Moonriver 404 Reference integrated amplifier

Fine-tuned acoustic minimalism! | Moonriver Audio 404 Reference review in Swedish Hifi & Musik magazine by Mats Meyer-Lie

“The 404 Reference model managed to expose fine micro-details and creative, breathtaking depth, towards a calm, quiet and velvet-black background.

This little class AB amplifier delivers all the spellbinding realism and truly tangible sense of presence that usually reserved in low power (expensive!) amplifiers with minimum of components in the signal path. Yes, the cliché ”less is more” is more appropriate when the Model 404 Reference wraps you in an airy, acoustic magic.

The new 404 Reference delivers dynamic resilience and shocking realism that only few offer in the price range”.

Download the Swedish version

Applause Award! Moonriver Audio 404 Reference review in Stereonet by James Michael Hughes

“I was immediately impressed by the warmth and weight of the overall sound; the strong and clear bass, plus the sweet richness of Joni Mitchell’s voice. The dense layering of background vocals and synthesizers was amazing. I sensed the relaxed ease and fullness you get from good tube designs, but with the immediacy and detail found in the best solid-state models.

The combination of responsiveness, transparency, and a certain relaxed ease makes the 404 Reference musically rewarding to listen to.

I reckon Moonriver Audio’s 404 Reference must be one of the best integrated amplifiers currently available. It delivers an outstandingly clear, dynamic, and full-bodied sound, with great timing, plus levels of clarity and refinement that few rival regardless of cost approach. I absolutely loved it. […] A veritable wolf in sheep’s clothing, it offers a monstrous musical performance”.

Read the full review here:
https://www.stereonet.co.uk/reviews/moonriver-404-reference-integrated-amplifier-review

Download a PDF version:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1as1SRgM_ed12wvl4U5V4q2dt89R_08k2/view?usp=sharing

Moonriver Audio 404 Reference 6moons review by Srajan Ebaen

“The 404 Reference combines a dynamically very loaded gestalt with heavy mass. Despite low wattage figures, that combination acts like a muscle amp. High voltage
gain means quick torque on the throttle […] In very meaningful ways, his 404 Reference is what in the natural order of things often becomes the ideal of well traveled audiophiles tired of the endless chase. They want to settle down with something solid, reliable, fully satisfying and simple […] In that sense, today’s Moonriver integrated is a perfect end-game amp with a very gutsy sound and a flush hand of winning features. ”

Read the full review here:
https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/moonriver/

A Dreammaker From Moonriver | Moonriver Audio 404 Reference review in Stereophile by Jason Victor Serinus 02/2020

“A Roon search led me to Trio Tapestry (Qobuz 24/96 FLAC), which is led by saxophonist Joe Lovano with Crispell and percussionist Carmen Castaldi (Qobuz 24/96 FLAC). I couldn’t believe how realistic Castaldi’s gongs sounded on “One Time In.” On “Seeds of Change,” sonics and musicianship were mesmerizing. The varied heights of instruments in the deep and spacious soundstage were enthralling. Everything felt so right that there was nothing to do but bliss out.

I wrote at the beginning of this review that the Moonriver 404 Reference is the least expensive integrated amplfier I’ve had in my system; that makes it difficult for me to proclaim the Moonriver 404 Reference integrated amplfier a new benchmark for sonic excellence in an integrated costing $5000 or less. But I’m tempted to anyway, because it does justice to complex and demanding recordings and it sounds tonally spot on, well balanced, clear, and musical.

For some of you, the Moonriver 404 Reference integrated may be the longed-for component, just waitin’ round the bend, that transports you to audio nirvana. With dutiful attention to setup and component matching, the Moonriver Model 404 Reference integrated amplifer can deliver Class A sound at a Class B price, and joyful listening”.

Read the full review here:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/moonriver-404-reference-integrated-amplifier