bel canto vs classe amps

Hello Samuellaudio I am the guy you sold a Bel Canto S300 integrated to last year. I bought it for use in a second bedroom system. I also own Classe components in my main system CA301 CP 65 and CD10. Recently I had the Ca301 down for rebias readjustment. In the meanwhile I swapped the Bel Canto integrated in for the amp and preamp. I was quite surprised with the ability of the small integrated to drive my speakers, To my ears the tonality was very similar the soundstage only slightly foreshortened and the detail retrival not missing much. I was impressed this little integrated could even stand in such company.

I've heard both, but on different speakers. So very tough to point out major differences. The Classe seems to be the warmer of the two.I've listened too one of these on a regular basis.

The Bel Canto S300 is more neutral. It's hard to say that it even has a signature. It reminds me of the Bryston sound. Both amps have terrific bass control and midrange transparency.

Another amplifier I've heard compared against the Classe in the same system is an Audire Otez. Not made anymore, great amplifier none the less. The Audire sounded like the better amplifier up against the Classe. Its bass was tighter along with the midrange and top end being a tad more transparent.

On the used market the Audire is a sleeping giant! Just another amplifier to consider. It is a beast of an amp and gives up nothing to the Classe.

I've owned the Classe CAP-151 integrated, the Bel Canto s300, and am currently listening to the Bel Canto eVo2i. The Classe came across as dull and lifeless (boring) compared to the eVo2i. The soundstage is much deeper and three dimensional with the Bel Canto. As for the s300, I would agree with Gmood1 that it is neutral, exceedingly so. The s300 was used without a preamp so not sure how relevant my assessment is.
No experience with Classe power amps but the eVo2i has the same amp as the eVo2 you asked about.

While, I do not favot either of these amp. I own Classe and it full of bloom compared to Bel Canto. Regarding the speaker control (bass etc) - its depends on speaker very much with both of these amps.
Be aware that Bel Canto based on Tripath CANNOT drive loads below 2 Ohms - read multiple reviews in Stereophile.
All The Best
Rafael

Thanks