Sonus Faber with Bel Canto Amplifiers

[peacefulcargo]

Do any of you have experience of Bel Canto amplifiers with SF. Toy Tower or Guarneri Evolution .Thoughts?

[Apexorca]

Originally Posted by peacefulcargo

Do any of you have experience of Bel Canto amplifiers with SF. Toy Tower or Guarneri Evolution .Thoughts?

Not my first choice!

[Bavarian05]

I've only spent any real time with the Bel Canto M3 mono blocks and I can't say I was impressed, nor would I think that would be a very good match overall.
Just my two cents. I have Guarneri Evolutions now for what it's worth. Good luck and let us know if you try them.

[Smp]

Agree with the other posters - a mix I would definitely recommend you avoid..........

[doggiehowser]

The M300 and the 300 stereo amps were imho a pretty bad example of the Bel Canto range and ICEpower in general.

The ASP1000 and the ASX modules used in the REF1000M and REF500M were much better. The REF500M imho is the pick of the two.

They are fairly neutral amps and they are gutsy down to 4ohms.

I'd just use a tube preamp with them to impart some warmth.

[SteveK]

I am listening to Bel Canto REF1000M, 1000W mono at 4ohm. Sounds surprisingly good with my Strads. Comparing them to Krell 400e and current 900e. As expected, not as smooth and dynamic, but comes pretty close. Bass is not as controlled. Plays loud without much strain. Recently had Manley Snapper for couple months - very sweet and smooth, but had tough time driving Strads at moderate loudness.

[bigblue]

If you're into class D you should try the Jeff Rowland stuff. I have their integrated amp with my Amati Futura speakers.

[-E-]

I don't see why the REF500 or 1k would be a bad idea... Would likely dry up the speakers a bit (not too bad of an idea unless you like it that warm).

But, as others have pointed out, perhaps some other avenues to look into.

[4N6]

Recently heard a Bel Canto Black system using an Esoteric DAC and driving some mid-level Wilson speakers. I was VERY impressed. I thought very seriously about auditioning this amplification system with my Elipsa SE's.

[audio bill]

Kevin - The Bel Canto Black system is at an entirely different level of performance and price than the standard Bel Canto line of amps being discussed in the posts above. From most reports it is a superb performer, so I'm not surprised that it impressed you.