2. amps-preamps
  3. 1246556339

Bel Canto left channel cutting out with distortion

I am hoping someone can give me advice in regards to my Bel Canto eVo2i GenII integrated amp. I bought this amp used about a month ago and for the first couple weeks it worked perfectly. Last week I changed all my cables, and for the first time, hooked my CD player up using Balanced.

At first, I did not have any problems. Then one day while doing some listening, out of nowhere the left channel cut out and became heavily distorted. At first I thought it was the tube in my CD Player, so I replaced them. No fix. I made sure the speaker cables were secured and tight. No fix. Then I unplugged the XLR from the back of the amp, and plugged it back in. It began to work again... This occured about three more times within a few days (The problem seemed to be resolved after unplugging/replugging the cables multiple time), then worked fine for a week straight.

The other day it went out again, and is out for good. No matter what I try it will not come back. The reason I think it is the amp is that if I switch the L and R cables only at the amplifier end, it always stays in the left channel. I know for a fact the right channel from the CD player is working, because it works in the R input on the amp. So this must be an amp issue right?

Also, since this has been happning. When I turn the amp off using the rear switch (Not standby) there is a huge thump/pop when turning the unit back on. I am afraid it is going to ruin my speakers. It never did this before...

Any info on what this might be? I talked to Bel Canto and they quoted me over $900 after shipping and labor to replace the Amplifier Board (if this is the culprit).

I live in Orange County, CA. Are there any local techs that can solve this sort of problem?
rtilbury
9 responses Add your response
bigswede
20 posts
 
"I've always had a soft spot for this piece. As a dealer I've had opportunity for a lot of different pieces to listen to in my system, but I always felt this one was special and that's why it was a stable piece in my system for quite a while(especially Gen II with the capacitor upgrade)."

I agree, I love my eVo2i II...I auditioned other integrateds in the price range including Plinius and Perreaux, but the Bel Canto just did it for me. The 3D soundstage, neutrality, dynamics etc. (and that these characteristics are maintained even at quieter volumes, unlike some I have owned) ended my search.
everest_audio
285 posts
 
Wireless200, the new S500 and REF1000MKII are quite different from the earlier tripath based Bel Canto amps and a little different as well from even Bel Canto's first generation of IcePower amps such as the S300 and REF1000. The lastest amps, such as the S500, are quite dead neutral, in my opinion. I find the S300 and original REF1000MKII are ever so slightly warm of neutral. There is definitely good power on tap with the new amps. I haven't noticed anything in terms of recessed midrange, so I'm thinking it may be the recordings. The very first generation of tripath amps by Bel Canto, such as the eVo200.2 definitely had a bit of a recessed midrange, but I never noticed that with their newer amps. If someone hears that though, I respect his opinion.

Disclosure: I am a Bel Canto dealer, so feel free to take my opinion for what it's worth.
rtilbury OP
39 posts
 
I definitely love the Bel Canto. The sound is very hard to describe, it is so much different than my previous Portal Audio and NAD amps. I don't notice the excessive detail or recessed midrange, but perhaps it just compliments my Sonus Fabers. One thing I love is its neutral characteristic. It really forces you to pay attention to the source component.

If the amp can be fixed, it will be staying with me for a long time.
wireless200
415 posts
 
Have you heard the S500? I just bought one new and I'm liking it fairly well. Still assessing it. It's got the power to drive my Aerials and the highs aren't too harsh. My first foray into Class D. I'm using it on a 2nd system. I think it might be too bright on my main system due to the room but I haven't tried it yet. It does sound a little different from the many other amps I've owned. It has the the Krell power but without the stridency and forwardness. On some recordings I hear the recessed midrange but on other no. Can't figure that out or maybe it's just the recording.
everest_audio
285 posts
 
Sorry to hear that a couple of you have had this issue with your eVo2i integrated amp. I've always had a soft spot for this piece. As a dealer I've had opportunity for a lot of different pieces to listen to in my system, but I always felt this one was special and that's why it was a stable piece in my system for quite a while(especially Gen II with the capacitor upgrade). Hopefully it doesn't cost you much to fix and you get years of enjoyment from it. Good luck.
rtilbury OP
39 posts
 
I have decided to just bite the bullet and send the amp to Bel Canto. I am hoping it won't cost me an arm and a leg to fix... How nice to live so close incase something happens to your evo. : )
bigswede
20 posts
 
I have been using XLRs with my eVo2i II for the last 6 months and have had no problems, hope it doesn't do that.

On the bright side I live 12 miles from Bel Canto...
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I had the eVo2i gen1 and encountered a similar problem. One channel had low level when I used the balanced input. Disconnecting and reconnecting the cable would fix it temporarily. My problem wasn't as severe as yours.
Bel Canto replaced my input board at a very reasonable price (nowhere near $900) and did some other upgrades while it was in. The amp came back better than ever. If it would've cost $900 I would not have done it. I would have used it with RCA connections only as it worked fine that way.
Good luck.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Don't fool around, un plug it quickly and ship it back to Bel Canto for repair. They know their product, all others will be learning at your expense.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Dan D'Agostino Momentum HD
80x80
McIntosh MX-110
80x80
Ayon Audio Ayon Triton EVO Mono Amps Pure Class A