MOON W-3 Stereo Power Amplifier
Connecting the W-3
1. Connect the input cables running from your preamplifier’s outputs, whether balanced or single-
ended, to the amplifier’ s XLR or RCA inputs respectively. We highly recommend that you use the
balanced XLR inputs (provided that your preamplifier has balanced outputs) to take full advantage
of MOON W-3 Stereo power amplifier’s capabilities. Please refer to the next section “Balanced
Operation” on page 9 for further information.
In the event that you are using single-ended RCA interconnects, you should use the amplifier’s RCA
female jacks labeled “+” and leave the “dummy” RCA termination plugs in the “-“ RCA female jacks.
If your preamplifier inverts phase, then your should use the RCA female jacks labeled “-“ and insert
the dummy RCA termination plugs into the “+” RCA female jacks.
Don’t hesitate to use high quality interconnect cables. Poor quality interconnect cables can degrade
the overall sonic performance of your system. It is recommended, though not mandatory, to use
balanced interconnects between your preamplifier and the W-3 when using long cable runs (i.e.
more than 3 meters in length).
2. Connect your speakers, with the cables of your choice, to the W-3’s speaker binding posts. Take
care to respect the polarity (“+” , “-” ) of the output. Once again, don’t hesitate to use high quality
speaker cables. Poor quality speaker cables can degrade the overall sonic performance of your
system.
3. Connect the supplied AC power cable to the IEC receptacle, located on the amplifier’s rear panel.
Alternatively, if you wish, you may use a dedicated high-performance AC cable designed for high
current applications. Ensure that the AC wall outlet you use has a functioning ground. For the best
sonic performance, it is preferable that you plug your W-3 directly into a dedicated AC outlet and
avoid using an extension cord. If you have the time and willingness, consider installing a superior
quality AC wall outlet such as a hospital grade Hubbell.
4. 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 either the interconnect cables or the
speaker cables running to and from your W-3. In the event that this can’t be avoided, you should
ensure that any cables coming into contact with each other are crossed at ninety degree angles to
minimize the contact area.
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Connecting The W-3 8