New Bel Canto Gear at RMAF

If you want more information on what John Stronczer has done with the new amps, watch the following video. He starts off by explaining how the S500 is designed, then goes on to explain the REF500 and REF1000MkII monoblocks:

http://uk.cinenow.com/videos/1861-bel-canto-s-500-stereo-power-amplifier-top-audio-milan-2008

Thank you Everest, that was very interesting. . . for one thing, according to John Stronczer in the video, , the front ends of Ref500 and Ref1000 amps appear to convert AC to DC and store temporarily the energy in a bank of capacitors. Feeding the machine stabilized DC is also the general idea behind the JRDG approach using PFC modules. . . in fact, when listening to Ref 500s in Denver, I was struck by a finesse that reminded me of JRDG 312. . . Even at the time I was wondering if Bel Canto was perhaps preconverting AC to DC in R500s.

I too was very pleased with the Bel Canto sound at RMAF. As Guido says, you can't reach any definitive conclusion in a show environment, but I can say that this was one of the better sounding systems at the 2008 RMAF, bar none. Music lovers searching for a neutral, dynamic and transparent amp should consider the new BCs.

Dave

Just took delivery of 3 Ref1000, MkII amps. Sitting on top of the original Refs. Hope to get them cranking tomorrow.

Kal