Bel Canto Design e. One REF600M- Monoblock Power Amplifier

Has it really been more than seven years since I reviewed Bel Canto’s REF1000M monoblock?1

- Kalman Rubinson

According to the Bel Canto website, that model, based on Bang & Olufsen’s ICEpower class-D modules, is no longer made. But now, like so many manufacturers, Bel Canto has adopted for its new models the NCore class-D module from Hypex—although the REF600M monoblock ($4990/ pair) is not Bel Canto’s first product to use it . . .

Last year, Michael Fremer reviewed Bel Canto’s nearly all-digital Black amplification system,2 which comprises one ASC1 Asynchronous Stream Controller (essentially a Master Clock/preamplifier) and a pair of MPS1 Mono PowerStreams (monoblock DAC/power amps with digital and analog inputs, connected to the ASC1 via ST-optical links). The MPS1 is based on an NCore amplifier module and Hypex SMPS power supply board, supplemented by Bel Canto’s own AC power pre-conditioning circuitry. The sound of this $50,000 system ($20,000 for the ASC1, $15,000 for each MPS1) impressed the fastidious Fremer, and John Atkinson’s measurements (and comments) were highly complimentary. After spending an unseemly amount of time with it at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show, I, too, was impressed with the Black system.

I couldn’t help noticing that the power-output specs of the REF600M monoblock—300W into 8 ohms, 600W into 4 ohms—are identical to those of the MPS1, suggesting that they share similar NCore and power-supply components. So, even taking into account the fact that a basic power amp such as the REF600M has no need for the MPS1’s digital inputs and DAC, the new amp’s price is eye-openingly low. Yes, there are cheaper NCore monoblocks out there (and Hypex modules are available to DIY-ers), but this amp comes with a pedigree. I had to have a pair.

Déjà vu