LOOKS GORGEOUS, SOUNDS... Moonriver Audio 404 Reference Amplifier Review

[@paulroscelli2545]

Another great review. Thank you love to see you review this. Linear Tube Audio ZOTL40 Reference+ amplifier

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@paulroscelli2545 thx. Hard to get in the U.K. I am in contact with the manufacturer 😊

[@markcarrington8565]

Great review Tarun, as always. You know which amp I want you to review!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@markcarrington8565 thx Mark. That should be coming 😉

[@russellparker4568]

It’s a NAD isn’t it? 😜

[@countdebleauchamp]

I like the old school controls, no-nonsense aesthetic, and that the tape monitor loop can be used to introduce other devices into the sonic chain.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@countdebleauchamp thx for sharing 😊

[@tunejunky]

thank you for another great review. and thank you for starting with the power supply, which is where the noise floor begins.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@tunejunky thx 😊

[@rofgabor]

I have been waiting for a review of this amp ever since I first read about it! Thank you!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@rofgabor thx for watching 😊

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thank you for the introduction to this brand. I certainly agree with your perspectives. Alas a little out of my price range, but certainly something to aspire to. Thank you as always for your time, content and efforts to share this with us all. Stay well and all the best, Sir.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Simon_Hawkshaw thank you Simon. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@arturomartinez3354]

Always a pleasure to follow your reviews!! Thanks!! Answering to the question... The Chord Bertti.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@arturomartinez3354 thank you kindly 😊👍

[@paulwg2112]

Happy New Year Sir! New year but same great & thorough reviews!!

[@Evolved_ue7]

It is a lovely looking unit, I make no apologies for my last purchase, a power amplifier delivered to my door for 460 Inc taxes . It is quite simply the best power amplifier I have listened to so far . At 150 wpc into 8ohms it has enough power for most speakers . The build quality blows my mind, and it's 18 kilos and performance is just non compliant to the price . I fear these kind of units will not be available long, and I'm just pleased I managed to get one .. I have a feeling Tarun knows which amplifier I'm talking about, and it would be great if at some stage he could review one . Great stuff as always Tarun ..

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Evolved_ue7 thank you 😊

[@jmnextime1]

Why the secrecy? Which amp is it?

[@richardhelyar1573]

I've been running a 404 for a couple of years now and it is wonderful. Beautiful to look at, feels hand crafted and sounds terrific. Mine has the inbuilt phono stage which is also top notch. Another reason for loving it is because its crafted by a few chaps in a workshop in Sweden, who are passionate about what they do. It doesn't come off a big production line. I love products that have a real story and connection to their makers.

[@philpepp]

I agree not heard this but I went for my Sugden for similar reasons, as well as amazing sound of course! Good luck always.

[@yippie6862]

@@philpepp I owned the Sugden A21 Signature. Then the LFD LE and now the standard Moonriver 404. All three amps are exceptional.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@richardhelyar1573 that is great Richard 👍

[@RedSinter]

While Beyond my reach...it is IMO extremely gorgeous abd I especially like the knob touches... As Always T... excellent review.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@RedSinter it really is gorgeous 😊👍

[@sriramsubramanian8670]

Thanks Tharun, great review as always and much awaited one as well. Would love to see you reviewing Electrocompaniet ECI 6 MKII as well as Soulnote A1/A2 amps at some point.

[@CButti-x1s]

Hi Tarun. Thorough review as always. I'd love to see you review the Electrocompaniet ECI 6 Mk II. Thanks again for all your great reviews.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@CButti-x1s thank you kindly 😊👍

[@nealcaffrey1251]

I would interested too. I heard Electrocompaniet has the same muscle as Hegel, because they both Vikings from Norway, but Electrocompaniet sounds better, more musical.

[@IrenESorius]

Flabbergasting, Is a well chosen word to describe the Moonriver 404. The phonostage are sublime,,🌟 Arcam,s new line of integrated amp,s and their class G tech, have taken a strong hold of my heart and speakers,, 💖 Thank you kindly for your time and work, Tarun,, ❣🙏❣ Cheers and happy new years, to you, the family and friends,, 🍻🥰👍‍‍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@IrenESorius thank you. HNY to you and yours too 😊👍

[@IrenESorius]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 💖💖💖

[@stephenconnolly3649]

Another great review from my go-to channel for insightful and entertaining hi-fi information. Would love to see you take the Arcam Radia range for a spin. Thanks

[@howardskeivys4184]

Over 30 years ago I purchased Rega’s range topping integrated amp which remained the beating heart of my hi-fi system until I upgraded 5 years ago. The Elicit. More recently Rega have introduced 2 integrated amps, higher in their range. I’ve auditioned both of them and didn’t consider the increase in performance, warranted the 2 & 3 times price. Now Rega have introduced a preamp/mono blocks combo. I’ve still got a soft spot for Rega and would luv to see that combo reviewed.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@howardskeivys4184 great. Thx for sharing your experiences 😊

[@hugobloemers4425]

Hi Tarun, the Moonriver amp has indeed the looks and looks are important. It is also a very interesting "experiment" to see how far you can push a TI chip (I was thinking of the LM1875, but I gladly take this). I guess we have the answer here. That in it self makes this review and this amp very interesting, i.e. that is something I really wanted to know, for the sake of general audio knowledge. As for ideas what amp to review next, I would love to see a review of the BC Acoustique EX-214, you could say this is in many ways the opposite of the Moonriver amp. It is made in France, it is a budget amp (but still it seems to be build with passion) and it is discrete. It is not the latest model on the market, but I think it is an interesting product to look at.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@hugobloemers4425 thank you Hugo. Always great to get your perspective 😊👍

[@bhupendraparekh6225]

A lovely "old school" style amp, and definitely on the want list(its a long list), read on some forums that this amp is a dream match with atc scm 50s, so that power supply must done very well. Cheers Tarun. Oh lfd amps and lavardin amps.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@bhupendraparekh6225 I tried them with the SCM20s and that combo worked well 😊

[@russellparker4568]

Great job mate! I really like the light back panel on this amp, sounds ridiculous as you’ll never see it but it’s just refreshing to see something other than black 😁 I’m gonna say either a valve amp like an Icon stereo 40 or a SS like one of the new Arcam integrated amps maybe the A25?

[@zemboedel]

great review!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@zemboedel thank you 😊

[@kjbiz]

Does look very nice indeed.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@kjbiz I agree 😊

[@stewart73]

Great review, Tarun. For 2025, would love to see you test out the new Luxmans, particularly the L-505Z or 507Z. They look to be the business. More Accuphase would be a treat as well! Thanks for doing what you do. 😎✊🏻🔊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@stewart73 thank you kindly 😊👍

[@petergraves3086]

I would applaud Moonriver's policy of offering a DAC and phonostage as an option. I don't greatly appreciate buying something which I am not likely to use and which likely does not sound as good as the stand alone unit I already have . As an optional add on it can satisfy those that want a fuss free self contained unit .

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@petergraves3086 I agree 😊

[@johncallaghan3097]

Enjoyed the review, Tarun. I'd like to see you review the NAD C268 class D power amp, for which I haven't yet seen a decent KZbin review. It was GBP 799 but is now on sale at several outlets including Sevenoaks for GBP 529 - rats! I bought it at GBP 599 and even then thought it a bargain. It's wonderful, best of my 4 power amps; I can't understand why anyone would want to spend more as it sounds so very atmospheric and engagingly sparkling. Listening to Billie Eilish's "My strange addiction", the catchy bassline tangibly and 3D-ingly bounces with my open baffle main speakers -- Billy's voice, equally 3D, sounds rich and tonally nuanced at centre stage. On a side note, I see you mention that the Quad Revela 1's require a powerful amp. Thing is, driving them with the C268 -- which is nominally 80 w/ch -- I have to set its gain control at minimum PLUS have to have a passive attenuator between it and my preamp to give me reasonable play on the preamp's volume control. I don't get why reviewers often stress high power output. With my main O/B's, I need yet more attenuation, of course, and even a nominal 25W/ch Musical Fidelity A1 (class A) power amp clone is more than enough to drive the Revelas.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@johncallaghan3097 thank you John 😊

[@IainWilliamson-kk5hs]

Thanks for another entertaining and informative review. After your experience with the Roksan Attessa it would great to see a review of the roksan caspian. Especially with its new DAC, which you found limited the performance of the attessa. Thanks again

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@IainWilliamson-kk5hs thank you 😊

[@TheNooll]

Thanks for comprehensive and professional review Tarun. It's great to learn about less known brands that produce good and BEAUTIFUL stuff :) In some ways it feels a bit like Musical Fidelity A1 - which also looks slightly old-school and from you description it may be tuned in the same way. What do you think ?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@TheNooll I get that. Old school vibes, tastefully done. Thank you 😊

[@jarms40]

Nice to see a review of a Moonriver. I've been curious about this manufacturer. Although both of these integrateds have been heavily reviewed, I'd love to hear your take on the Aesthetix Mimas and Technics SU-R1000. Yeah, they're pricey.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jarms40 thx 😊

[@goodboid]

Would love to see you review a Leben CS-600 Integrated Amplifier. And a Unison Research tube amp

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@goodboid thx 😊

[@louisavraamides9067]

Hi Tarun, another great in depth review Could you please review the new Atoll in400 evo. Cheers

[@davidrivera2165]

Thank you for the fair review. Unfortunately for this Swedish amp, its fellow Scandanavian competitor, Hegel 390, is now discounted here in the States. At $4,500 for a new h390, it is substantially superior to the Reference 404 at a similar price.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@davidrivera2165 thx. I compared the H390 to the new H400 and my H190 in this review 😊 WHAT A SURPRISE ! New Hegel H400 Amplifier Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGK4goyvj7Cbd5o

[@tubesticker]

I would love a review of the Naim Nova. I‘ve heard it with the Dali Menuet SEs and the combination sounded incredibly engaging, airy and had a beautiful midrange. Would love to hear your take on it. Also, I would love to see a review of the Proac Tablettes and the Harbeth P3… Best wishes

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@tubesticker thank you 😊

[@CJ-vh2hf]

Great review !! If possible, can you review the new Audiolab 9000 P power amplifier ?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@CJ-vh2hf watch this space 😉

[@Kukkema]

Looking forward to your review of the Q acoustics.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Kukkema thx 😊

[@paulomontero12]

I had a lot of integrated amps in the past and just purchased a Perreaux Audiant 80i integrated amp. This Perreaux amp is the best I've heard. Maybe it'll be worth your time reviewing a Perreaux Audiant 80i for your viewing audience?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@paulomontero12 thank you. They are on my radar 😊

[@Moonloop76]

Hi Tarun, very good review as always! I would like to know your opinion on Audio gd amplifiers. As far as i know that company does not send products to youtubers that easily, but maybe worth a try. A bit off topic, some time ago you wanted to make a (2nd) video about test tracks for hifi Systems. I think you asked for some recommendations to your community too. Any chance you will release such a video? Thanks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Moonloop76 thank you. I’ll give it some thought 😊

[@dixieflatline1189]

I'm still rocking with a Sonneteer Orton to drive my ProAc D2's. It's a great synergy, but lacking the bass control of your reference amps. So, in the market this year for an upgrade - but this doesn't feel like a shortlist amp - even though I really like build & finish of the 404 - just not a feasible value proposition. My search continues.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@dixieflatline1189 thx for sharing 😊

[@utubeaccount5842]

Have always loved your very insightful reviews, actually brouight a Denafrips venus dac recently just on your valued and informative feedback, and i must say after burn in it sounds beautiful in my system, Could i suggest as far as amplifiers to reveiw i have a Goldmung telos 690 which i decided to go ahead and purchase with my dac because it was offered at a very good price, I really dont know much about it though, i only heard it play with Fact 12 speakers which i brought also, and it sounded sublime, I would love very much if you could get a sample Goldmund amp unit in for review because its hard to get information about internals about this unit, all i really know is it sounds just fine, but im the curious type and would like to find out more about it, Thankyou if you read my thoughts, im just following up on your amplifier suggestions for review,

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@utubeaccount5842 thank you kindly. I appreciated the suggestion 😊👍

[@josephbennett5384]

Thanks Taryn for a very informative review. I appreciate insight into smaller more niche brands. It sounds like moon river is definitely one to consider. As for review requests. Is it possible to review some older amps to inform those who consider used ‘high end’ items. I’m especially interested in used linn amps, say akurate 4200 or Klimax 500 twin. Especially as to flexibility and sound quality to drive non linn passive speakers. Thanks for considering. Re Joe

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@josephbennett5384 thx Joe 😊

[@MCMTL]

For the record, the design of the faceplate on this Moon River amp was inspired from vintage Sansui.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@MCMTL cool 😎

[@CommanderGinyu]

Please review the EAR 912 preamplifier. It has probably the best phonostage I’ve ever heard

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@CommanderGinyu thx 😊

[@mudachuka12345]

Another great video Tarun I enjoy learning from you. It would be good to review an industry leader and hear your thoughts if you think they are as good as they are made out to be. such as supernait 3. I noticed you don’t have a turntable how do you normally listen to your music. When relaxing is it mostly through streaming Tidal etc?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@mudachuka12345 thank you. I have about 12,000 tracks on a hard drive plugged in directly to my Auralic streamer 😊

[@writemeanovel]

I'd like to see an hear a review of one of the Electrocompaniet ECI series, and perhaps an American based tube amplifier. Cary, Rogue, etc.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@writemeanovel thx 😊

[@mickgrundy4615]

Good comments . Looks a bit naff though, i would like to see heed amplifiers on test, great channell!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@mickgrundy4615 thank you 😊

[@OgamJan]

Maybe a class a Luxman, or the Musical Fidelity ms3 or ms2. Also the smaller Exposure xm5 or the xm7/9 pre and power combo. Or the yet to be announced new rega Brio. Cheers Tarun, another interesting video, thanks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@OgamJan thx 😊

[@craigcoughlin1834]

Hegel please take notice of optional DAC and phono stage boards!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@craigcoughlin1834 agreed 😉

[@jameschan2404]

Hi Tarun, I have a long list for you to choose from: 😂 1. Electrocompaniet ECi-6 DX MKII Integrated Amplifier 2. Unison Research Unico Primo Integrated Amplifier 3. Unison Research Unico Nuovo Integrated Amplifier 4. Unison Research Unico Due Integrated Amplifier 5. Audia Flight FL 3S Integrated Amplifier 6. Decware Zen TORII MK5 Tube Amplifier 7. Galion TS34 Tube Integrated Amplifier 8. Audio Hungary Qualiton X200 Tube Integrated Amplifier 9. Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated Valve Amplifier 10. Unison Research Triode 25 Tube Integrated Amplifier

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jameschan2404 Wow! That is some list 😉

[@lohikarhu734]

I was wondering if these folks had perhaps done some "selection" of the power amp ICs, possibly looking for distortion and noise levels, which can be somewhat affected by manufacturing tolerances and trimming... Also, if they have taken care with power supply and wiring, plus good heat sinks, all can affect the "thin edge" of performance.

[@danijel-c]

LM3886 is not a compromise. 47 Laboratory 4706 Gaincard is built using those chips.

[@AlexanderG-mi7ip]

Dear Tarun, I would like to see you compare the mighty Cambridge AXA35 with the Rotel A8. Both are all analog amplifiers, have similar power ratings and belong to the same price category. Thanks in advance...

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@AlexanderG-mi7ip thank you 😊

[@louisbotes337]

Hello Taren. Happy new year to you and your family. I would like to hear some review of the lower end of Primare equipment and some comment of the companies equipment in general. I have a Primare NT5 streamer that I pair with a Denafrips Ares and an exposure 2510 I am very happy with the results. Keep well. Louis in Perth OZ

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@louisbotes337 thx Louis. HNY to you too 😊

[@BentonPark-d8x]

Hi Tarun , great review as always , the pre and power amp I would be interested in your valued opinion on .. Audiolab 9000Q and 9000p as I'm ready to upgrade my Mdac running as a pre dac into a Audiolab 8200p amp and Dynaudio Evoke 10 speakers , as you have owned Audiolab Dac and power amp and would love to hear your thoughts and your usual comparisons . Thanks sorry for the poorly written post

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@BentonPark-d8x thank you 😊

[@jeanclaudelavallee4919]

norma amp would be interesting and also for speaker the audiophysic step model

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jeanclaudelavallee4919 thx 😊

[@RainerErnst44]

Hi, do I spot the Pontus 15th in the background?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@RainerErnst44 eagle eyes 😉

[@D1N02]

Hmm maybe the Norwegian Electrocompaniet ECI-6 MKII Norway is even more expensive than Sweden. Probably why Arendal has there speakers made in China. Speaking of Arendal, maybe the 1528 Bookshelf 8 (although I know of no bookshelf that wil fit them, they may be on the large side for your room). I am from the Netherlands, we don't have much left here, but It used to be only Philips anyway. They have entirely divested from consumer electronics, but there is a Company called PrimaLuna that makes Tube amplifiers. The PrimaLuna evo might be a good one to review. They go from 3000 to 6000 euro's depending on the model.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@D1N02 thank you 😊

[@JamesHolloway-g1b]

I'd like a review of the Naim Supernait 3. It's been reviewed before, of course, but it would be great to hear your unbiased opinion.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@JamesHolloway-g1b I am not sure Naim will send it to me but it may be worth reaching out to them again 😊

[@timmothymeir7445]

Could you review the Acurus A2002?

[@mikaelsjogren6315]

It would be nice if you could test the Swedish Primare 35.2 poweramp.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@mikaelsjogren6315 thx 😊

[@connorduke4619]

Marantz Model 50 without the built in streamer and Dac of the 40N you reviewed apparently sounds much better - and t a lower price - and is potentially the new class leader at its price. Partly because it has one of the best discrete power sections in the business - HDAM-SA3 modules.

[@MohsinWadee]

Please review the new Roksan Cassian 4G Streaming Amplifier.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@MohsinWadee it is on my radar 😊

[@DeMorcan]

I do not know if you have acess to Hifi Rose products. They seem to be making good products for the cost. I am curious how GAN amps compare to all the others you have heard. And if their new DAC or streamers compare with others.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@DeMorcan thx. They are on my radar 😊

[@jocool7370]

The back panel reminds me of Primare.

[@filipbonn6386]

When Leema Tucana? ;)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@filipbonn6386 I hope to get to it soon 😊

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

I Like the design .......

[@jansjoblad2361]

I chose the Yamaha AS-2200 instead of the Moonriver Audio.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Did you prefer the sound or features ? I assume you auditioned both.

[@jansjoblad2361]

@@andrewbrazier9664 Been looking for a new replacement for my Marantz PM 11 S2 for a long time. Tried: Atoll IN300, Audio Analog, AVM and MOONRIVER. Wanted something that played more forward, something that opened up the music. My age is 68. PS. The only one that was outstanding was the AVM 30.3, but the choice fell on Yamaha, which had the ideal sound and design.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jansjoblad2361 thx for sharing 😊

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

If it was hand built in China it would be $699 on AliExpress

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Alamo-cz5xc not with that power supply 😉

[@RonChance]

I’d like a review of the top of the range NVA pre and mono blocks. Their design approach is intriguing. BTW, it’s Count Bay-C, not Bass-E. Tut tut

[@johnami]

I believe it has been done....

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@RonChance I have done that. Here is the review 😊 WHY SO SPECIAL? NVA P50SA/M600 Amplifier Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWiWl6iul7t3hZI

[@ianstuart2294]

I would like you to review the sugden spa4 and the mono blocs thanks ian

[@urbanringstro6691]

Dont buy a sugden,realy bad.I buy one for many years from now,So bad 😁

[@bryanherr1093]

Great review Tarun. I would love to see you review the Elekit 8850 with the KT170 tubes and see how it compares to the Wilsentons. It's a kit but also available preassembled for what appears to be a reasonable fee. Thanks Tarun!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@bryanherr1093 thank you Bryan 😊👍

[@wayland7150]

"Let's HEAR how it sounds." - Corrected it for you.

[@1jhnpennington]

Jeez, new equipment has got expensive 😱

[@medonk12rs]

How many components (transistors/output devices, resistors and so on) does one of these TI chip amps replace?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@medonk12rs many 😊

[@richardrogers4335]

I can't see them shifting many of these . Compromised with cheap components , uninspired looks , awkward price point . You can buy a used Bryston B135 for 3500 . No contest

[@joeygsaudiochannel3972]

Orchard Audio Ultra Monoblocks

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@joeygsaudiochannel3972 thx 😊

[@newfguy1826]

I find the design boring and the rotary dial sound unpleasant. Not sure what you mean by "nifty" re remote.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@newfguy1826 small and useful 😉

[@yippie6862]

I think it is important to point out that the LM power chips were a choice by the designer and not a compromise to save on costs. There have been a few relatively expensive amplifiers that have used these before. Some actually prefer the sound signature of them. Higher cost and technology used doesn't always translate into good sound quality. I own the standard 404 and it does not have as beefy of a power supply as the reference. However, it still sounds superb. One of the best sounding integrated amps I've owned.

[@gotham61]

Count Basie, pronounced Bay-sea.

[@jojakim414]

I had a 404 with mm phono stage. I found it to be boring and steril. Bildquality was not good. Changes was made during build with no explanation. Different versions. Very strange productionsmetod. And the 505 is put togheter in Greece with chinese parts. Suspect the reference is as well. It thas look good, but it doesnt help.

[@anderssvensson4554]

Hmmm I dont understand why you gave it “recommended”?

[@D1N02]

Because compared to the competition it is priced too high.

[@Tomislav-f1m]

Roksan Caspian 4g

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Tomislav-f1m thx 😊

[@tellthemborissentyou]

I heard Moonriver was wider than a mile.

[@Kukkema]

Denon pma3000ne

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Kukkema thx 😊

[@paulandrews158]

Looks like it was made in Heckmonwike 50 years ago . Not exactly a modern design externally

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Retro looks are very "In" 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@paulandrews158 retro chic 😉

[@henryvaneyk3769]

Have no idea why serious audio equipment is still being made with single-ended RCA connectors. They are completely inferior to balanced XLR connectors.

[@richardrogers4335]

The audio industry loves getting a hook through your lip , convincing you to "upgrade" and selling you more cables . I love buying your used RCA cables for a fraction of what you paid

[@stevelimey]

Review the Hegel h190v against yours.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@stevelimey thx 😊

[@karlos543]

Mugs eyeful

[@ionobelisk]

Count "Bassy" - please....

[@justasimplefox]

Built in Sweden, hand built...I´m sorry but I just don´t care. I only see basic parts/design (not even balanced) with low power rating (no 4 ohm rating? 🤔). When looking at prices these days from some Swedish/Norwegian (like Ø audio) brands I have difficulties to understand who buys these products.. Anyway, thanks for the review 😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@justasimplefox thx for watching 😊

[@chutgowdingo-loon3212]

Authoritative. Pricey for what it offers.

[@beslemeto]

It's like paying for the cabinet...

[@gamerfinn3634]

5k, no phono, 50 wpc. Better sound amazing.

[@zemboedel]

so expensive though!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@zemboedel it is a bit pricey but handmade in Sweden 😊

[@urbanringstro6691]

bullshit my pioneer A9 A-A9-j,sounds better

[@yippie6862]

Because you compared them both side by side, right?

[@urbanringstro6691]

@yippie6862 No,pioneer are better,real forse,transapensy.I can not understand why no hot this amp In time a has Audio research ref 3,First watt f8.There vas not a big difference.

[@urbanringstro6691]

Old pioneer ar best 400x,300r,no can touch them for price sound value.

[@fletchermunson6225]

Thanks Tarun, Ironically, for a place where indoor activities predominate in bad weather. The birth rate is pretty low. Id be interested in your take on Unison Research amplifiers. I have liked the Primo and Due amps that I've owned. Pathos is another brand that is a tube hybrid. Also well made and thought of. Cheers.

[@wichiewichie]

It is not ironic. It actually makes a lot of sense. People have to leave the house in order to meet potential sexual partners. 😅😅

[@IrenESorius]

Hmm,, I have six of them, two girls and four boys. Is that low? Cheers friend,, 🍻😅👍‍‍

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@IrenESorius That is fantastic. I always wonder if people who elect not to have children feel like they missed something in life as time moves on.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@fletchermunson6225 thx Jim 😊

[@IrenESorius]

@ 💖

[@steve-zschannel2729]

You’re kidding it looks horrible, I wouldn’t pay £300 let alone £3k, the inside might be quality but the outside isn’t 😣

[@Аняна]

It's LM3886 - in this price? No, thanks 😀

[@rm-mastering]

Yep, I'm with you on that one, Jeff Roland did it back in the 90's I've found these chip based amps were never a serious contender for real hifi, they've always lacked scale and dynamics regardless of the power supply. I've built really good versions of these back then I think it was the gain clone

[@Аняна]

@rm-mastering I had LM3886 setup in Cambridge Audio amplifiers and in professional equipment for sound reinforcement in large spaces. It always sounded the same - like a cheap nightclub in Kyiv 😄 Maybe if they used a few in a bridged configuration, it would be better? When a single chip is used, it won’t be audiophile-quality or loud. At least this amplifier looks nice. If I didn’t know anything about it, I’d probably buy it. It’s just as "good" as Electrocompaniet in Class AB with a switching power supply. Premium brands... Ha ha ha 😄

[@adamfrandsen]

3000 pounds for an IC based unit - what a ripoff 😂

[@portwill]

IMHO this is a horrible build, engineered with a transformer on top of the PCB, which is great if you want broken PCBs and lots of returns. It can be sweet sounding for the price but there are many many points for which I would avoid this amp. Thankfully we have plenty of good amps nowdays to choose from.

[@SirFigNewton]

What amps do you like?

[@portwill]

@ Anything from Audio Analogue, many of the Luxmans, Hegel, Atoll, Unison Research

[@justasimplefox]

@@portwill I´m with you and you can add Norma to the list.

[@lohikarhu734]

@portwill; Well, mate, we can't see what's under the transformer, or how, or if, the transformer is attached... You're not said what "many, many points" are? I'm not a fan of any of the overly expensive "audiophile" gear, but I do have 30+ years of experience in electronic systems development work, from aerospace to marine to mobile phones, and this amp actually looks quite nicely built, and the power supply very good, and it's so much better built than gear being flogged for 2-4x .... Enjoy your listening.

[@lohikarhu734]

@portwill; BTW, a very quick look shows a big old bolt through the transformer, so that it's most likely to be sitting on a big standoff, and secured to the bottom of the chassis; none of the wiring is soldered directly to the PCB, do that there appears to be no possibility for any movement of the transformer to be transferred to the PCB in the case that the unit is brutally handled.

[@archstanton1628]

No XLR? No thanks.

[@EdBenji]

I think a balance control is useless!

[@bw8827]

No balanced connections on an amplifier in this price range is unfogivable.

[@gryphongryph]

Seriously! Balanced is for studio, why in the world would you like two of everything? In a home stereo system? Balance does not automatically sound better, many audio designers believe it degrades the sound instead of enchanting it, also a true balance design is much more costly. Ps I have both balanced and unbalanced equipment in my house, but I never listen to my setups thinking 🤔 uhh that song would sound so much better balanced 😂

[@mw3640]

There are a plethora of amps in this and higher price ranges that lacks balanced connections and it would not make any difference to sound quality. Both balanced and unbalanced topologies have their inherent flaws, in the end it comes down to how they are implemented.