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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Bel Canto Design e.One S300i Amplifier (SS) by LI150

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REVIEW: Bel Canto Design e.One S300i Amplifier (SS)

75.158.40.63


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Model: e.One S300i
Category: Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $2000.00
Description: Integrated Dual Mono Amplifier
Manufacturer URL: Bel Canto Design

Review by LI150 on July 30, 2008 at 23:22:38
IP Address: 75.158.40.63
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for the e.One S300i


First thing to say about the S300i is ZERO BACKGROUND NOISE boys and girls.
If you have never listed, or rather not listened, to a system with zero background noise from the amp then you need to put this as prerequisite for the next time you go amp shopping. It makes a big difference. ( I had no idea my self. )
Next about the S300i, NEUTRAL. The S300i will let through all the information your source gives to it. If you have a great source then great. If you have so-so source then you may be surprised what your so-so source can do but it will also show you where it fails.
3rd, GOBS-O-POWER, 150 W/Channel dual mono. Will drive virtually any speaker load with great bass control.
4th, Great features like WBT binding posts. (These things never loosen.) Soft-mute when switching inputs. Super-cool one knob control. Different input options available. (Phono, USB)
5th, Detail Detail Detail. With no background noise more information gets through.

I am now going to get pelted with stones over this but the S300i reminds me a lot of the Naim Nait 2 in its sound. Very open with lots of detail. Only this has 300 watts behind it!

In the end what can I say, class D amplification works kids.


Product Weakness: At about the 100hr mark the right channel failed. (@&^$*!)<br>Right away Bel Canto sent me a new replacement.
Product Strengths: Neutral amp with lots of power. No background noise. Great manufacturer support (See Weakness)<br>Great finish.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Bel Canto S300i
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): NAD 515
Speakers: Warfedale Diamond 9.1 (96db)
Cables/Interconnects: Altals, QED
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Lot of different stuff
Room Size (LxWxH): 25 x 15 x 9
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 months
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Bel Canto Design e.One S300i Amplifier (SS) - LI150 23:22:38 07/30/08 ( 11)