Moonriver Audio 505 Hybrid Phono review in HiFi Statement by Carsten Bussler

”Does this phono stage have any weaknesses at all? No. However, if you’re looking for whitewashing and lulling euphonic warmth with sugar coating, you’ve come to the wrong place. The 505 impresses with its enormous transparency and the ability to make the most subtle information audible without ever drifting into the analytical. I really shy away from using the word “perfection” in connection with hi-fi components; tastes vary too much and the risk of wear and tear from excessive use of such attributes is too great. But in terms of its tonal permeability and ability to not add any sound to the music, I think the 505 is perfect. The nice thing about this device is that it has a lasting effect on the listener, because the strengths described only become apparent after listening for a long time, and from then on this fascination remains without any signs of wear and tear. In this respect, it saddens me that I now have to return this phono preamplifier; Such sentimentality rarely happens to me and especially not when there is not a single tube in a device”.

Read the whole review in German here
Read the whole review translated to English here