Noble beast, noble band

*MBL N-51 Integrated Amplifier

MANY audiophiles insist on splitting an amplifier into its constituent pre- and power- components so as to ensure sonic purity. For decades this has been the received wisdom in hi-fi circles. And why not? After all, having separate power supplies, for example, for the two functions should in theory result in better sound.

However, dividing an amplifier in such a fashion also raises the cost considerably since there are two boxes instead of one (sometimes more if external power supplies are employed) and when you factor in the need for additional cables, power cords and racks, then the price could rise drastically.

Enter the high-end integrated, which places the emphasis on top-quality sound from one box, thus reducing cost, cable count and as far as the WAF factor goes, clutter. (Many audiophiles would …