The Bel Canto e.One Pre5/REF501S pre/power combo packs 6 line level inputs and 250 Watts of output power into two boxes about the size of big book combined.
The complete Bel Canto e.One Series is comprised of the DAC2.1, PHONO, Stream 2, CD3t, REF601M, C6i, and the Pre5 and REF501S in Barn for review. I bet you know what each component is, more or less. just based on the model names. I do, and I like when that happens.
The e.One Pre5 is a fully balanced analog line level preamplifier. The included remote offers volume control and input selection along with access to a number of Programming Modes including Max Volume to limit the max output volume, Edit Input for renaming inputs and turning on/off the Balance control and Home Theater Bypass for each input, Balance, and a Program rest to return to factory defaults.
The Pre5 offers 2x XLR and 4x RCA Inputs paired with independently buffered XLR and RCA Outputs.
The REF501S Class D stereo amplifier features the company’s Impedance Optimized Input Stage, a DC-coupled signal path (look ma, no capacitors), an innovative 5th order loop filter, and 250 Watts of outpower (1% THD according to Bel Canto).
A pair of WBT NextGen speaker binding posts join the XRL and RCA input pairs and a switch for selecting between the two.
The e.One series components are wrapped in the same all-aluminum compact chassis, a mere 8.5″ wide, that comes with a silver or black chunky aluminum faceplate. I prefer the stealthy black. A remote is included with the Pre5 that controls other e.One components as well.
I’ve reviewed a number of products from Bel Canto including their e.One C6i DAC Integrated Amplifier & e.One Stream2 Network Bridge (review) as well as the more upscale E1X Integrated Amplifier (review) and I always walk away impressed. I am looking forward to hearing what their more affordable pre/power can do. Stay tuned!
Bel Canto e.One Pre5 Preamplifier
Price: $2495
Bel Canto e.one REF501S Stereo Amplifier
Price: $2495
Company Website: Bel Canto Design
e.One Pre5 Preamplifier Specifications
Analog Inputs: |
|
| Balanced Input Impedance: | 10k Ohms |
| Single-ended Line Input Impedance: | 50k Ohms |
| Maximum Input Level Balanced: | 5Vrms |
| Maximum Input Level Single Ended: | 2.5Vrms |
| Maximum Output Level, RCA and XLR | 5Vrms |
| Distortion at 1Vrms Output: | <0.002% 1KHz |
| Dynamic Range: | 125dB A-Weighted re: 5Vrms |
| Single-ended Line Out Impedance: | 50 Ohms |
| Balanced Output Impedance: | 100 Ohms |
General: |
|
| Output Connections: | XLR and RCA Outputs |
| Power Usage On: | 4W |
| Power Usage Off: | 0.0W |
| Power Input: | 100-120VAC, 220-240VAC 50/60 Hz |
| Fuse | Littlefuse 214 Series, 3 ampere, time-lag, 250VAC, 5x20mm ceramic body fuse |
| Dimensions: | 8.5″ W x 12″ D x 3.5″ H (216 mm x 305 mm x 88 mm) |
| Weight: | 13lbs. (6.5 kg) |
e.one REF501S Stereo Amplifier Specifications
| Power Output 1% THD: | 250W per channel |
| Minimum Load: | 2 ohms per channel |
| Peak Output Current: | 17.5 amperes per channel |
| Frequency Response: | +/-3 dB 0Hz-50KHz, all loads |
| THD+N: | 0.003% 1W, 1KHz, 4 ohms |
| IMD (CCIF): | 0.0003%, 1W, 14:15KHz, 4 ohms |
| Output noise: | 35uVRMS A-weighted 10Hz-20KHz |
| Voltage gain: | 27dB |
| Damping factor: | >1000 |
| Output Impedance at 100Hz: | <8 milliohms |
| Dynamic Range: | 121dB |
| Input Voltage for Max Output: | 1.4Vrms |
| Input connections: | Single-ended RCA or balanced XLR |
| RCA input impedance: | 47Kohms |
| Balanced input impedance: | 95Kohms |
| Output connections: | 2-sets WBT Nextgen 5-way binding posts |
| Power On usage: | 12W |
| Power Off usage: | 0.0W |
| Internally Set Operating Voltages: | 100-120VAC or 230-240VAC 50/60 Hz |
| Size: | 8.5 x 3.5 x 12[inches], 216 x 88 x 305[mm] (WxHxD) |
| Weight: | 12 lbs, 5.5 Kg |
