Moonriver Audio Model 404 Integrated Amplifier

REVIEW
Chris Thomas
Jun 30, 2021

Excellent though it is on such sultry and atmospheric music it would be a mistake to think that it can’t push when required. In fact it can kick it much harder than it might have seduced you into believing, but it does it with great control and steadfastly refuses to grow confused or breathless as the transient levels rise and the tempos increase. The one thing it is not is bright. There’s a leaning toward amplifiers with a hard tonal edge these days but the 404 avoids this in favour of its own voice.

MOONRIVER AUDIO MODEL 404 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

So, you’re wondering at this stage if there are any downsides or weaker aspects? I would say that, at the price, the amplifier does everything you could reasonably expect. It could perhaps be a little more airy and transparent at high frequencies and perhaps the bass might have a touch more weight and tautness. But I would assume that the reference version with its improved power supply would address these areas. But this is an amplifier with impeccable balance and poise. Criticism seems harsh as it is such a well rounded design. I have certainly heard amplifiers costing far more that are not significantly better and every design has its limitations. But, considering the very attractive price and the performance offered it just has to be a recommendation from me.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Single box integrated amplifier
Power Output: 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms
Inputs: 5 (line 1 and 4 optionally occupied by phono stage and USB DAC respectively, 1 x tape loop)
Outputs: 2× Pre Out, 1 × Rec Out (RCA)
Freq. Response: 10Hz–50 kHz
MM phono stage gain: 40dB
MC phono stage gain: 50dB
MM Input impedance: 47k
MC Input impedance: 100 ohms
Signal to noise ratio: 85dB (line)
Remote: Yes
Dimensions: 135 × 430 × 390mm (H×W×D)
Weight: 12kg
Price: £3,095
MM Phono module: £375
MM/MC Phono module: £525