Bel Canto Ref1000 MkII or Accuphase A-20

Mapman, thanks for your reply. This really helps me decide on a bit more powerful amp. It sounds like the more power the better and the 20w Accuphase is probably not the best suited for the Totem Forest.

I might sound a bit harsh on Bel Canto ICE module based product with my previous post but I did enjoy my Ref1000 mk1 when I had them driving my Dynaudio Confidence C1( both now sold to go active). If i have some inefficient or current demanding speakers, I wiould consider them again but probably looking at used market.

To the OP, I also think Totem will be better served with high power amps.

hi Guidocorona,

Enjoy your review and posts! I am now even more convinced that BC would be my choice of amp. I have heard REF500M and Bryston (can't remember which model, maybe 100?), both driving ATC SCM40's, I must say I prefer REF500M, a bit better bass and sweeter highs, Bryston while it's good is a bit on the bright side to me.

I have a pair of ATC SCM40's (8 Ohms, 84db sensitivity, 50-300W recommended), which is well known for its hunger for power as you can see. Would you recommend BC REF1000M's or REF500M's?

I understand the more power the better so if money is not an issue REF1000M should be better, but would you say REF500M's is more than enough to bring the best out of SCM40's already and therefore there is no need to spend more on REF1000M's?

Also, I heard that REF500M uses newer (and better?) power module than the L&O's ICEpower 1000 and therefore maybe a little bit better sounding than the REF1000M, do you know whether that is the case? Or have you heard them side by side? Is it worth going for REF500M just because of that?

Many thanks in advance!!
Raymond