Bel Canto REF501S Balanced Stereo Amplifier

Bel Canto REF501S Balanced Stereo Amplifier - Bel Canto

“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” - Mark Twain

Impedance Optimized Input Stage uses selected precision resistors in a balanced high Common Mode Rejection, low output impedance driver that is critical to the amplifier's performance, ensuring that the refined dynamic qualities of the recording are preserved.

DC Signal Path
The REF501S is DC coupled with no coupling capacitor in the signal path. This optimizes the audio signal quality and maximizes both micro and macro dynamic performance. The amplifier will protect itself and your speakers if excess DC is detected with very fast shut-off.

At the Core
High speed ultra-efficient switch mode amplification delivers literally unheard-of levels of performance using an innovative 5th order loop filter. This technology provides extremely low noise and distortion performance over the entire audio bandwidth, allowing the musical message to come through unchanged and with remarkable purity.

Why Class D?
Well-designed Class D switching supplies generally sound more open through the midrange with better Bass control. Note that 250W is 23.9dBw which means that it will drive an 85dB speaker to 108dB with 111dB peaks, theoretically. In a large room with the volume control 10dB below max we’re measuring about 25W of continuous power. This is loud! Most power concerns are more about control rather than how much real power is delivered. This gives further advantage to Class D and switching power supplies as their efficiency is high even at lower power outputs helping them sound ‘bigger’.

WBT NextGen Speaker Connectors
The WBT NextGen connectors provide the best possible connection from the amplifier to the speaker cables. We choose them because they impart minimal sonic signature to the sound, remaining open and grain-free up throughout the audio frequency band.

Features:
The Bel Canto Impedance Optimized Input Stage is a balanced high Common Mode Rejection, low output impedance driver that is critical to the amplifier's performance, ensuring that the refined dynamic qualities of the recording are preserved.

Why Bel Canto
Designed and manufactured in Minneapolis, Minnesota, each Bel Canto component is the result of extensive development and testing, combined with precision manufacturing. Every product is built, tested, and packaged on-site to consistently deliver the highest-quality performance. Bel Canto products have won acclaim and numerous awards from The Absolute Sound, Stereophile, Hi-Fi+, and other audiophile publications.
Audiolab considers bel canto a "Highly Recommended Brand" based on value, reliability and performance. 

Specifications:

• Power Output: 250 watts 4 ohms, 150 watts 8 ohms per channel
• Maximum Power Output: 400 watts into 4 ohms, 200 watts into 8 ohms per channel
• Minimum Load: 2 ohms per channel
• Peak Output Current: 35 amperes
• Frequency Response: +/-3 dB 0Hz-50KHz, all loads
• THD+N: 0.003% 1W, 1KHz, 4 ohms
• IMD (CCIF): 0.0003%, 1W, 14:15KHz, 4 ohms
• Output noise: 35uVRMS A-weighted 10Hz-20KHz
• Voltage gain: 27dB
• Damping factor: >1000
• Output Impedance at 100Hz:
• Dynamic Range: 121dB
• Input Voltage for Max Output: 1.4Vrms
• Input connections: Single-ended RCA or balanced XLR
• RCA input impedance: 47Kohms
• Balanced input impedance: 95Kohms
• Output connections: 2-sets WBT Nextgen 5-way binding posts
• Power On usage: 12W
• Power Off usage: 0.0W
• Internally Set Operating Voltages: 100-120VAC or 230-240VAC 50/60 Hz
• Size: 8.5" wide x 3.5" high x 12" deep
• Weight: 12 lbs.
• Warranty 2 years parts and labor (Must Register) 

Audiolab Stereo & Video Center