Moonriver
Amplifiers
Preamplifiers
Best Known For
Amplifiers
/
Used Products
1
 Available
Average Price
$5,001-$10,000
Brand Popularity
395
 of 900+
Products Listed
3
Review Count
11
Founding Year
2015
Headquarters
Sweden
Moonriver
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What's unique about the brand

Moonriver Audio's 404 amplifier features a modular design that lets users upgrade specific parts like phono stages or DACs instead of replacing the entire unit, with a vintage aesthetic inspired by classic Sansui amplifiers. The amplifier is built for easy servicing with through-hole components and a removable bottom panel, while featuring increasingly rare controls like balance and stereo/mono switches alongside a high-quality motorized Blue ALPS volume control.

What reviewers are saying

We read all the reviews. Here's what reviewers feel most strongly about:

  • Moonriver offers modularity, allowing users to add or upgrade functionality like phono stages or DACs without replacing the entire amplifier.
  • The brand's products feature a retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic 1970s Sansui amplifiers, combined with modern internal design.

Our favorite reviewer quotes:

  • "The Moonriver 404 did something special with every pair of loudspeakers in my home. This is a confident sounding amplifier that engages you from the first note and never lets go until the decay of the final note begins to dissipate in the air." (https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/moonriver-404-stereo-integrated-amplifier)
  • "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. This amp is full-bodied and firm yet not too rich or euphonic – and with a clean, sweet treble." (https://stereonet.com/reviews/moonriver-404-reference-integrated-amplifier-review)
  • "Everything I played felt like a live performance, and gave me another level of emotional connection to the music. […] I really felt that I was hearing deep into the recordings, with every instrument in its rightful place […]" (https://trueaudiophile.com/moonriver-audio-404-reference-integrated-audio-shocking)
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

  • The Moonriver Audio idea is a pleasant, easy to use, user oriented, highly sophisticated sounding and very flexible line of products that would give to an ordinary, speaker or amplifier the sense of real life performance.
  • The endless support for our products. 
  • All products are made with removable bottom covers and various guides, instructions and information inside the units in order to guide the service technician in the future to repair it without service manuals or schematics. Moonriver Audio units are made to last at least 50 years.
  • No standby function - only a breaker switch. This will help the unit to last many decades. Standby circuits are prone to fail.

What's your approach to customer support?

When customers contact us directly, they will get direct support from us. We don't forward customers' emails to our distributors for technical or other information regarding the Moonriver brand. We have a very clear customer support policy in Moonriver Audio: All products have 3 years warranty and after this period we offer a flat rate, very affordable repair including the spare parts with a fixed price, no matter what the problem is. This repair service for all of our products lasts as the company exists. There are no obsolete products in the Moonriver Audio line. All of our products will always have support for ever.

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

  • Manos Hatzidakis - Odos Oneiron (from the album "Stin Romaiki Agora")
  • Dusty Springfield - Son Of A Preacher Man (Dusty In Memphis)
  • Frank Sinatra - In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning (In The Wee Small Hours)
  • Stephan Micus - Flying Horses (Towards The Wind)
  • Yello - Friday Smile (Touch Yello)
  • Biosphere - Ōi-1, Fujiko (N-Plants)
  • Om - Gethsemane (Advaitic Songs)
  • John Coltrane & Don Cherry - Focus On Sanity (The Avant-Garde)
  • The World Spins - Julee Cruise (Floating Into The Night)
  • Havin' Myself A Time - Carol Kidd (Nice Work)
  • Anna von Hausswolff - Red Sun (Ceremony)
  • Keola Beamer & George Winston - Kalena Kai (The Descendants: OST)
  • Destroying Angels - Bohren & Der Club Of Gore (Black Earth)
  • Goodbye Pork Pie Hat - Charles Mingus (Mingus Ah Um)

What other products pair best with yours?

Moonriver Audio products are designed and voiced to match with any speaker or amplifier, no matter the origin, the sound school or the type. It sounds great with electrodynamic, panel or horn speakers. Personally, I prefer big, very sensitive speakers with 12 inch or bigger drivers.

From Julian's interview with
George Polychronidis
.

Lineup comparison

We think it's helpful to understand how their products compare. To learn more about each, scroll to the section above to click through to individual product pages.

The 505 Hybrid Phono Stage

  • Positioning: A compact phono stage designed for vinyl enthusiasts seeking dedicated analog sound enhancement.
  • Description: Offers a hybrid design that blends a tube-inspired circuit with modern solid state performance for purer record playback. Compared to the integrated amplifier models, its specialized function delivers focused phono quality.

The 404 Integrated Amplifier

  • Positioning: A balanced integrated amplifier that serves everyday listening needs with reliable sound quality.
  • Description: Delivers clear amplification with straightforward tone control, featuring a design that targets practical performance for typical home audio setups. In contrast to the phono stage and the reference model, its features and build offer a solid option for users with standard functionality needs and a modest budget.

The 404 Reference Integrated Amplifier

  • Positioning: A flagship integrated amplifier aimed at audiophiles demanding superior performance and technical precision.
  • Description: Uses advanced power circuitry and refined signal processing to provide greater detail and dynamic range, setting it apart through higher-end components. Compared to the 404 Integrated Amplifier and the phono stage, its enhanced design and upgraded features deliver premium performance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer

Used

Moonriver

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