The most expensive class D amp I have tried. Bel Canto black EX integrated amp.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

My only ask is to be respectful in the comment section. Non affiliated link: www.everestaudio.com/bel-canto-black-ex-integrated-amplifier-dac-network-capable.html

[@chris292]

Where are some good shops to shop out for a DAC amplifier

[@laurelhardy4064]

I just keep drinking whisky when I'm listening to music, until the singers one at a time start to appear in the room in front of me, thanks for the review.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thats some AiRYness !! 😆

[@hushpuppykl]

I drink so much whilst listening to music that my autographs collection is just nuts! 🤣😂

[@Ceko]

I keep drinking until I hear ringing and jitter!

[@orwhat24]

I drink scotch until I don’t hear anything….

[@faludabutt8253]

Far cheaper option

[@tritiumglo4699]

Every time I hear Bel Canto I am impressed. Laid back and smooth. I heard TAD speakers with TAD electronics. They were ear splitting aggressive and bright. Heard the exact same speaker the same day on Bel Canto. It was easy to listen to and quite enjoyable.

[@NeverCryWolf64]

I bought the Bel Canto E Ref 600M mono blocks recently. I think these will be my forever amps.

[@russellreising4294]

Another great discussion. I had a fantastic experience with Everest Audio and was thrilled to learn you know them!

[@eyeshezzy]

Every product has its target market, just learned to enjoy whatever i have at that time

[@mrpositronia]

Thanks Thomas. Another good video. I feel sorry for those who get angry when they see products they can't afford, it must hurt their pride. I can't afford it either, but I enjoy seeing this stuff all the same.

[@cameronkrause4712]

Every once in a while I will return to a video that I have watched before, and when I do this there always seems to be something there that I didn't get the first time I watched the video. Well, I watched this one after not seeing it for a couple of months, and I am still impressed with the way that you look at hifi. I may not always agree, but you are very good at keeping an open mind.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, appreciate the comment.

[@simonchin4704]

Thomas, that is the best sounding demo from the silverline sonata . This Bel Canto black ex is magical !

[@Mrch33ky]

Great review Thomas! Glad you could get ahold of it to review. :)

[@Mrch33ky]

Scientists look at ALL the evidence. :)

[@cigar69]

great review Thomas! love the detailed experience with the Black series. i've been enjoying my "entry level" bel canto for 15 years (one upgrade)!

[@shereewhite1710]

I’m with you…I have an entry level Bel Canto and I can’t imagine paying 10x the amount for something that I know won’t be 10x better. Now when I become a millionaire, that opinion may change🤓

[@amirjubran1845]

"As we move up in price, the gear tends to sound more and more neutral". This is an obvious statement but until you experience it you can't truly appreciate it. I've hit a point where my gear sounds perhaps too neutral for my tastes. And I'm thinking of downgrading to get back the warmth I was used to. The problem with neutrality is that it takes no prisoners. Everything starts to matter that much more... cables, source, too much or not enough room absorption. What I think I need to come to terms with is that now I'm hearing my speakers for what they are, and maybe I just need to get speakers with more warmth.

[@leumas75]

Totally agree. Neutrality is awesome… for A/B reviews or new equipment setup and testing, but we ALL have personal preference towards certain audio proclivities, and neutral isn’t usually one of them.

[@craigellsworth3952]

Nelson Pass said that as amplifier manufacturers squeeze every bit of noise and distortion out of their amps, they can be the equivalent of distilled water, and who wants to drink distilled water?

[@rhwinner]

Is that neutrality a function of price or it's amplifier type. Class D is known for it's dry, clinical presentation....

[@leumas75]

@@rhwinner I think the answer to your question is… yes. Both are factors - class D is designed to be neutral, and the more expensive the components the natural tendency across the industry is to cancel out anything other than neutral. So an expensive class D will become more neutraler. (Which isn’t a word, but I like it.)

[@amirjubran1845]

@@rhwinner I'm not sure that's the case. My amp is A/B, and it's the most neutral amp I've ever experienced.

[@contemporaryhomeaudio]

Even though the price of the Bel Canto is out of reach for most people hopefully videos like this will get more people on board with class D. I really like my pair of Talk Electronics amps that I vertically bi amp with. Class D can sound really good, you don't necessarily need to pay a fortune.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, class D today sound pretty good.

[@LuxAudio389]

i Totally agree. I think their Tilt feature is a huge breakthrough for Class D. Unfortunately it's not raved about that much. This preamp has been out for aprox 3 yrs now, unless I heard another model when I auditioned it, but I doubt it.

[@chris292]

@@ThomasAndStereo Hi Thomas I would really really like to know if u can be able to help me find a really really good DAC?

[@MrPkimura]

Great video Thomas. Thanks for showing us this product. The price may be far reaching for most but there's nothing wrong with dream level gear. Dreams can lead to establishing goals... perhaps this video will lead to some on the path to one day owning a Bel Canto Black product.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup., its ok just to relax and admire a Ferrari drive by.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

@@ThomasAndStereo Absolutely. A Mclaren 720s was chilling out on my street yesterday. I went for a walk just to see it fire up and take off. Thrilling! Thing of beauty. Would I want it? Heck no. Maintenance headache and price of a nice house in most NA cities.

[@cameronkrause4712]

Thomas, you make a good point about being able to enjoy a system no matter where you are in the room. Of course, you realize, as I do, that the soundstage is not nearly the same as you move around the room, but that enjoyable sonic signature remains no matter what the listening position. You are the first person, that I can think of, that points this out in a review. And btw, your music is killing me. lol

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, That is because it is copyright free music, I don't listen to that myself.

[@NeverCryWolf64]

I love the sound of my 600m amps. I have owned luxman Class A/B in the past, and I actually prefer the new Class D amps (at comparable price ranges). I also like the fact that you can leave these Class D amps powered up all the time. They don't waste power, They don't get hot, and the components are not stressed by turning the power on and off all the time. I find that since the amps are always on I tend to listen to music more than ever. Imaging is definitely a strong point with these Bel Canto Class D amps, but they do everything really well for the price. They are also small and light and easy to move, which gives the added bonus that if you ever do have to ship them for repair it will be much easier and cheaper to do so. I only wish they had slightly better speaker binding posts and aesthetics considering the price.

[@neilgelowitz4737]

The bel canto REF600M use WBT Nextgen binding posts which are very good.

[@NeverCryWolf64]

@@neilgelowitz4737 Yes, this is true, but they are middle of the line WBT. I just wish they had gone for slightly better binding posts further up the line.

[@rolandlickert2904]

After over 50 years in Audio I went for Power D it is an affordable Intigrated for sure not as great as Bel Canto but I'm happy with it .It is as usual a speaker match as for most systems . Its all in one box hardly any cable ,convienent and simple takes not much space and runs cool.

[@ridirefain6606]

I remember when Bel Canto produced Tube amps. Loved them! I wish they would go back to producing them like McIntosh did. As far as high end versus modestly priced overachievers. Well I think you pointed out the major consideration. Synergy. How the components mate with the room and speakers should be the primary focus, not the price. Just because it is big buck does not mean it is better sounding. I always recommend an audition, tempered by a healthy dose, knowing what is good enough. Otherwise you get sucked into an upgrade merry-go-round that never ever stops. There is always something that has the potential to be better sounding. I found I needed to learn to enjoy what I have, not what I could upgrade to.

[@JingoLoBa57]

Luxman M900u is a sonic powerhouse. It’s not class D but A/B. It’s naturally sweet, just strong and transparent. The Euphonic switch on the bel canto is a nice option. My problem is do I get the matching preamp. I’ve had the Esoteric F05 it was a wonderful integrated too. But ultimately the Luxman suits me better. Currently being run off a Marantz 8805 processor no more no less. Until I fix the preamp issue.

[@beeboo0906]

if you add up the cost of seperate preamp, amp, streamer, dac, power conditioner, cables and interconects of even a mid level audiophile it can be as much or even more than buying this hi-end all in one system. So i think this can still be a reasonable choice to some people. The only downside is you cannot expand/upgrade the system on the other hand, you can just enjoy the music without thinking about component synergy, tube rolling, never ending upgrades etc etc that will eventualy cost a lot more than buying a 20k bel canto black EX. If I can redo my audiophile journey, I could have just buy a super highend all in one and call it end game..

[@waltsmith9583]

Another great excellent and thorough review, Thomas. Your thoughts. and what you heard in the context of your experience. We can read manufacturers manuals to satisfy our desires for specs - but you tell us what you heard and what it sounds like as well as well as the reactions of your trusted audio cronies. Thanks as always.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@barney6888]

Thank you for a good review Thomas. This was very helpful. I'll go and take down my mean post from a year or so ago.

[@chrisfrank9288]

Great video, Thomas! Thanks for taking the time to make this one.

[@tigertiger1699]

Great vid, cheers Always one of the most objective reviewers out there👍

[@goodsound4756]

Well, if this unit is considered too expensive, there is also the EX1 integrated which costs around half of it. However for that price still, I wished it had a better screen.

[@hushpuppykl]

I’ve bought blind because of your review! It worked out great. 🤣😂

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Lol.

[@hushpuppykl]

@@ThomasAndStereo … please don’t review the Wilson Audio Chronosonic XVX 🤣😂🤣😂

[@travisylvania6730]

Ok, now I'm curious. What did you blind buy? inquiring minds want to know!

[@hushpuppykl]

@@travisylvania6730 … lol! I got the XTZ Edge A2-300. Did not dare to buy the Lumin AMP. 😬 Thomas’ review for the XTZ, as with most stuff, is spot on. He no sell snake oil. 😂🤣 The XTZ is really good for the price. If only it can be bridged to say 200w then would have been great. None of my speakers have 2 sets of binding posts.

[@billfarrell4387]

Hey Thomas Even when you review gear I know I will not be purchasing you are still so pleasant to listen to. While I don’t think I would purchase a $7,000 amp $2 to $3 k may be a possibility and you can get some really good gear for that Take Care

[@soowat1190]

Should be a joy to open the package and pull the Black EX out.😍

[@tycheesey]

Thomas looking all fresh with his hair did! Nice review!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks!

[@welshrarebit9238]

$20.000 for a class D integrated…….NO HAIR LEFT

[@decoryder]

So true - it's a ll about synergy - Schiit Aegir - fantastic amp with Zu/Tekton/etc highly efficient speakers - anything below 90db efficiency - forget about it. Class D to the rescue, which can be made to sound like class A, but with all the power, and then some:)

[@waynert3548]

Sounds like you need some Schitt with more power.

[@patriots7111]

My friend recently had the purifi amp and bel canto e1x amp in to try out. Surprisingly everyone agreed the purifi was better, more air and bigger soundstage, more detailed and not dry sounding. Something I’ve learned with class D is the most important thing is the module. Sure all that other audiophile stuff matters but in a few years when a new module comes out it can best the fancy “audiophile” class D amps.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I have the purifi amp too but I have never heard the E1X. Hopefully one day and thanks for sharing your experience.

[@WelkySchullin]

Thakns for the effort Thomas. Great video!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗I JUST WATCHED THIS AGAIN and ENJOYED IT AGAIN 🤗 IT SOUNDS GREAT ….SMOOTH ON TOP GOOD SYNERGY WITH MY SYSTEM 👍. LOOKING FORWARD TO A TIME WHEN WE CAN CONTINUE ….TASTING THE DIFFERENT RECIPES … IN PERSON 😉😍😍😍

[@larrywe3320]

IMO... a $20K unit does not meet the "hidden gem" definition... Thanks for the Review tho

[@Ustaleone]

I agree.

[@jamesbarrick3403]

I laugh at most reviews here. I have heard enough from this guy that I can confidently say that I would never buy anything this guy likes. In my world he is called "fade material"

[@mundie33]

James Barrick yeah this channel is a massive joke

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Everything in life is relative. What one person consider a $399 amp as hidden gem, another person might find it too expensive. Like my wife, she is happy with a tv speaker and wonder why people would want to spend $399 on an amp.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I like gear from all price bracket and might even own gear that you own. Did you judge me based on one video or my videos?

[@watcheswork1217]

I was a little nervous about going with Class D. The Bel Canto looks pretty awesome, but way out of reach…based on reviews, yours included I went with 2 PS Audio Stellar 700 Class D amps, PS Audio DirectStream DAC, Schiit Frey’s + with NOS tubes, a pair of REL 7tx subs, and Harbeth 30.2 XD..really appreciate your content!

[@LuxAudio389]

This little guy is truly a Mighty Mouse. They should of made the case work nicer and bigger to make it easier to swallow the price. Lol Nonetheless, it's stealthy. The fact that this also has a streamer and phenomenal DAC makes this a tidy all in one. I also wonder why no Balanced inputs/outputs. If I'm not mistaken my dealer mentioned when I auditioned it that the amplifier section can deliver close to 30 amps of instantaneous current. I wasn't aware of the different sound processing/ tilt, that's phenomenal! Excellent Review!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, yeah there are a lot of interesting tech with this unit.

[@my2cents395]

The technology in High End products eventually trickles down to lower priced products. The price is also relative to number of units produced. It's also important that audio designers have a place to work.

[@diwakerverma9931]

it would be interesting to see how this sits along other Class D Amps like Devialet Expert and Mola Mola's KULA.

[@kimchee411]

I just got a Kula and man is it good. It reignited my interest in Class D, which is why I'm here.

[@akr01364]

In my room I have a mix of environment treatments to reduce reflection. Some I've made myself and can be very impressed with them. Others, I've shelled out money to have designed and installed by people more capable than I. Yes, the home made stuff works well and I did research their efficacy and carefully fabricated them. But, the ten times more expensive stuff I know is there because my looking for a dollar in my bag of Fritos approach missed something, requiring me to open the wallet more. That's the ten percent difference.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great video. This is exciting and scary at the same time. Exciting because this means a class D amp could sound this good at a price point of $2k. There is nothing in the BOM that would drive the price. It is priced for value. They know how good it is and can price it to compete with other $20k integrated amps. This bodes well for future audiophiles. Systems are going to sound really good even at affordable prices. Speakers will continue to be the expensive part of a reference system. Scary because those of us that cherish our legacy designed tube amps will have to admit that we could replace them with far more practical and affordable gear.

[@CUDAbuster]

When class D started to be offered by many manufacturers, they still sounded to me, harsh and unrefined with "holes" in the sound, but in the past couple of years, I have been very satisfied with class D and found some of the amps to pair wonderfully with some of my speakers. I find that you need a really good DAC to go with a class D amp to sound good (i.e. more so than a class A/B). I use power conditioners, so I am able to monitor the actual current flow and voltage as power demand increases with turning up the volume. I became interested in class D for efficiency and reduced heat output compared to A/B. After long listening sessions with full length concerts (loud volume), class D definitely uses less power and runs cooler compared to using an A/B amp at similar volume levels with the same pair of speakers. I have pretty much shelved all my A/B amps and use almost exclusively class D. Now most of my music listening comes from CD or streaming, so I might have a different opinion if comparing all analog (i.e. vinyl + class A). You have to be careful in selecting class D because the band width can be less than that of A/B. Class D can cheat you in that it might be limited to 20hz low end, instead of, say 10hz. This matters mostly on large speakers even if the speaker is not tuned that deep- running the low frequency below 20hz gives presence and effects the bass driver's characteristics and cabinet resonance (usually beneficially). Class D can seem to give much more power (or have seemingly high power ratings), because it is limited to 20hz and thus is not tasked with the significant increase in current draw as a result of driving lower frequencies. Check the specs on the amp you are considering. For some systems and listening preference, a 20hz threshold may be preferable, particularly if you like to use subwoofers in you system (something I only use for movie watching, not music). Some class D amps do have a band width below 20hz, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will sound better than one that doesn't, based on internal component quality and topology. Class D seems to be the future amplification (and class D variants), but there will always be die-hards for class A/B.

[@markwilson6286]

i have a 20 year old amp bel canto evo 200.2 x2 as monoblocks it still has all the traits of the black class t / class d amazing for the money

[@neilgelowitz4737]

I remember the evo 200.2 well. Was one of the first bel canto products we carried. A nice piece, but the newer products such as this Black EX are in an entirely different league. Glad to hear your 200.2 are still working well!

[@markwilson6286]

@@neilgelowitz4737 yes i agree different league things have moved on a lot in 20 years just for the money they where and second hand now 500 quid still a steal

[@dinsy512]

09:45 Sonus Faber Concertos? Exactly what I’m listening to the review on at the moment as I chromecast youtube to my system👍 20 year old speakers and still going strong!

[@gregoire8376]

Damn fine review .... in almost every way. Just like all his other reviews - damn fine.

[@steverino5054]

Thanks Thomas. Nice review. But for me the EX1 would be a better choice at nearly half the price. I tried to find out exactly what the differences are between the EX1 and Black EX, and it’s seems it’s things like more power (ok, no big deal the EX1 power is still plenty), some silver or gold wiring (not audible), more robust aluminum chassis (no audible difference), and true dual-mono design (maybe if superman hearing can tell). So while $8000 American is still a huge sum, paying $7000 MORE for upgrades that likely make no audible difference makes no sense for mere mortals who don’t have Elon Musk money.

[@chromatichimera]

Having demoed both, it does make a VERY clear audio difference. I loved the E1X, the Black EX was even better. Just ordered the black based on a few hours of demos.

[@ewmcdade]

Class D that’s not dry? Now you have my attention.

[@mosfet500]

Thanks Thomas. I'm sold on class D but you can buy great class D modules like the Purifi really cheap. I'm wondering why these amps cost so much, I still think it's all in the preamp.

[@neilgelowitz4737]

This integrated retails for $19K and has the exact same DAC/pre section as their $16.5K Black EX DAC. So, indeed, the vast majority of the money is there. Also, keep in mind the Class D module used is modified and not stock at all. Bel Canto spent over a year figuring out the mods needed to provide the sound they wanted from these modules. Lastly, not everyone likes the sound of Purifi/Eigentakt.

[@mosfet500]

@@neilgelowitz4737 If they're so good at it then why didn't they just make their own modules from scratch?

[@neilgelowitz4737]

@@mosfet500 there's a big difference between designing from scratch and modifying. They felt the original design was very solid, but still not quite the sound they wanted.

[@mosfet500]

​@@neilgelowitz4737 $20k to modify someone else's board, are you kidding? PS audio stuck a tube before an ICE module you can buy off the shelf for a couple of hundred bucks and they get $6k for it. How much tweaking do you think they have to do? Class D is the future and in a couple of years at most you'll be able to buy a class D amp with the new GaNs that equals any of these amps and you'll be able to do it for a few hundred bucks. You're already starting to see it in amps like the VTV for $1k that uses the Purifi module. Another $19k for what? I'll bet you can't tell the difference if you look at the bode plots and FFTs side by side. Spend half that on a really good pair of speakers with a sound you like, I'll bet even Thomas will tell you that.

[@daveycrockett5738]

Trentemoller is also an artist that would have some great demo tracks all around amazing tracks to listen too. One would be take me into your skin, very detailed airy extremely high quality sound effects create an amazing soundsphere

[@djhmax09]

As I like to say, the overall subtle boost in performance makes for a noticeable increase in listening pleasure...

[@buffsmcbeefbroth6630]

Because of the 80s/Class B, musicians hate solid state, they use tube, class D power or a hybrid of both. In the professional audio world you only see Class D, consumer audio is different

[@Audfile]

Yeah, except its not the 80s anymore and if you're buying your gear on old generalizations, you haven't heard modern class D.

[@buffsmcbeefbroth6630]

@@Audfile Modern class D is what I use, I think people have a bad first impression of class D from the first generation products that were on the market

[@Audfile]

@@buffsmcbeefbroth6630 they sure have, and they sure let us know about it! Funny enough I'm running class AB at the moment but I've had nice class D and it was jaw dropping. I will have another set in the near future.

[@Koru-Health]

I have really enjoyed your reviews and am happy for your success. As your channel grows, it would be useful if you developed a rating system that could rate the different aspects of the equipment you are reviewing. Doug Demuro created a "Doug score" for his reviews for autos, and while gimmicky, it does offer a way to compare models at a glance. Just a thought and best wishes for future success.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Interesting idea. Thanks.

[@audiolife5038]

Great review 😎👌! You have to review the AGD Audion Class D monoblock amps with Gallium Nitride transistors Thomas 💯.. They are amazing! I am sure Alberto at AGD happily would send you a pair!

[@mactrix9659]

Tilt settings are nothing else than EQ presets. You can achieve the same with your iTunes EQ playing an MP3. Amps are supposed to amplify, not to sound.

[@marcbungener1877]

You review is timely as Yesterday (Sunday) my friend who has a hifi shop gave me to test two brand new Bel Canto REF600M, when right out the box Yesterday I found the sound too fatiguing for me but it seems much better now 24h later (as you know these should always be left on unless you go in vacation or fear a storm). My current amps are Sonic Frontier SFM-160 tube monoblocs but with KT-88 and not the KT-90 that are normally paired with them (as I prefer the softer highs of the KT-88) and loudspeakers are Wilson Audio Sophia Serie 1. Too early to tell if I will buy them, if you had asked me Yesterday I would have say no - but now it’s already much better (and this is from someone who though theses stories about breaking in where much exaggerated) what striking anyway is how good the Sonic Frontier remains despite being about 25 years old (of course the tubes themselves are not that old…:=)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I noticed some class D amps take about 24 hours to settle, putting break in aside. My 1000s at the time sounded better after keep it on for 24 hours. Try pairing it with a tube preamp.

[@MusicLover-01]

Taken with a grain of salt and based on the demo, this amp does sound pleasant and warm and really doesn't sound like a class D! However it is very flat sounding to my ear (lacks excitement and dynamics) and doesn't have that sweetness in the vocal I look for... Outside of this you are getting a package with many features for your $20k, I personally like dedicated functionality (separates) however this would definitely look way tidier as you say. Thanks for proving that not all class D is dry however I think I'll stick to tubes and mosfets for now Thomas 😅

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Sure, only thing is don't rely on online youtube sound demo. Hope you get to listen to it one day perhaps at an audioshow.

[@MusicLover-01]

@@ThomasAndStereo 100% on the list! There is another Class D that intrigues me, AGD The Audion. If it sounds as good as it looks (which I am told it does) then it could be a game changer. A very nice one to review potentially 👍

[@auggysimcity]

@@MusicLover-01 save your money. Devialet integrated is Class “D” and much better in all aspects from my personal perspective. Best luck!

[@piker3000]

I learned of the Aavik U150 (through YT) which is a class d, and it sounds amazing especially paired with Audiovector r3 Arette. Seems Class D is fantastic these days

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, anyone who have tried a decent class d today knows

[@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016]

Hi Thomas l think it's time for you do a summary for system and speakers matching for some latest component reviews, this is what most people want to know , you also do this quarterly and annually summary reviews and old vs new too this will keep you super busy Thank You 😀🍎🚀💪👍

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I did think about doing that one day. Share like a system that I find have excellent synergy.

[@robk5745]

I want a pair of those bel canto 1000 monos they are cool. Glad you did this high end review Thomas, always enjoy you talking about that ultra high end shit lol

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I think it is ok to change it up once in a while and not just only talk about affordable gear.

[@LuxAudio389]

Bel Canto has the REF 600m's they are better than the 1000m's.

[@robk5745]

@@LuxAudio389 thank you for the tip! how are they better in your opinion?

[@LuxAudio389]

@@robk5745 my story is long, but I'll try to keep it short. Unfortunately I am lousy at describing what I like. I like what I hear when I hear it. If you are in Chicago I can put you in touch with my dealer. He 1st and Thomas secondly have kept me from making mistakes. As for the 600m they reminded me of the Black Ex integrated. I wish I knew about the Tilt feature when I demoed the Black Integrated. The Bel Cantos don't have the typical class D sound that lacks in the midrange. I heard Jeff Rowland's 125 and the sound stage wasn't as wide or detailed. I was not impressed, the ex black was lacking something and it sounded warmer, again wish I heard it with the Tilt feature, the Luxman 590 axii i really liked how smooth it was and had its own signature effortless sound. Last was a Macintosh that was 600 watts, but my dealer was making a point that wattage doesn't matter. I heard these with Sopra No 3 that I also own and the Luxman won with no effort. And most recently i demoed Kantas no 2 I bought with Luxman. Most memorable was the Ref 600m. It had a deep sound stage, very detailed and great Bass response. I talked to my dealer and corresponded with John Stronczer the founder of Belcanto. Basically they were able to modify the Ncore in the 600m plus design and make a better power supply. The black and 600m share some of this tech. The 1000 used an older ice module and definitely has power, but not the rinement if you will that they were able to achieve with the 600m. The 600m's specs are also underrated according to him. It still can drive anything. As for what I own. Kantas with Hegel. Sopras with Thomas' recommendation of a Burmester 897 preamp or schitt Freya and Orchard Audio's GaN mono blocks X3 for the Sopras and Sopra center. This combo provides a very holographic and wide listening expierence. The Sopras dissapear. The other channels are being driven with RSP1582 processor, an RMB1095 and 1080. I have a hybrid 2ch and 7.2 hometheater system. As for buying more gear, I'm not. I've accomplished a lot and can swap things around for different expierences. I'm in recovery mode lol.

[@k9killer221]

I think it's like very high-end cars. Buy second hand, just let the initial purchaser take the big depreciation hit and swoop it up for pennies on the dollar. I did that with a Porsche 911, I didn't NEED one but I got one now.

[@ebarbie5016]

15000$ for a 500$ Hypex Ncore, and not even the NC400 module? Looks like snake oil companies found a new recipe for scamming audiofools. Selling them cheap DIY class D modules for x10 the price... A 1500$ NAD C658 + VTV Purifi based amp, will cost 3000$ and will sound much better than this Taco Bell snake oil...

[@patriots7111]

🙄 I’m sure those audiophools feel just suckered that they can get a $20000 amp.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

From what I was told, the DAC is custom made, not off the shelve, the class D module is modified as well it comes with a customize powersupply. I do have a VTV purifi amp at my place, I would not say it sounds better than this EX black.

[@LuxAudio389]

@@ThomasAndStereo That's correct. Power supply and DAC are custom. The Class D module is tweeked. I love how they have the Tilt feature you talked about. I don't know of anyone doing this. Sounds very cutting edge. From what you said in your review and when I heard it compared to the Luxman 590 axii these were so close. I'm sure the Tilt wasn't being used though because my dealer never mentioned it. Maybe if I audition the two again I may like the Belcanto more. That being said, their REF 600m are also killer and borrow some tech from their Black series.

[@mundie33]

Class D doesn’t sound like anything which is the point. I wouldn’t buy an ICEpower unit but the market is saturated with sonically and electrically perfect class D amps

[@enjoshi-godrez8775]

what do you mean "sonically perfect"? Thats a fallacy

[@mundie33]

En Joshi-Godrez perfect at recreating the signal input into them; perfect at a level sonically that your brain cannot possibly find fault with, perfect to the point that it’ll drive any speaker to well within that speaker’s parameters and then some. Perfect

[@cameronkrause4712]

@@enjoshi-godrez8775 he will never get it

[@erikalexander6602]

Bel canto has always gone for non-digital analogue sound from its amps preamps and DACS

[@scorpven]

At the least I would expect chassis mounted RCAs for this price.

[@FrankMercurio-dz8uj]

I would be curious to hear your thoughts on the Black EX Dac paired with the Black EX amp. My guess is it will kick it up to a higher level.

[@spacejaime]

Thomas, you have to sit down with Mr. Jazz for a profound conversation. He doesn't understand the vibrational transmissibility between a DAC sitting on top of his right woofer, and a class A amp sitting on top of the left subwoofer. Set him on the right path of "accepted audiophile set-up practices". No gear sits on top of a subwoofer! 😂

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nah, he is well aware of all those. The subs are only used for movies as he has a home theater system in that room. Also, that DAc was mine so he probably temporary put it there when he took that photo. Keep in mind when we have a lot of systems, most of the time, we only put what we listen to at that moment into the 'right' spot. I do it all the time like him, like having my amp on my sub temporary.

[@spacejaime]

@@ThomasAndStereo - Thanks Thomas, great relief Mr. Jazz is a true audiophile 😂👍

[@epi2045]

Both Bel Canto and Audio Research are in my neighborhood of Minneapolis. My Magnepan’s are from White Bear Lake which is a suburb here in Minneapolis / St Paul, MN. There’s a great audio community here.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, I wonder if it cost less if bought in your area.

[@epi2045]

@@ThomasAndStereo Unfortunately they are priced the same.

[@timball4892]

Sure wish we could get your opinion on the 600m's. I am about ready to buy new amps for my Magnepan 3.7i's and they seem to be highly rated as creating a good match.

[@alwynroberts8465]

I really like your take on audio. I wish I could hear the differences you talk about when describing performance. For me it’s do I like it or not, haha. Saying that I would like to try and train my 50 year old ears if it’s even possible now at my age. How would you start to train to hear the differences for example Bright ? Anyway thanks for you time and effort.

[@richh650]

Class D amps are much less expensive to build than A/AB amps, but it appears most manufacturers are not willing to pass on any of those huge cost savings to their customers.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes if you think the price of the gear should have a direct and linear relationship to the actual cost of its parts. No, if you start adding the $200k+ salary some companies have to pay their engineers.

[@reidabney2915]

Sound like something I may won't if I start saving for it now I will have the money for it in 14rys

[@TorToroPorco]

Nice price. Hope they’re letting you keep it to use as a reference.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Hahaha, in my dreams.

[@roberthart9886]

Morning! I have a LSA Voyager 350/600 GaN amp (MSRP $3000!) replacing my 2 year old EVS 1200 class D based on dual IceEdge AS1200 modules. When the recording is great so is what I hear, when they are not, those recordings still sound like crap

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice system, I will be getting a GaN amp in for review shortly too.

[@roberthart9886]

@@ThomasAndStereo Hmm, my reply isn't here, so: I understand that you want to tailor your musical enjoyment. In that case, I doubt you will like a GaN amp. Ive played a wide variety of CDs I'm very familiar with, the Voyager is so transparent that it shows the warts front and center (many I was not so aware of!), BUT, when the songs are well recorded, it is a joy to listen through

[@saedamad]

Good night from Singapore Thomas

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Everytime you say Singapore, I think of Laksa.

[@saedamad]

@@ThomasAndStereo Ooooops Hahahaha

[@ryansmith4250]

Thomas, how does the warmth of the SMSL VMV A2 compare? It sounds like you were quite impressed with it as well?

[@davidgill2520]

Hi Thomas. Regarding amplifier brands, have you come across any of the Jeff Roland gear? Thanks

[@divertiti]

Are those Spendor D9 at 6:35? Will you be doing an review of those?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes D9.2. It belongs to Mr Jazz and due to COVID, I have not been to his home to listen to them.

[@Openeyesopenheart42]

Yes a review on Spendor please!!

[@divertiti]

@@ThomasAndStereo Looking forward to your impressions

[@patrickmccrank8414]

It's too bad you didn't review the Emotiva XPR1 mono. 1000 watts into 8 ohms and 1750 into 4.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Soft N sweet class D 'Bel Canto' Gental ?

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗🤗🤗 SO HAPPY TO HELP YOU EXPAND YOUR EXPERIENCE AND TO BE ABLE TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH OTHERS WHO CAN APPRECIATE IT AND PERHAPS BUY THIS 😎 We got to drive a TESLA AND EXPERIENCE IT 🤗🤩…don’t ever plan to get one but we ENJOYED IT ANYWAY 😍😍😍

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, that is the spirit.

[@cdunphy457]

I have ten thousand dollars worth of audio but its 2 systems and an extra amp its mostly entry level, hifi entry level but I will never buy something like that bell canto its just to hi. but I like to hear about it from someone who has more experience than I do because I enjoy it and I may one day pull the trigger on say a 5000 dollar amp and 5000 speaker one day but I will go to listen first and you going across the range is helpful and enjoyable to watch thanks for the effort

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, for me even if I can onlyu afford a mustang, there is nothing wrong to listen to someone else sharing his experiences with a Tesla.

[@pharoahamunra]

you know Thomas i recently had a positive audio experience.i did a bit of horse trading,and ponied up a bit of cash.to the point going from a 550$ integrated amp to a 2200$ pre power combo.that upgrade and some new wharfedale speakers wow its fairly nice.decent 1500$ high current class a/b high damping factor amp 240 x 2. it weighs like 40 pounds very large toroidal transformer.it also has some massive caps and heatsinks.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Angie and the crew at American Sound have the bulk of my Classe’ system in consignment..including my Belcanto DAC . It’s always a fun time there! Thanks Thomas ☕️

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You should just take it back from them and sell it to me!

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@ThomasAndStereo They’ve had my stuff for years ( since I’ve gotten married…you know how that story is ) …

[@drplot1]

I'm curious about how the DAC is setup and what chips they use. Also do they purchase the class D technology or is it in house. How does this integrated compare with the NAD M33 which is less than a third of the cost? There are so many integrated amps that are superb but less expensive.Or for a little more one could buy a DCS Bartok and a quality power amplifier. Admitedly, I might be missing something.

[@neilgelowitz4737]

Feel free to reach out to us at Everest Audio for much more detail. The dac section in this $19K integrated is exactly the same as their standalone $16.5K Black EX DAC/preamp. The dac chip really isn't too super relavent as there's so much involved in the design of this dac that it is just one small portion. Something like the NAD M33 plays in the same ballpark as the Hegel H390 we carry whereas the bel canto Black EX goes beyond the likes of the Hegel H590. I know because I've compared both and live with the Black EX daily. The Hegel pieces are pretty incredible, but the bel canto definitely goes further as it should for the price difference.

[@jordenb9469]

Hi Thomas. Can you please demo a pair of Canadian Made Axiom speakers of any model. There are very few tests on them. Would like your opinion. Thanks.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I would love to especially they also make the Bryston speakers

[@dougg1075]

Good stuff :)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@WelkySchullin]

Thomas I wonder if you ever tried to remove your TV and your rack leaving the gear on the ground? Cheapest upgrade and easy to try.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, what I do instead is pull the speakers way way out since I have a very long room. Yeah, imaging is better if we can replace the tv with diffusers and remove the shelf completely.

[@dendenovich8366]

vs Lyngdorf TDAI-3400???

[@godzilla12325]

20 grand 🤯 i think i will just stick with my 30 year old technics su-vx700, cost me 50 notes off gumtree, now thats my kind of pricing 🤣

[@timleelim9930]

Was Mr Kanta listening to C+C Music Factory? They start with the intent of making you sweat.

[@benhahaj3226]

I'm retiring from IT in January and this is going to be my retirement present!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

OMG! Did you get a chance to listen to it, what do you like about it.

[@benhahaj3226]

@@ThomasAndStereo Well, I guess I'm going to get the E1X Integrated. $14,000 is just too much right now. So far you have not steered me wrong.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@benhahaj3226 Hey Ben, if I am going to spend big money on an amp, I would get on a plane, fly over and listen first! The thing with HIFI is there is no right or wrong, all a question of taste!

[@bigjay1970]

I usually find SOUND STAGE is either in the recording or it’s not. Am I wrong?🤔🤔🙄😳🤓. You can’t create what’s not originally there to begin with?😳. Those single driver speakers are HUGE!😬

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Well, that is the thing, it is artificially created by the Hifi system. Some system will show you exactly what is in the recording while others will create a fantastic 3D sound stage with every recording. Just depends what you want.

[@bigjay1970]

@@ThomasAndStereo 🤓😎🤗 As they say, your a good EGG!🤪😬

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thanks Thomas the amp looks very clean ! The ole saying 20 years ago in my hometime hifi shop was if it isn't black then its wacked !! That has stuck with me for a long time ! But they was talking about AVRs 😆

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I remember this movie where Westley snipes said, 'Always bet on black' to the bad guy. It was so cool in the movie that I still remember it after 25 years.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@ThomasAndStereo lol My O'Sensei played in a movie with Wesley Snipes. Well one bar seen where Shihon Mason was working the Bo -Staff out and later on the Katona !

[@AusGanesh]

Hi Thomas, I know you have Willsenton R-800i for review. I purchased one and when I on the amp I can see a spark at the top of the V3 tube between the 805A tubes. Does your R-800i do the same? Can you please confirm? Other wise it works fine, I am in the process of comparing the R-800i to my Rogue Audio M-180 monos. First impression so far the Rogue has better separation and placement of instruments. Thank You.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I only used it for a night and I don't remember seeing that spark. It is at my audio buddy place now.

[@AusGanesh]

@@ThomasAndStereo No worries Thomas, the Willsenton tech support informed me it is a defective tube and they are sending me a replacement.

[@JingoLoBa57]

The comment below about linearity and your vid comment also I think points to a downfall (my opinion only) of class d. It is linear and somehow that makes all frequencies sound alike in terms of volume. This reminds me of Nano TVs where the pixels are equally sharp. Distance can no longer be distinguished. Rather like a jigsaw puzzle. Depth and realism are lost because of this feature of class D.

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Hope your channel grows a lot and you get to experience even diverse audio gears at your room. Much love! ❤️

[@nicomodesto4368]

This or mola mola kula with dac?

[@shingnosis]

What are those speakers in your friends system @2:05? I think I recognize them but I can't place them and the name slips my mind.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Raidho D3

[@shingnosis]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you! :)

[@zelareka]

Thomas, how does the bel canto compare with the purifi ? thank you

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Different in the sense this is more analog sounding. Purifi mind you is already really smooth.

[@zelareka]

@@ThomasAndStereo maybe with a hegel preamp that will bridge that gap and save some money

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@zelareka No, the Purifi amp does not have the kick and dynamics of this bel Canto. You would need to have customized powersupply design for the purifi amp to get more dynamics out of it.

[@dawn-moon]

@@ThomasAndStereo have you tried the NAD M33 already ? I own the M33 now, after comparison at the dealer between the Rotel Michi X3 and the NAD M33. I went for the NAD. Less edgy ( but still pretty sharp on my Kanta no3's, will need an additional carpet for sure :) ). I wanted the all in one solution that does it all :). Curious to find out what you think of it's class D ( NAD licensed the Purifi Eigentakt, but build/modded it themselves )

[@Hellspinder]

You would spot a beaver in finnish sauna, sir. You are the Hajime Saito of the audiophiles.