Moonriver Audio 404 User manual

M O D E L 4 0 4
S T E R E O I N T E G R A T E D A M P L I F I E R
M O O N R I V E R A U D I O
O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S

We, at MOONRIVER AUDIO, would like to thank you for choosing the MOONRIVER 404 integrated amplifier.
We spend 3 years in research and development to achieve this high level of performance. The same high
performance is applied to the optional phono stage and the USB DAC.
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 our effort;
A sincere effort to achieve effortlessness.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before installing your new MOONRIVER AUDIO component, please read this manual carefully. It will
inform you for proper installation, correct operating procedures and of the product specifications.

Contents
Important Safety Instructions 6
Unpacking And Installation 8
Box Contents 8
Introduction 10
Moonriver Audio 10
Made In Sweden 10
Moonriver Model 404 11
Design & Ergonomics 11
Modular Architecture 11
Features 12
Balance Control 12
Discovering The Layout 12
The Importance Of Tape Monitor Loop 13
Stereo/mono Switch 13
Optional Phono Stage 13
Optional Usb Dac 14
The Soft Start Function 11
MM/MC Phono Stage 15
Front Panel Description And Operation 16
Back Panel Description And Operation 17
Remote Control Operation 18
Specifications 19
Limited Waranty 20
Limits Of Warranty 20
Warning! 20
Troubleshooting 20

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONEL.
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Before using your MOONRIVER AUDIO component, carefully read the applicable
items of these operating instructions and the safety suggestions. Please keep these
instructions in a safe place.
Before connecting a MOONRIVER AUDIO component to your audio system, turn off
all other equipment. Many audio components have automatic turn-on circuits that
may potentially cause damage to electronic components and/or speakers. This
type of damage is not covered by product warranties, and MOONRIVER AUDIO
specifically disclaims responsibility for any such damage. Connect only to AC
power outlets rated 220-240V 50Hz.
CAUTION: Do not open the chassis of the MOONRIVER 404 while the amplifier is on
or plugged into an AC wall socket. There is high voltage inside.
Do not perform any service operations. Service is required when the unit has been
damaged in any way, such as:
 mains socket is damaged
 liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the unit
 the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture
 the unit does not operate normally or changes in performance in a significant
way
 the unit is dropped or the enclosure is damaged
Do not place the unit on an unstable box, stand, tripod, bracket or table. If the unit
falls, it may cause injury to a person or damage to the unit. Mount the unit in a stable
and safe place.
Slots and openings in the cabinet create ventilation to protect the component from
overheating. These openings on the bottom panels must remain unobstructed.
Allow at least 10cm of clearance above the unit and an opening behind the unit for
airflow. Do not place the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, built-in bookcase, or rack without
adequate ventilation.
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Do not place near heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, or appliances
which produce heat. Keep the rear of the unit at least 10 cm from walls or other items
that might block heat radiation. Do not use the unit near water (swimming pool, bath
tub, kitchen sink or laundry tub) or in a damp environment like a basement or outside
in the rain.
Do not step on the power cords. Do not place items on top of power cords so that
they are pinched or leaned on. Pay particular attention to the cord at the plug end
and the point where it connects to the unit. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
grounding schuko type plug. A grounding IEC type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided
schuko plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician to replace the broken
or obsolete outlet.
Do not push objects of any kind into the unit through openings as they could touch
dangerous voltage points and short-out parts, possibly resulting in a fire or electric
shock. Avoid spilling liquid of any kind on the unit. If water or any metal object (such
as a paper clip, coin, or staple) accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from
the AC power source immediately and contact Moonriver Audio for further
instructions.
For added protection during a lightning storm or when is the component is idle for
long periods of time, unplug the unit from the wall outlet. This will help protect the
unit from lightning and power line surge damage.
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles
as this increases the risk of fire or electric shock.
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RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONEL.
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR

Unpacking and Installation
MOONRIVER AUDIO 404 integrated amplifier was shipped in a carton particularly
designed to protect the contents. Special care has been taken to prevent damage
during shipping. Carefully remove your new 404 amplifier from the packing carton
and examine it closely for signs of shipping damage. If shipping damage is
discovered, take photos of the damage, contact the transport carrier immediately
and retain the packing as evidence. We strongly recommend saving all original
packing cartons to protect your component for storage or future shipping.
Box Contents
User Manual x1
Power Cord x1
Remote Control x1
AAA batteries x2
MOONRIVER MODEL 404 amplifier x1
Packing Material
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POWER SENSOR
OUTPUT
M O DEL 44 0
STEREO I N T E GR A T ED AM P L I F I ER
MODE
STEREO
LEFT RIGHT
MONO
NORMAL
DIMMED
MO O N R I V E R
AUDIOSOURCE
TAPE
MONITOR
VOLUME
L1/PHONO
L2/USB LINE 3
LINE 4
BALANCE
LIGHTS
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Moonriver Audio
Inspired by the famous song, MOONRIVER AUDIO is a combination of the vintage
and the contemporary in audio reproduction.
Classic, timeless, user oriented design. Organic texture acquired within an open
space, dynamic behavior unrestrained while preserving natural color, provisions
made for modular upgrades and direct access to all functions.
Moonriver loves vinyl records, analog tapes, compact discs and digital streams and
features upgradable modules for all those formats. We employ every technology
available today, without staying dogmatically exclusive to one design principle
versus another, be it solid state, integrated circuit or vacuum tube.
We are fond of hybrid designs that fuse well known and fresh tech elements, but,
most of all, that fit the application.
Made In Sweden
Our products are designed and made in Sweden. We hand-assemble each unit, a
painstaking but precise procedure. Through a global inventory that is constantly
updated, it is our sophisticated research, efficient development and extensive
listening tests -the fun part- that lead us to select the right component for a no-
compromise audiophile sound.
We also care for sustainability as well as for reliability. Moonriver products are
covered by a 3-year warranty and are designed to last for decades without any need
of maintenance.
Introduction
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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 quite
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.
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