I owned the MKII, MKIII, MKIV, and MKV in mono blocks. I had the Thiel 3.6 which was very power hungry. Back then, I tried Classe, Krell, VTL 225. None of these amps could drive the 3.6s to my satisfaction. The BEL MKII mono blew all these amps out of the water. A single BEL at 50 watts per channel was already great sounding. With mono set up, it was another world. All BEL amps I believe can drive speakers down to 1 ohm.
I agree that BEL MKII was on the lean and mean side of neutral. The later versions were getting warmer and sweeter like tube. The MKV was the best sounding like tube and yet retaining all the good things a good solid state amp offers.
Lots of folks ignored these amps because of its industrial, honest look. In addition, there weren't much inside the chasis due to its simple design. And yet, its sound was simply spectacular.
Unfortunately, the designer Richard Brown passed away and I don't believe anyone out there continues his work.
I agree that BEL MKII was on the lean and mean side of neutral. The later versions were getting warmer and sweeter like tube. The MKV was the best sounding like tube and yet retaining all the good things a good solid state amp offers.
Lots of folks ignored these amps because of its industrial, honest look. In addition, there weren't much inside the chasis due to its simple design. And yet, its sound was simply spectacular.
Unfortunately, the designer Richard Brown passed away and I don't believe anyone out there continues his work.