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New Bel Canto Gear at RMAF

Anyone have a chance to hear the new Bel Canto amplification at RMAF? I understand they have a Mk II version of the Ref 1000's and some new mono amps. I'd be interested in hearing impressions.
dodgealum
dob
577 posts
 
Hello HifiPete,

Have you seriously audutioned Spectron monoblocks? If so then your words have some serious "weight" If not then you simply repeat that other repeated after others who repeated....

I am not interested today in any class D amplifiers and if I would auditioned Bel Canto in serious manner then I would try to find matching associated eqipment. One can find something very amusical in truthful amplifier which may or may not reflect deficiency somewhere else in the system.

I must admit that it took me a while to build a system around Spectron and then...in few minutes after encounter with latest and best Joule-Electra preamp everything failed and I had to (had no choice !!!!) order this preamp..to have entirely different experience.

I am afraid that after all I can't judge audio equipment by means other "it grabbed me and I hear all my old disc as new and cound't leave the room" or.. this preamp has this and that i.e. analytical approach whereas audio IS purely emotional experience. Being professional musician make me to pay more for the equipment, I am afraid, as I cant stand euphonic colorations some confused as musicality.

Sorry, I can't wait for my Marianne Electra Preamp...

All The Best
Rafael
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Hifipete, before we crown a KING of Class D we need to reconsider Jeff Rowland Design Group's latest offerings. Having heard the Spectron in monoblock, I'd put it as a contender, but further listening is needed to crown a king. Also, Spectron probably needs to mature in the market a little longer before we really know how it stands up on important issues, like reliability, customer service, etc.

Dave
dob
577 posts
 
Hello Dave,

"Also, Spectron probably needs to mature in the market a little longer before we really know how it stands up on important issues, like reliability, customer service, etc."

They are already there, in stratosphere...I am not sure if you know - Simon Thacher left Spectron and opened his own consulting business. He now works with David Elrod on speaker cables to serve high power amplifiers (sorry, I mean serve them well..) and a few weeks ago fall in love with Joule-Electra new super preamp so he works there as well.

Spectron had a great name three years ago before Simon joint company (reliability, customer support etc) and I bet they will do it after him even better.

Before, he was and here and there and did this and did that. Now (look at their web site/contact, please) they have a special sales guy (just saw his first amp at RMAF 2008 but a great seller I heard) - to build extensive dealer network and if you have any tehcnical question like how it works, extraordinarely rare repair or somethin' you have another phone - Toni, the wife of chief designer John Ulrick and if she does not know nobody does. She is his wife!

Reliability? Before Simon was sitting like a camel on their QA people and now they are free from his despotic manners and do QA as (and when) they wish.

And amplifiers are good. Nobody will ever hear from me a negative words about Spectron products!!! I still have my monoblocks

All The Best
Rafael
Post removed 
rydenfan
67 posts
 
Simon has absolutely left the company. Tvad feel free to shoot me an email if you want to discuss this further.
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