New Bel Canto Gear at RMAF

Hi to all,

I've recently purchased a pair of Andras by Eggleston Works. These babies can really rock but are innefficient at 87Db and combined with 2 12'' woofers + 2 6'' midranges are demanding for an amplifier. I have a Krell FPB 300c with it's running mate the KCT preamp. While the Krell is no slouch I was curious in trying something with more ''oomph''. So I got my hands on a pair of Bel Canto Ref 1000 which put out 500W/ch in 8 ohms and doubles into 4 ohms. Very surprising (pleasantly) for such a small package. These guys pack as much punch as the Krell and maybe a bit more. It's not a big difference but I'm still awed at the sound coming out of this pair. I will definitely go in that direction in the future. But I would like more power. I got info from the distributor that Bel Canto will put out a Ref 2000 in 2009, which will be 1000w/ch in 8 ohms. Now that's interesting in my case. This technology is great. Compared to the Krell it's smaller, lighter, no heat (the Krell puts out mucho calor when you crank it) and not too demanding from your wall outlet. Very interesting indeed.

I have just checkd with Bel Canto. . . according to them, there is NO REF2000 amp planned at any time. G.

Hello Hifipete,

If you want more power, The Spectron Musician III MKII mono-blocks will output 2400 Watts at 8 Ohms, 3200 Watts at 4 Ohms, 5600 Watts at 2 Ohms. Despite all this power, there is no sign of overdrive at all. Just pure, clean, well-controlled and refined sound.

With the Bel Cantos, you may also be able to use four Ref1000 amps as I've seen at shows.

Best,

iSanchez

What does Bel Canto do to the ICE power modules other than put them in pretty cases?

What has bel canto done new for the version 2, or is there a new ICE power module out?

Hi Downunder, In the Bel Canto room I was impressed by the sound I heard more than anything else. Bel Canto may have concentrated resources on engineering internals rather than on exterior metal work. I suspect the Ref1000 still utilizes the ASP1000 modules. But given the great sonic variability of amps employing this module across the industry, I suspect Bel Canto may have performed excellent work around it. I do not know details yet, but here is what I extracted from the BC press release on the subject:

"• Fully-balanced input stage yields high common mode noise rejection and wide dynamic range. Optimizing internal impedances improves amplifier drive for even lower noise and distortion. Measurements reveal a full 6dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio when driving the output amplifier section with low-impedance loads.

• The input stage uses the latest top-quality parts including Caddock resistors, Solid Electrolytic ultra-low ESR decoupling capacitors, and low-noise regulated power supplies, ensuring the input section is utterly transparent.

• The highest spec REF1000 MKII and the REF500 mono amplifiers are fitted with custom power supply rectification and filters that substantially increase the power supply’s energy storage. They’re manufactured with carefully selected high-speed, low-noise rectifiers, high-voltage film filter capacitors and high energy storage capacity. What this means for you is lower noise and reduced sensitivity to power line effects."

I'll post more detail if I learn any.

G.