Bel Canto has released its forth generation of digital amps at CEDIA 2005. Two versions are available starting with the S300 which pumps out 300 watts into 4 ohms ($1700) and the Ref1000 which, surprise, surprise, dishes 1000 watts into 4 ohms. Price for the Ref1000 is $2000.

As far as I can tell, the S300 is a stereo amp while the Ref1000 is mono, though don't quote me on that. What is interesting is these power ratings are surprisingly similar to the ICEpower amps that are all the rage these days. We've already covered PS Audio's GCC-250 and the Red Dragon Amps. Jeff Rowland, Chapter and others are also using Bang and Olufsen's ICEpower digital modules and getting great results. Bel Canto used Tripath digital technology before which, in a head to head test, "6Moons Srajan" proclaimed, "ICEpower opened up the veins of Tripath" or something similar. I wouldn't be surprised if Bel Canto made the big switch. Anyone know for sure?

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