Your right about one thing, the two amps you are seeking to compare are as worlds apart as you and your buddy are.
The Belles is traditional FET design, and well done. The Bel Canto is the new digital circuit, a radical departure from their usual tube based products.
I have not heard the Bel Canto at all, and the Belles only at CES. Word is that the new Bel Canto has characteristics similar to the Lamm ML1. I find this difficult to believe considering the approximate 2K price of the 200.2, but who knows.
Perhaps some well traveled member has heard both and can break the tie. I doubt there are many places where one may sit down and audition one against the other.
The Belles is traditional FET design, and well done. The Bel Canto is the new digital circuit, a radical departure from their usual tube based products.
I have not heard the Bel Canto at all, and the Belles only at CES. Word is that the new Bel Canto has characteristics similar to the Lamm ML1. I find this difficult to believe considering the approximate 2K price of the 200.2, but who knows.
Perhaps some well traveled member has heard both and can break the tie. I doubt there are many places where one may sit down and audition one against the other.