Who and what are BEL/Bell Labs amplifiers

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.

Hi Macrojack,
The amp was released in the late 70's/early 80's and is still the same basic amp. I can't tell you what changes were made to the design since Richard isn't telling. However, they are always under constant development. So R&D cost would certainly be part of it. Also, these amps are still hand made and individually tuned by Richard personally before shipment. That level of personal involvement simply costs more today.

Sorry if this sounds like tap dancing, but it's all I can tell you. Even when I've had mine upgraded he won't tell me what he changed. Even opening it up (I'm not an engineer...) it looks basically the same. They sound a LOT better though!

I know it's not the answer you were looking for. If you're interested in the amp though I'd say that you should compare it as a current version to what's available today. You'll be shocked at how good it sounds. Then, when you compare it to other amps at the different price ranges I think you'll find that some may be the same quality of sound, but they'll be different (and typically MUCH more expensive).

The one thing to remember with the BELs is that they aren't romantic, yin/yang amps... They are really a very neutral amp, so what you put in, you get out. I know that sounds like hyperbole, but I've had these same amps in other systems and it's just proven to be true. All the other amps I've listened to have had more of a sonic signature.

Last, you should consider getting Symposium Ultra shelves for them as this is what Richard tunes them on. They should therefore be considered part of the amp "system".

Cheers!