NuForce vs Bel Canto


Greetings Agoners!

I am interested in trying some Class D mono blocks and was wondering if anybody has done an A-B comparison between the NuForce 9 v2 SE (or any version) and the Bel Canto Ref500 or Ref1000 MK 2 series?

Thanks in advance for any input!
:-)

Regards,
Claud1e
128x128claud1e
Claud,

I would not expect a less than optimal match to sound bad. Some might even prefer the sound.

Generally a higher amp input impedance can help assure lower distortion and better dynamics, especially with tube pre-amps which tend towards higher output impedance by nature, some more than others. It can also vary by frequency in a manner taht is not reflected in published impedance specs. So its a matter of degree more so than good/bad perhaps. Also its more of an insurance policy to hedge your bet towards better results in that exact results cannot be known in advance or in lieu of an apples/apples a/b comparison.
Hello Worldcat,

What is the price of new NuForce Ref 18 amp? I believe their Ref 9SE was about $2k or so, if I am not mistaken.
What is the price of new NuForce Ref 18 amp? I believe their Ref 9SE was about $2k or so, if I am not mistaken.

Ref 9v3 = $1800 msrp each
Ref 9v3SE = $2500 msrp each
Ref 18v3 = $3800 msrp each
If NuForce REF 18 cost $7.6k per pair then I much prefer that I have: two Spectrons running as fully balanced monoblocks - also about $7.7k

Spectrons run my "Sasha" by Wilson absolutely effortessly, much better then during my audition at dealer with Pass Lab XA200.5 - extraordinary amplifier with life like sound !