I have a Spectron Amp ($7195 MSRP)....mono-blocks would be twice that but not a fair comparison against the Bel Canto 500 watt/channel mono block that are $3000 each. I think using one Spectron amp that puts out 600 watts/channel at $7195 retail is a fairer comparison.
In any event, I have tried the new Bel Canto REF1000II against my Spectron MK2 with V-Cap. My impressions are as follows.
The sound is similar but there are some differences. The Bel Canto REF1000II is a little more aggressive on leading notes of music and perhaps a bit more detailed. I found the Spectron to be better balanced overall throughout the entire frequency range.
The new models indeed sound better than the older non 'II' models. They have a higher S/N ratio, are quieter and more musical. If I had an older model one I would upgrade it as the work they did on the input and output sections is critical in better sounding Class D amps.
Bel Canto has the upper hand on service and size of company however.
My 2 cents.
In any event, I have tried the new Bel Canto REF1000II against my Spectron MK2 with V-Cap. My impressions are as follows.
The sound is similar but there are some differences. The Bel Canto REF1000II is a little more aggressive on leading notes of music and perhaps a bit more detailed. I found the Spectron to be better balanced overall throughout the entire frequency range.
The new models indeed sound better than the older non 'II' models. They have a higher S/N ratio, are quieter and more musical. If I had an older model one I would upgrade it as the work they did on the input and output sections is critical in better sounding Class D amps.
Bel Canto has the upper hand on service and size of company however.
My 2 cents.