RIP - Richard Brown, BEL


Richard passed away October 10,2009. I was first introduced to Richard’s amp about 10 years ago. I purchased a pair of the MKII’s off the gon and was very impressed by their performance. So I got in touch with Richard and told him I wanted the upgrades to MKV statis. I enjoyed my conversations with him over the two year period I was waiting for him to begin the upgrades. (Begging with him at the end of each phone call) It was a very painful two year wait but well worth it! I did understand he had a life outside of audio. Subsequently I had him perform his MKV upgrade on another pair I purchased several years later. The previous owner had his name in for the upgrades so I was automatically in line. I only had to wait about 3 months this time around. Just recently I had the opportunity to purchase 2 more of his amps and had them shipped to him to perform yet another MKV upgrade. Not so lucky this time around.

I only new Richard through this hobby. He was a great guy who conducted his work life on his terms. His passing is a real shocker to me! My blessings to his wife. He will be missed.

Byron
byfo
I've used a pair of 1001s for, let's see - 19 years now. Brooks died in July, but his son is keeping the store open. I'll be there today and try to get a sense of what's happening with these.
I contacted Sal Zambrano by email asking about repairing my BEL amp. He said he would repair it and had me ship it to him. Months have gone by and he has not responded to mulitple email and phone calls. I do not believe he is carrying on Mr Brown's philosophy.
Are you saying he has had possession of your amp for months with no communication? I had contacted him several months ago regarding inspection and possible upgrading of my 1001 and he did respond, saying that he was testing an upgrade using some more current quality caps in the original design. He told me he thought he would have some results in a month or two. I emailed him about a month ago and he has not responded to my inquiry. Perhaps there are some extenuating circumstances as he seemed helpful at RMAF 2011 when I spoke to him (and even sold my friend a pair of speakers without a hitch), and did respond to my original (though not recent) emails.
Neotekman-
Any update on your amp? Has Sal returned the BEL to you, and did he repair it?