Bel Canto Pre2 preamp for stereo upgrade?

[Jeff Mayer]

Hi all,

I'd appreciate any collective wisdom on the Bel Canto Pre2 stereo preamp as a significant upgrade over my Onkyo 797 receiver. I'm using the onkyo's preout's into a Parasound a51 amplifier. I feel that for movies the onkyo is fine but for stereo it is lacking. I listen to at least 90% music and am looking for a big 2channel upgrade but still want to have surround in the system. Anyone have personal experience with the Bel Canto? Pros/cons? Any other ideas?
Thank you.
Jeff

[Aussie Geoff]

Hi,

A friend of mine who accasionally visits and posts here has the Bel Canto Evo 2i, which incorporates a slightly cut down version of the Pre 2's circuits...

An amazing pre-amp high quality and very valve like.. The Onkyo is quite limited as a stereo pre-amp. I think you will be shocked at how much better the Pre 2 sounds...

Geoff

[Jeff Mayer]

Geoff,

Thank you for your input. Good to hear! I am curious about your comment that the Pre2 has valve like qualities. I also heard the Pre2 is very neutral. I am leaning to this piece but I would like to hear as many ideas about it and/or other possibilities. The Bel Canto doesn't seem to be talked much about...
Jeff

[Kal Rubinson]

I use a Bel Canto Pre6 which has, more or less (but mostly more), the circuitry of the Pre2 and I use it for both stereo and MCH. Excellent, clean and neutral. Tube-like? Not to me but less colored than that would imply.

Kal

[Jeff Mayer]

Thanks Kal. Wow...I must say that I'm surprised to have gotten a response from a Stereophile editor. Cool! It sounds like (from what I've read) the Pre2 and Pre6 are very close in sonics if not identical..but I am wondering if the Pre2 has any advantage at all.. Kal - just one question for fun - I know this is subjective but if you had to name even the slightest sonic weakness of the Pre6, what would it be?
Just a funny side note: I mentioned to my father about Mr. Rubinson's response to my thread and he said ask Mr. Rubinson about the Dynaco ST-70 because as my father put it "He'll tell you to buy one of these and save a bundle of dough." My father bought one a long time ago for 50 bucks and never looked back. He's only 57! Whatever floats your boat, right.
Jeff

[Jeff Mayer]

I should amend my last post. I have listened to the Dynaco St-70 many, many times and have found it quite enjoyable and musical. The midrange is incredible, sweet, dynamic, and just has a lot of presence. My halo amp can't quite match it. Bass of course is another matter. Anyway I didn't mean to slight the Dynaco at all. In fact, it's impossible to argue with my father about it's sound and value. Just wish he'd get rid of those Dynaco speakers. The tube sound has me intrigued. Might it offer a little magic on the preamp end??
Jeff

[Kal Rubinson]

Thanks Kal. Wow...I must say that I'm surprised to have gotten a response from a Stereophile editor. Cool! It sounds like (from what I've read) the Pre2 and Pre6 are very close in sonics if not identical..but I am wondering if the Pre2 has any advantage at all.. Kal - just one question for fun - I know this is subjective but if you had to name even the slightest sonic weakness of the Pre6, what would it be?

Like most BC components, there's a very slightly overdamped quality to the treble. Most noticeable in the older eVo amps, less so in the newer ones and very little in the Pre6/Pl-1A.

Just a funny side note: I mentioned to my father about Mr. Rubinson's response to my thread and he said ask Mr. Rubinson about the Dynaco ST-70 because as my father put it "He'll tell you to buy one of these and save a bundle of dough." My father bought one a long time ago for 50 bucks and never looked back. He's only 57! Whatever floats your boat, right.
Jeff

Sorry to disappoint but the time of the un-modded ST70 has passed. Was a great amp in its time but I've divested myself of the 3-4 I once had. One I tossed from a 4th story window into a dumpster! It was fun but I regret that only for the destruction of a fungible asset.

Kal

[Jeff Mayer]

Thanks for the input Kal. I'll tell my father to get the thing modded. Fat chance.
The Bel Canto's continue dropping in price on Audiogon. Sounds like an incredible unit for the money. Well this doesn't appear to be a popular topic so I won't ask too many more questions.
Anyone hear the Audiopax Model 5?
Thanks
Jeff

[Jeff Mayer]

Well I have the Bel Canto Pre2. I find the output stage a bit noisy through RCA running into my Parasound amp (Model A51). Perhaps the amp's inputs are a little to sensitive for the Bel Canto. Does anyone know if the Bel Canto's balanced output is quieter than its RCA? Any other advantages to XLR connectors? Don't have XLR cables at the moment..

Jeff

[Kal Rubinson]

Dunno. I've only used the XLRs on the Pre6. They are dead quiet.

Kal

[Jeff Mayer]

Kal - What kind of amp are you using with your Pre6?
I ordered a pair of XLR cables so I'll find out soon enough.

Jeff

[Kal Rubinson]

Kal - What kind of amp are you using with your Pre6?
I ordered a pair of XLR cables so I'll find out soon enough.
Jeff

Currently, Classe C3200 and BelCanto eVo and Ref 1000s. Have used many others with it, too.

Kal

[Jeff Mayer]

Currently, Classe C3200 and BelCanto eVo and Ref 1000s. Have used many others with it, too.
Kal

The Ref 1000's look fascinating. Amazing how small and light they are and how highly regarded they have become. I'd like to hear a couple of those. How does the C3200 stack up againt the Ref 1000s?
Well I received the XLR's today and my initial reaction is positive. Haven't had much time to listen though.
Jeff

[Jeff Mayer]

Oh yeah, Kal, did you bother upgrading the stock Pre6 power cord? I imagine you have, the question is with what? Thanx

Jeff

[Kal Rubinson]

Oh yeah, Kal, did you bother upgrading the stock Pre6 power cord? I imagine you have, the question is with what? Thanx
Jeff

Yes but with what I had laying about so I cannot say that it was 'selected' for the purpose.

Kal