Audiophiles may argue that the path to aural Nirvana can only be achieved through dedicated separates. But is a pair of 500W C15 monoblocks the only answer? Hardly. The perfect balance in performance is found within MBL’s C21 Stereo Power Amplifier. Like its Cadenza Line siblings, the eye-catching C21 is offered with accents of gold or Palinux. Inside, the C21 never breaks a sweat under duress. With 300 watts powering each channel @ 4 Ohms (120 watts/channel @ 8 Ohms), it’s ready to deliver when the need arises. A glimpse beneath its unpretentious chassis reveals why. The left section of the C21 houses a powerful toroidal transformer, neatly shielded in a Mu-metal capsule. To the right of the signal board is a bristling array of sixteen charging capacitors. The discreetly sized heat sink speaks to the clever engineering behind the intricate circuitry. MBL’s proprietary Linear Analog Switching Amplifier (LASA) technology delivers prodigious amplifier power, minimal thermal loss, and consistently goes about its business with stoic calm – even when managing loudspeakers with challenging, complex loads. The reward for listeners? Enjoying the purest sound outside of a concert hall.

£ 6,720