RIP - Richard Brown, BEL


Richard passed away October 10,2009. I was first introduced to Richard’s amp about 10 years ago. I purchased a pair of the MKII’s off the gon and was very impressed by their performance. So I got in touch with Richard and told him I wanted the upgrades to MKV statis. I enjoyed my conversations with him over the two year period I was waiting for him to begin the upgrades. (Begging with him at the end of each phone call) It was a very painful two year wait but well worth it! I did understand he had a life outside of audio. Subsequently I had him perform his MKV upgrade on another pair I purchased several years later. The previous owner had his name in for the upgrades so I was automatically in line. I only had to wait about 3 months this time around. Just recently I had the opportunity to purchase 2 more of his amps and had them shipped to him to perform yet another MKV upgrade. Not so lucky this time around.

I only new Richard through this hobby. He was a great guy who conducted his work life on his terms. His passing is a real shocker to me! My blessings to his wife. He will be missed.

Byron
byfo
I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. This is one amp that was always on my short list of "must try", but it wasn't the easiest product to find or audition. It must be one heck of an amp, you don't see many folks that owned one letting it out of their hands.
I'm very sorry to hear this, he was a good man. He really was a throwback to the golden age of audio. He could not only make technically good amps, but also ones that sounded great.
I have a BEL 1001 MK V that is in need of repair - can anyone help me with this issue?

Bob H - 508-244-0587

Thanks!
You might want to contact Sal Zambrano at Audio Summa in SoCal. At RMAF last year he was representing BEL cables (which he later let me demo) and had mentioned he had taken over the assets of the company. He also mentioned he had the schematics for the amps. Perhaps he can assist you in finding a competent repair person.
Thanks! I have indeed contacted him and I will report back to all you Agoner's about my experience with him- good or bad.