuit board tracings with extremely low impedance characteristics.
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 5.3 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
5.3 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.
Once you’ve decided on a location for the i 5.3, you should install the four (4) pointed screw-on tips into the four (4)
cylindrical legs of the chassis. These tips will easily scratch most surfaces, therefore it’s advisable to follow these instructions:
Place your i
5.3 on a soft surface (i.e. carpet) and carefully turn it so that it rests on its side. Screw one tip into each of the
four legs. Carefully move the chassis to it’s pre-determined location. In the event that the surface you have chosen isn’t
perfectly level, each of the four (4) tips on your i
5.3 are height adjustable; Included with these tips is a small metal rod,
intended for final adjustments (if necessary) by simply threading it through the tiny hole of each of these tips and then gently
turning the tip. These adjustable screw-on tips also provide mechanical grounding of the chassis.
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Introduction / Installation & Placement 6