Bel Canto Design EOne S300 Amplifiers

Bel Canto Design EOne S300 Amplifiers 

DESCRIPTION

  • 300 watts
  • ICEPower analog switching amplifier technology
  • Wide dynamic range
  • 50-60Hz line-related residual

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-2 of 2  
[May 08, 2007]
tdavism3
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Neutrality
Dynamics
Resolution
Wide sounstage

Weakness:

Soundstage can seem a little shallow
I should have bought two of these!

I have used many different amps ranging from Mark Levinson's 432 to Rotel's 1077. While I will not say that this amp beats them all, it certainly is competitive with amps costing much more. This amp is very neutral and incredibly detailed. Also, it is a great match for b&w speakers (which lean towards the bright side of the equation). The 150 watts/channel seems very conservative. Factor in the cool form factor and this is a great little package at any price. The fact that it is priced at less than $1,500 only adds to the giddiness.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Levinson
Pass Labs
Theta
BAT
Krell
Bryston
Rotel
Meridian

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 26, 2006]
mlsstl
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Significant power in a small package (about 10 pounds). Outstanding sound quality in an attractive design. Very revealing.

Weakness:

Cannot be used in common ground situations.

I've been using the S300 for about six months and consider it an outstanding buy. I'd been a devoted tube fan for many years, never having heard a solid state amp in a price range I could afford that I liked better. However, the glowing reviews of the digital amps caught my eye and I had to try one for myself. The Bel Canto S300 was in my price range so I gave it a spin.

The long and short of it is this is an outstanding buy and it didn't take me long to become a convert and sell my tube amp (CJ MV60).

The best word to describe the overall sound is "liquid." Very smooth, with a beautiful midrange, extended, well controlled bass and smooth, airy highs with no trace of brittleness. The power and dynamic range are extremely impressive.

However, the one item that "sealed the deal" for me was the resolution during quiet passages and lower volume settings. This lifted a veil and revealed inner details in many pieces that I didn't know were even there.

In short, highly recommended to anyone looking for a powerful, musical amp in this price range.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 1-2 of 2  

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