{"product_id":"moonriver-404-reference-vollverstarker-referenzklasse","title":"Moonriver 404 Reference Integrated Amplifier, Reference Class","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Moonriver 404 Reference is the reference version of the 404 integrated amplifier, with massively more power-supply capacity for noticeably more dynamics and calm in the sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost identical to the standard 404 on the outside – black front, walnut side cheeks, the same four knobs – it packs a different calibre on the inside: instead of 57,000 µF total capacitance, the Reference version brings 107,000 µF, of which 21,000 µF is reserved exclusively for the preamp stage. If you want to hear the difference, you don't have to guess: it's there as soon as the music turns dynamic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the Moonriver 404 Reference?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it takes the philosophy of the standard 404 – honest analogue technology instead of a fireworks display of features – and follows it through consistently. WBT nextgen speaker terminals for demanding loads, relay-based signal switching with the legendary ALPS potentiometer, a soft-start circuit via a 30 A relay against inrush current spikes: details rarely found this consistently in an integrated amplifier of this price class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same modular expandability as the standard 404 – phono module MM or MM\/MC, SPDIF or USB DAC module, each separately retrofittable – paired with a preamp stage that, thanks to its own 21,000 µF reserve, works more independently of the power-amp load. The balance control, stereo\/mono switch and tape loop remain on board unchanged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the 404 Reference suited for – and who isn't it for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStraight talk:\u003c\/strong\u003e for anyone who already knows they want a Moonriver 404 and is willing to pay extra for noticeably more power-supply reserve – for example with demanding, low-impedance speakers. If you're already happy with how the standard 404 sounds on your speakers, you don't automatically need to upgrade: the difference shows up mainly with dynamically demanding music and critical loads, not equally clearly in every combination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn integrated amplifier that combines the restraint of the standard 404 with tangible technical reserves. Jason Victor Serinus put it succinctly in his review for Stereophile (January 28, 2021): \"Whatever I played through the Moonriver 404 Reference sounded right and gave me consistent pleasure.\" If your budget allows, the Reference is the more consistent choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data – Moonriver 404 Reference\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e integrated amplifier with fully discrete preamp circuit, reference version\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmplifier principle:\u003c\/strong\u003e dual-mono power-amp layout, 5 independent power supplies, each with its own overload protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower-supply capacitance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 107,000 µF total, of which 21,000 µF exclusively for the preamp stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput power:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 × 50 W at 8 Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 Hz – 50 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistortion (THD):\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.05%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignal-to-noise ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e 85 dB (line)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume control:\u003c\/strong\u003e relay-based signal switching with ALPS potentiometer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInrush protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e soft-start circuit via 30 A relay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaker terminals:\u003c\/strong\u003e WBT nextgen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 analogue inputs incl. tape loop, including slots for an optional phono and USB DAC module\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2× pre-out, 1× recording out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHousing:\u003c\/strong\u003e steel chassis with solid walnut side cheeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandby power draw:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22 watts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptionally retrofittable:\u003c\/strong\u003e phono module MM or MM\/MC, SPDIF or USB DAC module (only one digital module at a time)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (W×H×D):\u003c\/strong\u003e 43 × 13.5 × 39 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e handmade in Malmö, Sweden\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 years (manufacturer)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the difference between the 404 Reference and the standard 404?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMainly the power-supply capacitance: 107,000 µF instead of 57,000 µF, of which 21,000 µF is exclusively for the preamp stage. On top of that come WBT nextgen terminals, relay-based volume control with an ALPS potentiometer, and a soft start via a 30 A relay. Power and the basic circuit are identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the surcharge over the standard 404 worth it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat depends on your speakers and your demands. With dynamically demanding music and low-impedance loads, the Reference delivers noticeably more reserve. Bring us your speaker data and we'll tell you honestly whether the difference is worth it for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I retrofit the phono and DAC module at the same time?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe phono module, yes, plus one digital module (SPDIF or USB) as well – you just can't fit two digital modules at the same time, since there's only one slot provided for that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow heavy is the 404 Reference compared to the standard 404?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13 kg versus 12 kg for the standard 404 – the extra power-supply capacitance noticeably tips the scales. Housing dimensions are identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Moonriver 404 Reference from HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause we tell you honestly whether the Reference version is worth it for your speakers, instead of automatically recommending the more expensive model. Call us or message us on WhatsApp – we'll advise you in Wädenswil on the right combination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDemanding \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/standlautsprecher\"\u003efloorstanding speakers\u003c\/a\u003e, a \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/plattenspieler\"\u003eturntable\u003c\/a\u003e for the retrofittable phono module, and a clean \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/kabel\"\u003espeaker cable\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Moonriver","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":53541837013328,"sku":null,"price":4990.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/moonriver-404-reference-vollverstaerker-frontansicht.jpg?v=1788515428","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en-ch\/products\/moonriver-404-reference-vollverstarker-referenzklasse","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}