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Ayre vs Bel Canto?

I've currently an Ayre V5Xe that is in for repair and the dealer let me borrow a Bel Canto S300. Now, in a lot of ways it doesn't come close to matching the Ayre, but in many ways it also injects a lot of good things into my system that it seemed to be lacking. Not sure if this is because my amp was dying or just something the Bel Canto does better. Despite some of it's shortcomings I'm enjoying it quite a bit.. and this has me thinking about Bel Canto's better amps, specifically the REF500Ms or the REF1000M mkIIs

Has anyone ever compared these with the Ayre??? Used them in concert with Ayre equipment (I have a CX7e-MP and K5Xe-MP)? Or do you own them and can give me a mini review? other amps you compared them too etc?

Speakers are modded maggie 1.6s, cables are Synergistic Research.

Thanks
adwiegert

Showing 2 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,636 posts
 
I have not heard Ayre, but tell more about what specifically you like and not about the BC in comparison to the Ayre and I might offer an opinion regarding how the ref1000M2 might compare.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,636 posts
 
Adwiegart,

I'd say the sound of the ref1000m2s in my system is not unlike what you describe. I do not detect any noticeable graininess if it exists and the low end is extended yet articulate and among the best I have heard. This model BC incorporates improvements on the stock Icepower power supply and also provides higher input impedance that will match better with many tube pre-amps in particular that tend to have higher output impedance than most SS pre-amps, if that applies in your case. The result should be a cleaner, more dynamic sound with lower distortion.

Some might find the top end a bit laid back in relation to the rest in certain systems, which can be good or bad depending.

I find teh overall presentation very smooth and dynamic yet non-fatiguing top to bottom and hard to fault in comparison to other good rigs I have heard.

The rest of a system will affect the exact flavor of sound that results, and Icepower in general is probably not for those that prefer a warmer more pronounced tube-like sound.

Bottom line is the re1000m2 is a very good amp in a small energy efficient package that is worth auditioning. It may not be everybody's cup of tea (what is) but I think it is a very solid piece that discriminating listeners with a good variety of personal tastes might build a highly satisfying system around.
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