Bel Canto Ref 501S - Dual Mono Power Amplifier

The REF501S provides high power in a compact stereo chassis. It delivers 121dB dynamic range and 250 watts into 8 ohms, doubling to 500 watts into 4 ohms. The combination of fully-regulated switch-mode power supplies and analog control circuitry brings great dynamic expression to your music.

Steve Guttenburg CNET review comments:

"The REF500S sounds "fast," and reproduces the sound of drums and percussion instruments with ease. Rocking out to the Drive-By Truckers' "Live From Austin, TX" CD at full tilt was a blast. It's the sort of recording that just sounds better and better at louder and louder volumes, which almost felt like abuse, asking this wee amp to make such a big sound, but the REF500S refused to cry uncle."

"Jakob Dylan's "Women + Country" CD, produced by T-Bone Burnett, has a fatter bass sound, but the REF500S maintained strict control over my MG 3.6 speaker's bass panels. Definition and low bass power were really very good. Dylan is backed up by what sounds like a New Orleans-style brass section on "Lend a Hand," and here the sound was surprisingly rich and full. LPs sounded even better. "801 Live," with Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera, and company, recorded in 1976, was positively vivid. Old records are more dynamically alive than most CDs, and the REF500S let me hear the difference."

Bel Canto’s e.One switching amplification imparts many advantages including low noise, low heat and low power consumption. It’s also the most direct way to convert electrical power into music. The entire music signal is delivered to the loudspeaker efficiently without excess energy wasted as heat. The compact, heavy gauge, all-steel chassis prevents micro-phonic noise from corrupting the audio signal and brings music to life with extraordinary nuance and power.

The REF501S includes a custom input stage that uses the latest advanced amplifiers and passive components including: Caddock resistors, Solid Electrolytic ultra-low ESR decoupling capacitors and low noise regulated power supplies. The combination of Bel Canto’s input and power circuitry bring layers of information out from the black background and insure that the full dynamic expression of your music is clearly present.

The REF501S provides unprecedented power and quality in a compact chassis design. When combined with a Bel Canto DAC you can build the electronics heart of a high power system in the space usually taken by a small integrated amplifier. The elegant switching output stage eliminates thermal distortion mechanisms caused by changes in operating temperature. You’ll experience breathtaking truth in signal amplification that is life-like in its dynamic detail and resolution.

Green, low-heat, ultra-efficient heavily regulated switch-mode power supplies and switching output stage make possible Bel Canto’s eco-friendly compact designs; place two Bel Canto e.One products in the space formerly occupied by a large, hot-running, inefficient class-A design!

Bel Canto music products are fine instruments, discrete and sleek enough to flatter any room while delivering music with subtle impact and beauty.

Specifications

Features and specifications are subject to improvements and changes without prior notice.