Sometimes the old fashioned way of building something is the best way. In the case of the Swedish brand - Moonriver Audio's chief designer believes in engineering his products in a nod to the old fashioned, proper way of doing things. The 404 concept began about four years ago. George had designed and worked on many different types of audio electronics and through this grounding he acquired experience and knowledge before a clear concept for an integrated audio amplifier took shape. As he eloquently states, he was “Drowned in sound” and analysed in detail, every recording that “Spoke” to him. He cites the cost/performance balance that building an amplifier in Europe bring and just how much pure research he put into every section of the design to perfect all aspects of its construction and sound.
Like many high-end audio designers, Polychronidis began fiddling with electronics and designing circuits as a teenager. Nine years ago, after he had begun to develop what would become Moonriver, he relocated from his native Greece to Sweden and worked as a service technician in a hi-fi shop. The knowledge he acquired in the field, along with his background in design, photography, and user interface and industrial design, contributed to the Moonriver 404. Both Moonriver's basic and Reference 404 integrateds are hand-soldered and assembled in Sweden. They undergo a minimum of two days of factory burn-in to ensure reliability. Another 50 hours of consumer burn-in is recommended before they're at their best.
The Moonriver Model 404 has the aim of being to achieve incredible performance regardless of price range. The Swedish 404 amplifier will extract hidden elements and render textures from within any audio format, with the source, speakers and room to set the limits. Its culture will suit all music, as the Model 404 is by design set to define the faintest nuances of which tone integrity is composed.
The Moonriver 404 is also available with an upgraded power supply and is named the 404 Reference model. The reference model adds to the dynamic expressiveness of the 404 enabling amazing, lifelike dynamics that are on par with amplifiers costing a fair bit more.
3-year manufacturer warranty included. Available with an MM or an MM/MC phono stage.
Specifications
- Inputs: 5 (line 1 and 4 optionally occupied by phono stage and USB DAC respectively, 1 x tape loop)
- Outputs: 2 x preamp out, 1 x rec out
- Max output power: 50 W per channel into 8 Ω
- Frequency response: 10 Hz to 50 kHz
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%
- Signal to noise ratio: 85 dB (line)
- Idle Consumption: 22 Watts
- Dimensions (mm): 430 (W) x 390 (D) x 135 (H)
- Weight: 12 kg
