Very interesting debate. For the most part conducted in a thoughtful and considered manner (not withstanding the usual sarcasm from he who must not be named). We can attempt to guess the future but that is a fools game best played by fools. Digital amps are here to stay and the technology will only improve. The fact is they are gaining market share and they are converting many audiophiles into believers.
I have spend many hours listening to Bel Canto amps (the new Evo 1000's) and they are in a word MUSICAL I also have many hours on the older EVO 2's which were (if you believe reviewers) a class A rated product. Debating these amps subjectively (against tube amps), while somewhat useful, is like debating how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.
From a design point of view the Bel Canto line is a home run and the modular look and concept appeals greatly to young professionals ---and is wife friendly. Who knows, it may even save a few marriages as tubeaholics partake in a mass conversion.
In a hobby populated with insane pricing and cables that possess magical propertties I for one like what I am hearing. In case you think I am a Bel Canto spokesperson or salesperson ---I am not. However I will give credit when it is deserved. Seven years ago Bel Canto was primarily a vendor of tube equipment. Before you could say "Class D"
they had, quite literally "switched". Pretty gutsy don't you think? Yeah, I can hear "he who must not be named" frothing at his bit "they compromised to follow the money trail". Probably. And I hope so...
Lest you think I am a nerdy computer geek who who dislikes tubes or audiophiles then think again. I am a 52 year old vinyl junkie and confirmed tube man (Wyetech Pearl pre and Wyetech monoblocks}. I love tube rolling and am a great fan of Ralph's OTL amps; as many of my friends own them. Yes I have paid the power company mucho dollars to run my equipment and participated in many sweat soaked listening sessions during the hottest days of summer. Yes I have diligently sought out NOS tubes and paid dearly for the honor.
I knew change was afoot when my friend called me up and said the furnace repair man took one look at his rather elaborate tube amps and asked what the hell are those things --- a freakin bomb!!!!!
Like the magazine says-----enjoy the music and show a little respect. And don't believe everyyhing you read particularly in a stereo magazine.
Cheers
I have spend many hours listening to Bel Canto amps (the new Evo 1000's) and they are in a word MUSICAL I also have many hours on the older EVO 2's which were (if you believe reviewers) a class A rated product. Debating these amps subjectively (against tube amps), while somewhat useful, is like debating how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.
From a design point of view the Bel Canto line is a home run and the modular look and concept appeals greatly to young professionals ---and is wife friendly. Who knows, it may even save a few marriages as tubeaholics partake in a mass conversion.
In a hobby populated with insane pricing and cables that possess magical propertties I for one like what I am hearing. In case you think I am a Bel Canto spokesperson or salesperson ---I am not. However I will give credit when it is deserved. Seven years ago Bel Canto was primarily a vendor of tube equipment. Before you could say "Class D"
they had, quite literally "switched". Pretty gutsy don't you think? Yeah, I can hear "he who must not be named" frothing at his bit "they compromised to follow the money trail". Probably. And I hope so...
Lest you think I am a nerdy computer geek who who dislikes tubes or audiophiles then think again. I am a 52 year old vinyl junkie and confirmed tube man (Wyetech Pearl pre and Wyetech monoblocks}. I love tube rolling and am a great fan of Ralph's OTL amps; as many of my friends own them. Yes I have paid the power company mucho dollars to run my equipment and participated in many sweat soaked listening sessions during the hottest days of summer. Yes I have diligently sought out NOS tubes and paid dearly for the honor.
I knew change was afoot when my friend called me up and said the furnace repair man took one look at his rather elaborate tube amps and asked what the hell are those things --- a freakin bomb!!!!!
Like the magazine says-----enjoy the music and show a little respect. And don't believe everyyhing you read particularly in a stereo magazine.
Cheers