Review: Bel Canto Design e.One S300 Amplifier

Category: Amplifiers

I've been a tube amp fan for many years. It is not the point of this review to offer debating points to justify that fondness, but those who enjoy tube sound will certainly understand what I mean regarding the beautiful midrange liquidity that a good tube amp offers. Until now I'd not heard a solid state amp that I could afford that delivered that sound.

Up to a few months ago I'd been happily listening to a Conrad Johnson MV60 amp. However, in reading about digital power amps I became intrigued enough to set out to give them a listen. After intitally considering the Nuforce series I became somewhat nervous as a number of the reviews commented on problems with units. Trying to arrange a local listening session with the dealer also resulted in some scheduling difficulties so it wasn't surprising when my interest subsided.

In looking at the Bel Canto line, here was a company that had a solid reputation built over a number of years. Their S300 amp was solidly within my budget and my inquiries to Bel Canto were answered promptly and pleasantly. So it was with good confidence I placed an order for one under their 30 day trial program.

The unit arrived quickly. It was double boxed, in perfect condition and was easy and fast to setup in my system.

Before listening to the S300, I gave my CJ tube amp a solid listen with half a dozen varied tracks just to help set my reference point. The S300 went into place and was quickly replaying the same set of tracks the CJ had just rendered.

Results? Excellent. I am one who is often annoyed by the severe hyperbole - both positive and negative - some audiophiles engage in, but that hardly puts me in the camp where there are no differences to be heard. The improved characteristics the S300 offered were subtle, but definitely present.

One of the descriptive terms that broadly defines the difference I hear between solid state and tube amps is "liquidity." A good tube amp has a midrange smoothness that I've never found in the solid state amps that have been in my budget range. I've read a lot of explanations as to why this is so, but no matter the reason, it is a widely observed phenomenon.

My first observation was the S300's midrange was easily the equal of my tube setup. Both male and female vocals were spot-on and natural. With a good recording, one could easily focus on a single voice in a group. The lows were definitely firmer and tighter than the tube amp, but this was hardly a surprise. Highs were more extended than my tube amp, but still smooth with no hint of stridency, a rarity for solid state amps in any price range I can afford. In fact, the highs have a sense of "air" about them that is quite engaging.

The amp is quite powerful for it's price and weight. It is stunning to think a 150 watt per channel (at 8 ohms) stereo amp weighs in at less than ten pounds. It easily drives my Spendor S5e's to any volume I care to dial up. However, an unexpected pleasure that helped seal the deal for me are the dynamics and clarity at low volume and during quiet passages. Most medium and higher wattage amps I've been exposed to the past really sound their best and blossom as you increase the volume. In fact if I'm not careful, I'll find myself listening to small scale acoustic music at a volume higher than would be found live. The S300 is one of the best amps I've heard for holding resolution at lower volume levels. Certainly I've heard nothing else for $1,400 that matches it in this regard.

I know there is a lot of competition in the field of high quality amps, but the bulk of them come with a much more serious price tag than the S300. A pair of Nuforce 9's will cost you an extra $1,100. The closest competitor price wise are the Channel Island D100 monoblocks and that is still more money for a bit less power. While they all have their advocates, I'll sum up this review by simply restating that I am extremely pleased with my purchase. This amp deserves a good look by anyone who is shopping for a musical sounding amp in this price and power range.

Associated gear
Spendor S5e speakers, Conrad Johnson PV-10AL tube preamp, Nad C542, Squeezebox 3 digital server system.