High Current SS amps with input impedance = 200K

Mapman, IMO the BC 1000M (formerly 1000 Mk.2) are likely to occupy the current price/performance sweet spot of moderately priced 500W ICEPOWER gamut. While I have not been able to listen to W4S in the same system as BC, the general impression of me preferring BC significantly and easily over W4S has been very consistent during several RMAF visits. Of course, BC 1000M is quite more expensive than W4S as well. . . and to make things just a little more exciting, W4S is said to be introducing soon reference level amplifiers based on ICEpower, which I have not heard yet. G.

Hello all.

Some closure on this for me finally. I ended up with a used pair of Bel Canto Ref1000 mkiis. They are up and running in my system. Very sweet indeed! I'll post some more impressions or whatever else might come up relating to these back in my system listing.

Thanks for all the feedback you all have provided to help me with this decision both here in this thread and elsewhere.

Mapman(or someone),

correct me if I'm wrong, but my perception has been that IcePower amps are not necessarily "high current" amps, being more of the voltage amplifier type.

Dark,

Not sure about a clear answer to your question.

The BC ref1000 specs indicate Peak Output Current: 45 amperes.

I've seen higher and lower. I suspect the switching nature of the power supply optimizes application of delivered current perhaps in comparison to other types?

In the particular case of the Bel canto Ref 1000 Mk.2s, the 'moderate' peak current of 45 amps is deceptively low. . . As the 1000 Mk.2s have a balanced output with active positive and negative leads on the speaker terminals, the current is roughly equivalent to a 90 Amp peak for a more common non balance output design, where the active signal would be relegated to the positive terminal, while the negative is left to float. I have used the Bel canto babies on my big Vienna mahlers v1.5s, and the authority that they yield is something to be beheld.

Enjoy them, Mapman! G.