Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality
- Incredible bass
- Very detailed resolution
- Solid value for the price
- Easy connectivity options
Product Considerations
- Might not be for everyone
- Treble might be too forward for some
- Its design may not appeal to everyone
- A slightly aggressive sound signature might not suit all listeners
Takeaway:
Overall, it presents a compelling option for those seeking a detailed and engaging listening experience. However, its sonic characteristics may not be a perfect fit for all preferences or systems.
All
The 404 Reference
reviews
Manufacturer details
- 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 / 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: 430 (W) x 390 (D) x 135 (H) mm
- Weight: 13 kg
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- 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.
Select products
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.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
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.
What if you spend more?
For a long time now , we’ve been thinking about developing a new referencemixing compact design and increased performances…and KT170 tube comes,giving the starting signal of I-70 project.
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Product Strengths
- Produces a large, powerful, smooth, and refined sound that belies its 50W power output, described as 'gutsy and dynamic while at the same time subtle and delicately nuanced'
- Offers superior tonality and a neutral/natural tonal quality that's mellow and warm without being soft or lacking in focus
- A very fast and lithe-sounding amplifier, offering outstanding clarity and definition
- Bass is clean, powerful, and deep, remarkable for a transformer-coupled tube amp
- Impeccably well put together, weighs a ton, and manages to look expensive without looking garish
Product Considerations
- Being pure Class A, the I-70 runs quite hot, which may impact electricity bills
- The remote control is considered sub-par compared to the amplifier's build quality
- Lacks balanced (XLR) inputs, which could be limiting for some users
- The I-70 is heavy (40kg), making it difficult to move
- Due to the limited power output of 50W, Jadis suggests partnering the amp with loudspeakers with a sensitivity of at least 90dB to ensure adequate headroom for transient peaks
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audia Flight FLS9: The I-70 offers superior tonality, while the FLS9 sounds thinner, tonally drier, and harder
- Vs Opera Audio Consonance M100S Plus: The I-70 has a smoother, more sophisticated finesse and pace
Takeaway: The Jadis I-70 is a well-built amplifier that offers a large and refined sound with great clarity, bass, and dynamics. This amplifier is perfect for those who prize warmth, delicacy, subtlety, finesse, and seek assertive dynamics without aggression.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Thrax Enyo packs all of the above optimized to interface to each other in a single bulletproof chassis with timeless design to deliver the sound you want with the features you need without the clutter and unnecessary expense.
The power amplifiers used in Enyo are a completely new design based on our research over the last 10 years, with a fully differential 3-stage architecture. The output stage uses the rare arrangement of cathode feedback while retaining the ultra-linear connection customary for military pentodes. Driving this output stage called for the development of a unique front end circuit accommodating positive grid swing. DC-coupled tube amplifiers are rare but Enyo uses only a single capacitor in the signal path delivering that "triode' magic without the usual "tube color". The power supply for the amplifier uses choke filtering to guarantee pitch black backgrounds and freedom from power supply modulation. Those are features rarely seen in anything other than top quality tube monoblocks. Autobiasing makes tube replacement a breeze.
The preamplifier in Enyo is our newly developed input board handling the input selection and volume control duties. The signal path is fully differential with transformer isolation for the inputs. Ground switching prevents any interaction between components connected via RCAs as it is intended for use in the average household with no dedicated power lines. The preamplifier board now hosts our MM/MC phono stage with menu selectable MM/MC and cartridge loading making the Enyo a top analog performer. The input board has its dedicated analog and digital power supplies totally independent from the power amplifiers, making it a complete world class preamplifier in the same box. The large LCD screen keeps you informed of the current settings easily read from your listening chair.
For Home Theatre integration we have added a "bypass" feature allowing you to use the Enyo as your speakers' power amp including a screen dimming function not to distract you while watching a movie. And on top of that it can be programmed to use with your favorite remote reducing clutter on the table.
The optional DAC extends the input range of the preamplifier by accommodating all modern digital interfaces - AES, SPDIF, Toslink, USB, Ethernet and Bluetooth. It hosts a 32bit/768kHz/ DSD256 dac. The dac itself is discrete build around switched resistors and dedicated power supply making it yet another separate component in the same box.
The streaming module supports multiple protocols, sample rates and signal resolutions up to 32bit/384k and DSD256. It is Roon Ready.
Enyo is a way of getting rid of cables, multiple remotes and boxes scattered across the room, so when we say it is a modular audiophile system we mean it. Zero compromise with no cable clutter and extra space. Each module optimized to interface with the other in the system guaranteeing synergy of the highest level.
Product Strengths
- Delivers a large degree of presence and dynamic potential, sounding pressurized and potent
- Has a very engaging way of conveying musical interrelationships, contributing to a strong sense of realism
- Neutral and faithful in its reproduction of music
- The DAC is very organic and analogue sounding, with not a hint of any digital signature, and dimensional, joyful and bold
- Good for driving difficult speakers through its particular circuit and excellent stability
- The front soft-touch buttons are very sensitive, which can lead to accidentally switching the amplifier off during power-up
- Care needs to be taken when switching to the digital input
Product Considerations
- The front soft-touch buttons are very sensitive, which can lead to accidentally switching the amplifier off during power-up
- Care needs to be taken when switching to the digital input
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Thrax Ares: The Enyo has extra body and depth of tone, making it the more appealing amplifier
- Vs Vitus RI-101 mk2: The Enyo has lessened tightness, and the music feels like it has been allowed a little more freedom, and there is a sense that it is holding nothing back
Takeaway: The Enyo Mk2 is a versatile all-in-one tube amplifier with a neutral sound that brings out the details and timing in music, making listening sessions enjoyable. The optional DAC is a great addition for those seeking a single-box solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- 16% more power output RMS across the board compared to its predecessor
- 11% less noise than the E650, improving the signal-to-noise ratio from 102 dB to 103 dB
- Features Accuphase's ANCC technology, which cancels noise and distortion, resulting in a cleaner signal
- A damping factor of 1000, a 25% increase from the E650, which allows it to drive larger speakers more effectively
- The headphone output is phenomenal, better than other integrated amps or preamps, allowing for high-quality headphone listening without needing a separate headphone amplifier
Product Considerations
- The optional DAC and phono boards are not included and must be purchased separately
- The spade connection on the speaker terminals has a collar that limits the angles from which the spade can be inserted
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs E650: A lower noise floor, more dynamic range, and it can drive large speakers in large rooms more effectively due to the increased damping factor
Takeaway: The E700 is a powerful and refined amplifier with improved noise reduction and the ability to drive demanding speakers. It offers high-quality sound and versatile features for a premium audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
I-50 was specially designed to work with KT150 through adapted diagram and specific output transformer for powr tubes optimal use.This integrated delivers 50W per channel in pure class A and is equipped with digital input ( USB) for a direct connection to a computer.
Product Strengths
- Described as 'absolutely gorgeous' and a 'real statement piece' due to its build and appearance
- Operates in class A, using KT-150 output tubes, which results in a smoother and more relaxed presentation
Product Considerations
- The KT-150 tubes require a fair amount of drive, which is handled by 12AX7 tubes
- The reviewer is not entirely sure how the phase split is done in the design, but it's required for the push-pull class A operation due to the absence of bias adjustment
Takeaway: The Jadis I50 is a beautiful amplifier that sounds amazing. It delivers 50 watts per channel in class A with KT-150 tubes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Balanced and musically persuasive presentation, making it convincing across various music genres
- Superb control coupled with a timbrally rich sound and expansive sound image—wonderfully nuanced and inviting
- Transparent, detail-oriented sound that doesn't sacrifice the body and soul of the music
- The design uses David Berning's ZOTL technology, aiming to deliver tube richness with solid-state resolve and speed
Product Considerations
- May require higher sensitivity speakers to perform optimally, especially in larger rooms
- The lack of dedicated subwoofer outputs might be a drawback for some users
- Its transparent nature means that poorly mastered recordings will be revealed as such
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Z40+ leans to a richer and more fluid sound, whereas the SoulNote A-2 is more concerned with resolution and clarity
- Compared to Pass Labs XP30 preamp and a First Watt F7 power amp, the Pass Labs sounded warmer, fleshier, and bigger, however, the Linear Tube Audio amp had more life to it
- Compared to Pass Labs XP30 preamp and an XA25 Pass Labs amplifier, the Linear Tube Audio has more density to the sound and is more solid sounding than the XA25 with the XP30
Takeaway: The Z40+ offers a unique combination of tube and solid-state qualities, providing a detailed yet musical listening experience. Its design and high-quality components aim to deliver a transparent and honest sound, suitable for a wide range of music and audiophiles who appreciate sonic purity
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The CTA407 balances accuracy and musicality, creating an amplifier that is greater than the sum of its parts.
- Utterly silent at idle, with neither noise from the amp itself nor through the speakers.
- It delivers the recording with surprising punch and attack within its power output limits.
- The amplifier is well-built, with every control feeling precise in use, exuding functionality.
- It offers a balanced, expressive, and composed performance.
Product Considerations
- The CTA407 is a big amplifier and requires plenty of room in any system.
- The buttons on the remote are prone to sticking.
- It has no headphone output.
- The moving magnet phono stage might not suit all users, as many prefer MM/MC onboard phono sections or separate phono stages.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Copland CTA405: The CTA407 traces back to the CTA405, specifically the CTA405 and not the CTA405a.
- Vs Copland CTA408: The CTA407 replaces both the 405a and the CTA408.
- Vs Yamaha A-S3200: The Copland amplifier doesn't have quite the same control over bass frequencies when playing loudly.
- Vs Audio Research I/50: The Copland amp seems more dynamic and plays with more authority in the bass range.
- Vs Rotel Michi X5: The Copland amplifier doesn't have the same endless power.
Takeaway: The Copland CTA407 delivers a sophisticated and controlled sound, with a rich and nuanced tonal character. It is a well-engineered tube amplifier that offers a balance of power and refinement for an engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive build quality, with robust and chunky chassis, thick top plate and high-quality connectors
- Both Ultralinear and Triode modes are offered, providing flexibility in sound and power output—40W and 20W respectively
- It can be used in a monoblock configuration without needing an additional preamplifier
- Phenomenal sound quality, with excellent bass handling, fantastic midrange, and fast, detailed yet silky smooth treble
- Transparency allows users to hear differences when making system changes
Product Considerations
- The remote control's material might feel a little sticky
- It lacks a home theater bypass analog input
- The AI 1.10 requires at least 20 cm of space at the top and back for proper ventilation
- All tubes undergo a critical selection process to ensure long-life and stable operation, so when they need replacing, customers may need to contact Canor directly to maintain optimal sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Canor sounded better than the Dynaco ST-70, but it was clear that it was struggling at the frequency extremes
- The AI 1.10 sounds even more tubey and bold by all means—in Triode Class-A mode—at the expense of the extra illumination and even more ambient retrieval at mid & higher freq. spectrum
- The Canor sounded just a bit smoother and slightly more open and transparent in higher extremes than the Jadis Orchestra Reference
Takeaway: The Canor AI 1.10 is a versatile tube amplifier with impressive sound and build quality. With features like auto-bias and switchable modes, it could be a great choice for audiophiles seeking a flexible and enjoyable listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality with imposing casework and high-quality finish
- Offers flexibility with switchable ultralinear and triode modes for different sound characteristics
- Features auto-bias with cathode feedback for safe and easy tube operation
- Precise gain control with a relay volume control and individual blocks for each channel, attenuating the signal in steps of one decibel
- Transparent yet warm organic sound profile suitable for various music genres
Product Considerations
- Generates significant heat during operation, requiring ample space for air circulation
- High power consumption of 150 watts in idle
- Switching between triode and UL modes can only be done on the amplifier itself, not via the remote
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Virtus I2 is a step up from the Canor AI 1.10
- The Virtus I2 is more affordable than the Canor Virtus M1
Takeaway: The Canor Virtus I2 is a well-engineered tube amplifier with a focus on in-house manufacturing, offering a transparent and engaging sound. Its flexibility and ease of use make it a worthwhile consideration for audiophiles seeking a high-quality tube listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a warm, musical, and enveloping sound
- The tube system gives the sound a warm and smooth signature, with excellent mid and high frequencies
- The amplifier reproduces a richly detailed and well-balanced soundstage
- Even at high volumes, the amplifier shows no signs of compression or fatigue
Product Considerations
- The bass, while well controlled and articulate, is not as deep and impactful as in some solid-state amplifiers
- The S6 Black Edition requires manual adjustment of the rest current of the tubes (bias) using circular instruments and switches/trimmers
Takeaway: The Unison Research S6 Black Edition offers audiophiles top-notch sound performance and an exclusive modern design, making it ideal for those seeking excellence in both aesthetics and functionality. Its warm and engaging sound makes listening to music a treat.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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