The Brains Integrated Amplifier follows last year's Applause Award-winning Gelati bookshelf speakers, offered in a variety of 'flavours' to suit any decor at just $549 RRP pair. 

Equipped with an impressive range of inputs, the stylish yet beautifully minimalist custom-engineered steel chassis is completed with a fine sand-blasted aluminium front panel, offered in a choice of black or white finishes. It boasts a moving magnet phono stage for connecting a turntable, optical and coaxial options for digital sources such as a CD player or TV, and an aptX HD Bluetooth receiver to enable streaming from mobile devices. A pair of line-level auxiliary inputs also allows for the connection of analogue components, while a dedicated 3.5mm headphone output is included for listening in private.

Encel Brains offers 40 watts per channel from its Class A/B amplifier and, for its price point, strikes the perfect balance between no-compromise engineering, performance and value. It confidently handles a wide range of music components "and outputs a clear, powerful and uncoloured signal that reveals the true character of connected speakers", says the company.

Bass and Treble controls have been included allowing you to tailor the sound to your preference. Volume is controlled entirely in the analogue domain, eliminating the introduction of digital artefacts. Input selection and volume can be adjusted from afar with the remote control, which is bundled free of charge at launch, we're told.

Under the hood, the high-current, low-noise transformer is "engineered to eliminate unwanted physical vibrations and electrical interference", says the company. 

Sam Encel, who led the Brains project, told StereoNET:

The amplifier is central to any hi-fi system, but many customers don't know why they need one. I wanted Encel's offering to be so nice that you'd learn about it and even start dreaming of it ahead of speakers or a turntable. Brains' sound and features are really special for the price, but it's also something that seeks to be beautiful, timeless, and a vital part of your home.

As has become a tradition for Encel products, the company works with contemporary Australian artists for the packaging's artwork. Sydney-based artist Campbell Walker, best known by his Instagram handle @struthless69, designed Brains' limited edition artwork exclusively for Encel.

Encel Brains Integrated Amplifier is available now and sells for AU$799/NZ$899 RRP and is covered by a three-year manufacturer's warranty.

For more information visit Encel