Ah, black boxes, got to love them. This black box from Lavardin could be any number of things, but is, in fact, a 40 watt integrated amp. France is the country of origin and reviewer Paul Szabady of Stereo Times compares the Lavardin IS Reference to champions Creek and company from across the way:

"The Lavardin’s hipshake production and boogie factor were not quite as sinuous and infectious as the best British amps (e.g., the Creek A50i and the Rega Mira.) The Lavardin slightly favors the Rock over the Roll."

"Boogie factor" should be a regular requirement in any audio review - tonality, resolution, sound scape and boogie factor. While the Lavardin is low on boogie, it's high on resolution which, at $3000, is proclaimed to be a bargain.

Lavardin IS Reference Integrated [Stereo Times]
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