Moscode 401HR's Sonic Character

Have you noticed any "misting" or "softening"of the sound from the Moscode? (other than the usual tube colorations)

Not in my opinion.

Also, have you compared the Moscode to any other hybrids such as the Butler TDB 2250 or even an older Counterpoint SA-220 or one of the upgrades offered by Mike Elliott?

No.

I recently installed a pair of Siemens CCa into the 401HR, and the sound is the best I've heard thus far: large image, excellent resolution, lots of air and naturalness, outstanding tonal balance without any glare or etch.

I haven't heard both amps directly compared in the same system, but I own the Moscode 401HR and I have listened to the Butler amps on quite a few occasions.

The Moscode has better drive and dynamics (it drives my Salk HT3's easily and with authority) with a cleaner and less colored midrange. The music flows out of the Moscode and produces a nice big image that is soooo easy to listen to. There is tons of detail, but it really is about the overall enjoyment factor with the Moscode amp.

The Butler is a good amp at a good price (especially used), but I feel it doesn't match the Moscode in any particular area or in overall presentation.

I highly recommend you at least audition the Moscode and take advantage of their 33 1/2 day trial.

George

I have used the 401hr w/o my subs. Overall the 401 hr is a balanced amp from top to bottom. It satisfies my need for speed. I recall puting on a piano album. I had to check to see if I had left the turntable on 45 instead of 33. It has an uncanny ability to recover from each note no matter how demanding. There is no image collapse when the music gets loud. It has the abilty to display each instrument in space from front to back and side to side.
The funny thing is that many records where I thought the singers were muumbling now come through as articulate and easy to discern.
I think it is an excellent amp for cls in particular and panel speakers in general.
I have not done any tube rolling or experimenting with power cords.
To my ears this amp falls in the category of you will not know there is anything better until you insert it into your system.
I have only two complaints. As pretty as it is I wish there was a switch to turn the ligth off completely. I also wish the front panel had some way to prevent the front panel from slamming against the shelf when it is pulled down.
I have no financial interest in the company.

Really good comments guys.

I'm re-setting up a system for my retired dad and have been looking at the Moscode (rest of system: TNT4,Graham 2.2,Joule Electra LA200 pre & OPS phono, Omega Micro spk cables, NBS Pro IC's, ESP Harp spkrs). We used 50W SE triode monos that drove the ESP Concert Grands that we had before going down to the mid-level Harps and thought the amps would drive the Harps but didn't count on the 15 in woofer in the Harp (versus 3 eight inchers in the CG's) being such a pain in the arse. Sold the amps years ago and the system has been in storage for 5 yrs; now setting it back up for him and need an amp, cartridge & CD.

Here's the problem: We LIKE SE sound and we had $1500 of NOS tubes in the old SE's so we LIKE musicality...if you know what I mean.

I've got a good gut feeling about the Moscode. I also like that I could get 'ol pops out of all mono amp tube issues and slap the amp in the rack! (other option is PrimaLuna EL34 based six's, ie. I don't want to come over and bias his tubes amps all of the time...). The final option is a SS McIntosh 402; he'll love the blue meters and we can always sell it, etc.

I've been looking around the 'gon for the past several months for a used Moscode but no ads (kind of a good sign...), so figure there have to be more guys out there who like the amp too.

What do you think? Thanks, Mark

PS I got out of audio years back...kinda (I have to admit to myself everyday that I will always be an addict; its part of the 1000 step program...). My system: Spendor LS3/5A 15 ohm spkrs, Sony CD (the old $3k one built like a tank), Air Tight ATM 300 8W SE amp w/ WE 300B's & Mullard shield 12AU7's, NBS Pro IC, Kondo spkr wire.

Asa, the Moscode does not sound like triode tube amplification, IMO, because it does not have the last word in midrange three dimensionality that a tube amp run in triode has. On the other hand, the Moscode's bass performance is far beyond a triode amp. As in all things, it's a trade off. The 401HR does make music though.

Since the Moscode can be auditioned in-home for 33 1/3 days, why not give it a listen?