The Model 404 Reference builds on the design platform of the standard Model 404, with the power supply section improved to the maximum. Total capacitance rises from 57,000 uF to 107,000 uF, of which 21,000 uF is reserved for the preamp alone, and WBT nextgen speaker terminals carry the output stage's current to even difficult-to-drive loudspeakers. The chassis adds absorbent materials and better integral mechanical support to further reduce resonant vibration, while the fully discrete preamp, dual-mono power amplifier, balance control, stereo/mono switch and tape monitor loop carry over. It holds a place in Stereophile's Class A Recommended Components and accepts the same optional phono stage and DAC modules as its sibling.
Specifications
Power output
50 W per channel into 8 ohms
Frequency response
10 Hz to 50 kHz
Total harmonic distortion
0.05%
Power supply capacitance
107,000 uF total (21,000 uF reserved for the preamp)
Speaker terminals
WBT nextgen
Dimensions
430 (W) x 390 (D) x 135 (H) mm
Weight
13 kg
Options & Upgrades
Phono stage module, MM Factory-fitted moving magnet phono input
