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Who and what are BEL/Bell Labs amplifiers

I have noted several times the existence of a company called BEL or BELL Labs and their amps seem to be geared towards the high end market, and yet, I cannot find any sort of information about them, just the fact that they sometimes appear in the used market. What sort of company is or was BEL/BELL and what is the typical sound and look of their units. Are they simply a relic or are they just some very well kept secret. Is there are website with detail description of them?
bemopti123
rufier
16 posts
 
there was a bell labs from the 50's. tube stuff made to
compete with the the well known makers,fisher, marantz,scott
etc. i found one in the trash model 30-30.nice little
tube amp. 6v6 output tubes(ge's), 12ax7 preamp& drivers(telefunkens). the tubes are probably worth more than the unit cost new.
unsound
7,327 posts
 
There are also "Belles" amps made by Dave Belles.
blackie_2
2 posts
 
hi

how do i get in touch with Bel Labs if i want to buy an amplifier for the Asian market. I.e. 230v version?
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Here is the contact number I used 10 years ago. I don't know if it is current.
Richard Brown 408-259-8648
You might also check the manufacturers contact listings here on Agon.
mikej
172 posts
 
FULL UPDATE:
The Brown Electronic Lab (BEL) 1001 amp is currently sold in a Mk V version. They are not exactly Class A as described above. However, they do sound like one in some ways. The amp is a 50wpc stereo unit into 8 ohms, 100wpc into 4 ohms, 200wpc into 2 ohms, etc. It is best in bridged mode for Mono operation. In this mode it is 200wpc into 8ohms, 400wpc into 4 ohms, etc.

The List Price is $3,895 with an option for a 12v. trigger for $100 more. They are definitely built like a tank and look fairly plain compared to some of the audio candy out there. However, they are some of the greatest sounding amps currently available at any price.

There are major sonic differences between the past versions so don't expect current world class performance from a Mk II. However, it will have the same basic character and sound as a modern Mk V.

I don't suggest contacting Richard Brown directly. Instead, contact me off list if you're in Northern CA or call one of his dealers for more information. They are Audio Concepts in Houston. Ask for Parth at 713-527-0774. Let him know I sent you!

BEL also makes cables which are a great value. Although I have occasionally heard more synergistic matches with some gear/speakers from other cable manufacturers the BEL cables were only 25% or less of the cost of the replacement cable. Also, the margin of improvement was at most 10%.

You can check out my system here on A-Gon... I'm definitely biased. However, I feel confident about these amps and cables being true values in the Audiophile community.
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