2. amps-preamps
  3. 1247942803

Switch from Parasound JC-1 to Bel Canto Ref 1000?

I'm pretty darn happy with the Parasound amps except for the heat and size. I was thinking if the Bel Canto Ref 1000 mk 2s sounded as good they would be a lot more ideal. In the summer I am having to turn off the JC-1s whenever I'm not listening since they put out so much heat. The Bel Cantos would be ideal since they don't put out the heat and they even have more power and could always be left on.

I am using the Dynaudio S 3.4 speakers now and am possibly considering an upgrade to something like the C4 Dynaudios or Revel Salon 2s or Studio 2s.

Anyone who can compare and contrast these amps I would love that.

Thanks, Ryan
ejlif

Showing 5 responses by doggiehowser

doggiehowser
672 posts
 
FWIW, I thought the Bel Canto REF1000Ms did well in its price bracket. I compared it to Bryston Class AB gear that cost a bit more and it was not a clear win. The BC had superb bass control while the Bryston had a full midrange. I found that using an ARC tube preamp (Ref5) put the balance strongly in the Bel Canto side.

I only found a decent upgrade over the BC by going with an Electrocompaniet Nemo or Plinius SA-Reference that was well over 2x the price of the Bel Canto
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
The Devialet is a built in ONE BOX for DAC/DSP/Media Streamer AND CLASS D amp.

It's not a good comparison saying it costs 15k when it's not comparing like for like.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I think that for what it packages, the Devialet is a very impressive deal. You can even cascade two units for monoblock power.

It's a bit like the Ayon CD5S. Expensive for a CDP but considering it has a CD Pro2 and has a great tube preamp and PCM1704 quad stacked DAC, I think it's great value. Just because someone may prefer multiple boxes but if it fits your purpose, it's a great deal.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
For the record,

REF1000 was what BCD released first. It was fundamentally just a B&O ASP1000 module inside a BCD box.

REF1000 Mk II was added later (also available as an upgrade for REF1000 owners). It added an input buffer and a power supply board for the ASP1000. IMHO this was a big improvement in sound quality.

Then BCD released the REF500S and REF500M (stereo and mono blocks respectively) with the third generation ICE modules. I agree the newer modules have a sweeter sound vs the older second gen ASP module in the REF1000/MkII.

The REF500M included the same input buffer and power supply board as the REF1000 MkII.

I guess at this point there was some confusion. Some customers might have been expected a REF 500 Mk II when the 500M was already enhanced the same as the REF1000 MkII.

So there was a decision to rebadge the REF1000 MkII as REF1000M to keep the branding in line with the REF500M.

There is a new BCD mono block power amp based on NuForce modules though. It is UBER expensive.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
The 1000M has better headroom than the 500M. But the 500M is using a newer generation of ICE modules which I think sounds very good. My friend and I were using the same speakers (Thiel MCS1) for centre duties but he was using REF1000Ms for all front 3 speakers while I used the REF500M for centre. The MCS1 sounded less lean and clinical on my system.
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