SKU: 47308092295

Moonriver Audio 404 Integrated Amplifier

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Description

Moonriver Audio 404 Integrated AmplifierThe 404 integrated amplifier Moonriver Model 404 is the outcome of a 3 year research, the aim being to achieve incredible performance regardless of price range. The 404 amplifier will extract hidden elements and render textures from within any audio format, with the source, speakers and room to set the limits. Its culture will suit all music, as the Model 404 is by design set to define the faintest nuances of which tone integrity is composed. A hefty

The 404 integrated amplifier

Moonriver Model 404 is the outcome of a 3-year research, the aim being to achieve incredible performance regardless of price range. The 404 amplifier will extract hidden elements and render textures from within any audio format, with the source, speakers and room to set the limits. Its culture will suit all music, as the Model 404 is by design set to define the faintest nuances of which tone integrity is composed.

A hefty supply section ensures that ample healthy power is available at all times at all stages through separate rails. A fully discrete preamp section serves for acute dynamic awareness, while a high output stage that is custom-optimized for bandwidth and distortion warrants for neutral predisposition and transient fidelity. A laborious selection of components armors the design against tonal alteration, pretentious or not, thus preserving naturalness throughout the shortest feasible path.

Furthermore, an integrated phono stage, a USB DAC, two preamp outputs and a tape monitor loop expand functionality to form an ideally flexible integrated amplifier.

Design & Ergonomics

We had a very clear vision when we conceived the Moonriver 404 amplifier: Classic design with a modern touch; high quality materials such as massive aluminum knobs, solid walnut cheeks, sturdy enclosure; ergonomic user interface.

There are no “shaved” aesthetics here, no display with complicated serial menus and hidden functions, nor a single multi-function knob for “minimalistic” purposes.
The heart of Model 404 is pure and minimal but the interface is user oriented and easy to operate by anyone in seconds with no need to resort to the user manual. Four knobs and three switches give direct access to any function.

Modular Architecture

Moonriver 404 amplifier is modular by nature; it can accommodate an MM or MM/MC phono stage and a USB asynchronous DAC. Fitting these modules is simple and can take place at any time, on or after purchase. The USB DAC may also be upgraded with a newer version to meet future needs.

Balance Control

You may find this feature to be vanishingly scarce in audiophile products as a result of today’s “minimalist” design mentality and the various myths accompanying it. However, balance control addresses a common problem; speakers that are positioned in asymmetry, in a non-balanced room environment. It thus provides the simplest tweak towards achieving a proper sound stage.

Living rooms and house furniture are meant to serve everyday life and may not be provisioned with an ideal listening spot, evenly distanced from each speaker to form an equilateral triangle. It is also not uncommon for one speaker to have to be placed nearer room boundaries than the other, having various frequencies boosted in a more or less predictable pattern. More often than not, balance control would come in handy in that it drastically helps overcoming volume level unevenness and in some cases even reclaiming stereo effect and the resulting focused sound stage.

As expected, the way balance control is implemented on the Moonriver 404 amplifier, in parallel, will not degrade or affect the signal in any way determinable.

Discovering the layout

Model 404 incorporates no less than 5 separate power supplies, each featuring overload protection. The power amplifier specifically runs on a dual mono configuration, beginning from separate windings on the toroidal transformer.

Signal switches are implemented via relays, while volume attenuation is trusted on the legendary blue ALPS pot.

A soft start circuit based on a 30A relay ensures that even the on/off switch is thought out to work with virtually no burden or wear for decades.

Components are carefully selected for both suitability and reliability. We make no use of surface-mount in analog circuits, despite the fact that through-hole costs more and requires advanced space management & layout strategies.

Each element utilized has to be of proven stability and sustained higher performance -proficient implementation provided- before making it into our analog paths.

As for the sound, we are not to say whether Model 404 is virtually transparent or inherently forgiving. Voicing it to appreciate the playlist and respect the user at all times has been the sum of all of our effort; a sincere effort to achieve effortlessness.

The Importance of Tape Monitor Loop

Probably most of today’s manufacturers reject the idea of their product featuring a tape loop. At Moonriver Audio, we have concluded that the tape monitor loop is essential. Not only does it add the option of monitoring the difference between recorded and source material at a real time.

It also, and most importantly, makes possible to insert to the chain -at will- a digital or analog room correction processor, a buffer, a noise reduction system or any other line device available to improve the sound of connected sources.

Stereo/Mono Switch

The pristine era of analog recording being long gone, features like the stereo/mono switch have been gradually chased out into obsolescence. Who wants to go back to one when they have two channels? “Less is more” and “more is better”. Well…

As vinyl record revamping climaxes, whether a modern rage, a fashion thing or a real movement, countless monaural pressings emerge out there, often along with their digital… image. Too many of them, among others waiting to be rediscovered, have currently become collector’s items, 78 rpm direct-cut gems being no exception. This is not unreasonable, as what happened between say the 30s and the 80s in terms of both musical interpretation and recording technique is by many considered to be “most of the music” – this sentence doing perhaps no justice to stunning actual developments in creation and reproduction. Stereo/mono switch gives you the chance to enjoy recording art milestones with respect to how they were initially intended to please; in genuine mono, 2-channel, doing away with artificial phase discrepancies induced by mandatory stereo mode.

So, “less” may well be “more”, but better is to have a choice.

Optional Phono Stage

Model 404 comes with two options in the phono stage department; one is MM only and the other is MM/MC selectable. Both follow the exact quality principles that Model 404 is built on. Quality components and massive power supplies are also employed here, to efficiently accommodate very low noise, high performance op-amps.

The gain in the MM/MC phono can be adjusted, simply by changing the dip switches position. The MC input load can be set also, by replacing the original 100 Ohm input resistor with a higher or lower value. No soldering is required.

Optional SPDIF DAC

The add-on dac module is based on the 9000 series ESS Sabre dac chip. The SPDIF supports PCM streams up to 192kHz/24bit due to the limitation of the SPDIF (coaxial) specifications. There are 3 separated power supplies with very low noise regulators, 2 for the ESS dac board and 1 for the analog circuit. The capacitor bank is massive and it uses 42000uF (in case of 404 Reference) from the power amplifier’s power supply.

Specially care has been given to the voicing of the analog output stage to match the dynamic and natural character of Moonriver sound. The result is an impressive sounding digital-to-analog converter which respects the timing, the space and the color of the music and unfolds the dynamic contrast – the definition of every musical event.

Optional USB DAC

What was desired for our USB DAC module was not to make an addition rather than an omission; instead we had to be confident of substantially raising the true value and functionality of Model 404.

The add-on USB dac module is also based on the 9000 series ESS Sabre dac chip with native DSD support. The USB dac supports PCM up to 384kHz/24bi and DSD up to 128. The USB input section is separated with discrete, very low drift clocks, XMOS input based chip with custom firmware. There are 5 separated power supplies with very low noise regulators, 2 for the USB board, 2 for the ESS dac board and 1 for the analog circuit. Specially care has been given to the voicing of the analog output stage to match the dynamic and natural character of Moonriver sound. The capacitor bank is massive and it uses 42000uF (in case of 404 Reference) from the power amplifier’s power supply.

A new USB DAC for the Moonriver 404 Standard and Reference will be announced shortly.

Downloads

Moonriver 404 User Manual
Moonriver 404 Flyer
Moonriver 404 AKM USB DAC Windows 7 Drivers
Moonriver Audio Press Kit

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
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Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
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Jeff Stokes
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 3
Good Space Savings, but the Bag Zippers don't hold very well
Size: 15 Combo Travel Size
I purchased these Vacbird travel vacuum bags mainly to save space in carry-on luggage and cruise packing, and the overall concept works well. The included rechargeable air pump is compact and convenient for travel, and the compression bags can significantly reduce the amount of space taken up by clothing and soft items when sealed properly. The bags themselves are easy to fill and compress, and they can definitely help organize luggage more efficiently for longer trips. For bulky clothing like jackets, sweatshirts, or extra layers, the space savings are noticeable. The rechargeable pump is also more convenient than manually rolling air out of the bags repeatedly. The reason this isn’t a higher rating is the zipper closure quality. The zippers feel much weaker than they should for a product designed around repeated compression and travel handling. Several closures required extra care to avoid separating or leaking air, which reduces confidence in long-term durability. The system works, but the zipper design feels like the weak point and keeps the product from feeling as reliable as it otherwise could be.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
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Bri
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Amazing product, and even more AMAZING Customer Care Team!
Color: All Black Premium Gift Box, Size: Z1 Motor + Batteries, Color: All Black Premium Gift Box, Size: Z1 Motor + Batteries
I don't normally write reviews, however I can't not mention the ABSOLUTELY AMAZING Customer Care experience I had with these folks. But first, In review of the product itself, which is the 'Executive Series Black Milk Frother with Black Holster Stand'. This is my first 'frother' purchase, and I must say I was skeptical at best to try it, but I opted to purchase it anyway because of all the great things the company stands for. I figured, how good could it really work?! Well, as a matter of fact, it worked quite wonderfully! Within just a few seconds / pulses of the frother, you have beautifully frothed contents. It is simple to operate, with one hand, and just the simple push of a button. (I imagine I could even make whipped cream without dragging out a stand mixer.) The batteries, (2 AA - not included), were simple to load. And, there is a battery pull ribbon so you can also remove them easier, if you utilize the pull ribbon and thread it between the batteries. This device quickly became part of my weekend coffee routine, and I also purchased a lesser model to bring to work. (This 'Executive' one, has a holster stand, which looks nicer, and seemed to cradle the frother, instead of hooking it into the holder.) I was so happy with the frother, I was sad that one day it seemed to not be working quite as well. I thought .. hmm, maybe the batteries need to be changed? I changed the batteries, and was still experiencing it not really working. (I would press the button, but it didn't start frothing right away, and then seemed less powerful in a way when it did start. But, it did still froth.) After a second day of experiencing the same thing, I reached out to Zulay. They are gracious enough to have ALL of their contact information printed directly on their box, underneath all of the beautiful information about the company, and where / how it began. It was on a weekend, so I chose to send an email describing what I was experiencing, and asking their advice. Based off most recent attempts at Customer 'Service' with other companies, I didn't really expect to hear back. Not only DID I hear back, but I received an email from a human, not just a system-generated response with canned information. They expressed their concern for my item not working, and assured me they would make it right if given the opportunity. They wanted to confirm my order, to make sure they had the same model in stock. Within hours, they sent me a link to replace my item, and would ship it directly to me, no questions asked. No need to return the inoperable item, no need to do anything but literally click the button and wait for it to arrive. My replacement arrived, and it was the exact model I purchased. It was brand new, wrapped in package .. not some refurbished item. And, much to my shock and appreciation that almost NO ONE does this anymore, there was a hand written card included in the package thanking me for giving their family run business a shot. Well, I thank YOU for sharing YOUR family with us, and for making me feel a little like a piece of yours! I would highly recommend this product, and would certainly purchase it, or others, in the future. I would certainly also be comfortable gifting this item. Enjoy!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2024
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Supercommuter
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Easy and a good price
Color: Absolute Black, Size: Z1 Motor + Batteries
Such a handy and effortless way to quickly blend supplements. A great reasonable price for this tool makes it an easy choice. Works beautifully and easy to keep clean. Treat is with care to make it last.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
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MARY
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Changed 1st review. Product works well!
Color: Absolute Black, Size: Z1 Motor + Batteries
Need to change my review. I WAS putting the batteries in wrong. 🫤 My husband showed me what I was doing wrong. Apologies for the first review. Doesn't work. I put in the batteries three different times just to make sure I wasn't making a mistake, but it wouldn't turn on.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2026
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louctiel
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 4
A Frother that Won't Turn Off? Great Service. Lost Package. Great Hot Chocolate. Worth It!
Color: Black, Size: Z1 Motor + Batteries
I saw this item (or one similar) on an Alton Brown short video. He recommended a frother and I thought "what the heck? If AB recommends a uni-tasker, it must be something good." The item came in, loaded with batteries and all. I removed the plastic tab that interrupts the power and the unit kicked on. I wasn't pressing anything. It just started and would not stop. To return the item is not worth the time or money, especially since none of the "free return" options are anywhere close to me. Called the company and told them what had happened. I spoke with a very nice woman and after I described what happened, her response was not faux sympathy, but "that shouldn't have happened. We'll make it right." She offered not only to replace the unit, but send a second one free of charge. When I declined the second one, she said "take it for your troubles. Give it to a friend if you want." The order was sent out. Tracking via USPS was sent. The package was supposed to be delivered on a Friday, which was great as we were supposed to get cold temps and snow. I was anticipating making frothy hot chocolate. Suddenly the tracking showed the package being delivered. It was not. You cannot ask the USPS to find a package for 7 days and my local post office doesn't answer the phone. Disappointed, I started to make dinner and looked out the window and I could see my postal carrier's truck a block away. I waddled over to the truck and talked to her. She said "I know where it is." She had delivered it 3 blocks away. Same house number, but different street. She went and found the package, brought it to me and Bob's your uncle. That night I made hot chocolate and used the frother. I was surprised that the long shaft did not vibrate or waiver. It stays true. The speed is fast, but not overly so. The thing made a difference. It seemed to make the hot chocolate "lighter" and smoother. I threw a piece of chocolate in the mug, waited a little and then frothed again using the frother. No issues with the frother. I now had frothy, really chocolate-ly hot chocolate. For kicks and on the advice of a friend, I added a tablespoon of peppermint schnapps and used the frother again. Best hot chocolate from a mix I ever had. The frother worked better than advertised. Woo Hoo!! Because the first one didn't work, I have to knock a star off of the rating for the product. But the customer service and actual accountability of the women with whom I spoke is refreshing in the world of product support and customer service. The item is really good and would recommend whole heartedly.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2026

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