Mystère is an entirely new brand that stems from the same team that makes Prima Luna electronics. Thus far, there are two integrated valve amps: the ia11 (tested here) and the beefier ia21.

Although there are strong similarities between the two brands (same Dutch design, same Chinese build, both valve-based, and both distributed by the Pistol Music arm of Absolute Sounds) the Mystère ia11 is no clone amp. On paper at least, it's a rudimentary design though, just four line inputs (no phono stage, record loop or preamp outputs), no chance of a remote control and ultra-minimalist in look and intent.

The silver knob on the left selects the source, the one on the right adjusts the volume and just round the corner on the side flank, is a little black plastic on-off switch. A power LED seals the deal (although this is academic, because the glowing valves and the heat they give off, are a pretty sure sign that the amp is in operation).

The two smaller squared-off black output cans at the back of the amplifier (either side of the big power transformer can) give some clue to the Mystère ia11's nature. It's a dual-mono design, using a pair of EL34 output pentode valves in push-pull mode per side.

These deliver 40 watts per channel - a conservative output as these valves can return up to 50 watts in this configuration (as they do in the bigger ia21). This extra power would, however, require far bigger and heavier output transformers or overdrive the valves, so the conservative approach is well appreciated.

Inputs

Alongside the four power pentodes sit four 6SN7 double triodes in the input stages. This is a larger and altogether more audiophile-friendly preamp tube than the more common ECC86, which has been more freely available thanks to its regular and continued appearance in guitar amps.

One criticism of valve amps is their inability to cope with modernity. While fair comment that no solid-state integrated amp at this price would stand much chance of success with just four line inputs and no remote control, the Mystère ia11 is not a 1950s throwback. The circuit features an adaptive autobias, so no fiddling with screwdrivers every month or so to keep the valves working at the same rate.