Who and what are BEL/Bell Labs amplifiers


I have noted several times the existence of a company called BEL or BELL Labs and their amps seem to be geared towards the high end market, and yet, I cannot find any sort of information about them, just the fact that they sometimes appear in the used market. What sort of company is or was BEL/BELL and what is the typical sound and look of their units. Are they simply a relic or are they just some very well kept secret. Is there are website with detail description of them?
bemopti123

Showing 1 response by paulzero

They're made (don't know if they are still made) by a fellow named Dick Brown, and his company name is B.E.L.
(Brown Electronic Laboratories). I haven't heard one in years, but I did hear the 100 watt pre channel version for a couple of years in the early 80's, and it was pretty good sounding. Not quite as smooth sounding as the Spectral DMA-100, but still very nice. That amp was built like a tank, very plain looking, but good sounding. Also, at the time I think the amps were less expensive than the spectral gear.

Check out this link:

http://www.audiocircuit.com/9121-solidsamplifier-circuit/Commercial/BrownElectronicLaboratories-BRO/9121CMBRO.htm , also just do a search on Brown Electronic Laboratories and you'll get some good hits.

Good luck,

PaulO