Bel Canto Ref 1000 vs. Spectron Musician III Mk 2

I have not compared them one on one, but I have had both in my system, granted there were a few amps between them as I was testing out amps.

I preffered the Bel Canto, I thought it had more lower end slam, and a bit more "sparkle" on the top. I was using Maggies and Spectron sounded a bit on the bright side to me.

Underwood HiFi, through Parts Connexion, offers an upgrade on the Bel Canto's. Given how great their other mods are I would love to hear this modification.

Good luck.

Hello Macdadtexas,

Your is first post ever that proclaimed Bel Canto to be better then Spectron and particualrly using Maggie. I have no doubt in your observation what so ever - but I want to understand why is it. What Spectron model did you use?

Somebody I know has Maggies 20.1 and comparison of the latest Bel Canto he owned and Spectron forced him quickly sell his BC and buy Spectron.

Simon Thacher, one of Spectron designer has also full range ribbons Audio Analyses and tuned up this amp accordingly...

Hello Kiwi,
I know what practically all Martin Logan Hybrids have very low impedance at the top and one needs tremenous amount of peak power to drive it WELL. CLX of course is pure electrostatic but I doubt if its behaivor at 20 kHz is different - call them ask ask for MINIMUM impedance - or may be its on their web site. They are honest in that regard.

You can try Spectron for 30 days home trial, they have this program and bring Bel Canto from the dealer and compare yourself.

Let best amp win!

Cheers

Dob, it doesn't sound like you have ever heard either but are going by what others say?

I had the amps discussed in the thread. My system is listed with my response, but in case you missed it: Maggie 3.6r's and Cary SLP98p F-1 preamp.