I bought the Bel Canto Design eVo 2i Gen II used from Audiogon after reading nothing but very positive reviews, both professional and otherwise. I was using an Arte Forma I-150 integrated amplifier that sounded good enough, had all the right specs on paper, but wasn't doing it for me. Too metalic and bright in the highs, gave me listener fatigue.

So far, the Bel Canto is quite wonderful. At first, I thought the sound was much less defined than the Arte Forma, but now I think it's far more natural sounding and relaxed. I find myself tapping my foot a lot more of the time and wanting to just keep putting CDs in and listening.

Maybe it's because of Bel Canto's history making great tube gear, but I think they really got everything right in this amplifier. It has enough power and headroom to handle any music I've thrown at it so far. The highs are detailed, refined and never glaring. Lows are very well defined without being overbearing. Midrange is of "you are there" quality.

I think I've finally found the amp I'll be keeping for many years. I'm no expert, but I believe it woujld take a great deal more money to buy an amp that's better than this one.

This is an amazing amp. I have come across a few different upgrades to my system, but nothing of this sort of calibre of upgrade has had an effect as pronounced. I have not used amps in the same sort of category to compare against I must admit, but in the component upgrades that I have done, the amp has been the one weak link. And I have only found this out since upgrading to the bel canto.
A DAC upgrade went a long way... it was a nice McCormack, and it still sounds good, only vastly better now ... many cable upgrades that I have done, which offered a step up each time just make this upgrade so much better.
Now, I don't know how to describe the sound, only to compare it to the best system that I have ever heard, which was a circa $50k system, comprising of all krell components and duntech speakers. This was transparent beyond belief (krell ksa's worth $14k plus per monoblock, then add preamp, and cd player, cables,etc). Now I have sound that resembles the same sort of sound out of the multi mega thousand$+ system. Well, I'm guessing 99% of the way there.
All in all, I am a big reader of quality equipment reviews, a big enthusiast of high-end hifi equipment, a very prudent buyer, and also a big skeptic. What has won me over is this amp. This is really a huge way forward if you want to transform your sound to something that sounds real. For what it's worth - there is no better upgrade to your system than this amp has to offer. It has been the best upgrade for me anyway.
I have had this amp for about 2 days, but this bel canto evo2i mk2 is giving me audio pleasure in leaps, bounds and spades. It just keeps on giving 'real' sound, cd after cd that I play, and even the tuner sounds amazing now.

Strengths: superb transparent sound, very real, live, amazing deep bass, voices are in the middle of your room, and treble is sensitive and real, the soundstage gets a new dimension beyond your speakers.

Weaknesses: Maybe a little trebly heavy, but you can break that down with suitable cables.

Similar Products Used: probably none at this calibre, but to compare a Kostas Metaxas Ixos power amp, and NAD 312 used as both a pre and integrated amp, as well as a Carver preamp.

Excellent performance at all volumes and frequencies. Ergonomics/controls.

Could use one more input, and a phono stage would be nice.

I have had the Bel Canto eVo2i Gen II (that's a mouthful) for a couple of years now, after a lengthy auditioning process that included integrateds from a number of similarly priced manufacturers. The Bel Canto put a stop to all that auditioning.

The previous reviewers have done a good job describing the sound, so I will just chime in to say that soundwise, the Bel Canto offers everything I want. Clear, effortless sound at every volume level (many amps don't seem to open up at lower volume), throughout the frequency range, without a hint of harshness but with all the detail. Wide, expansive, lifelike soundstage. Live recordings are a joy.

Ergonomically, the Bel Canto is very easy to use. The volume control is fairly idiot proof, ramping in or out as inputs are changed. And you can set the initial volume level for each source each time you switch inputs.

Similar Products Used:

Integrateds from Perreaux, Plinius, top-line NAD, Denon, top-line Rotel separates

Solid performer top to bottom with plenty of features, top notch build.

Really can't think of any

This integrated amp is rated 120 watts at 8 ohms 200 at 4 ohms.

The BelCanto has a complete variety of options and features. It has balanced inputs and 4 other inputs plus tape. A pre-out so you can hook up a sub or another amp. Very nice aluminum remote that allows you to switch from source to source with a push of a button. Also a nice readable interface that you can shut off or dim.
When turning on the amp it starts off in "soft" mode so that you can't blast too much power to your speakers. Many more options ..which make it that much more enjoyable.

I have been impressed with the sound since the moment I first listened to it. Full bodied, powerful, and enjoyable. Much better than any of the Integrateds I had tried before, ( listed below). The better the speakers and source the better it seems to sound. I have used many different cd players and speakers with it and each time I could easily evaluate each new component. Right now I am using an Arcam FMJ 36 cd player and Magnepan speakers. The soundstage is huge and the highs sweet and extended, very easy to pick out each individual instrument, and the BelCanto seems to just cruse along as if it were not even there.
Before the Magnepans I had some Meadowlark Herons.. which have full bass response which is deep and punchy, the BelCanto had no problem driving them to floor vibrating levels without even getting warm.

I highley recommend this integrated to anyone, never any operational issues, full extended freq. response, powerful, never etched or grainy, lively and solid.

Customer Service

I called Bel Canto one time with questions about the amp and was very impressed with thier helpfulness and friendly manner.

Similar Products Used:

Cambridge Audio 640c , Portal Audio Panache, Arcam A 85, Musical Fidelity A3.2, Unison Research Unico,Naim Nait 5i, Ai Tube amp 60 watts.

Build quality. Multi function remote, powerful, livley full bodied yet smooth sound.

Noticed no one has done a review on this wonderful integrated so thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.

120 watts at 8 ohms/ 200 at 4 ohms
5 inputs including balanced
Pre-out jack for sub or conecting another amp
Heavy duty solid aluminum remote
5 way heavy duty binding posts for speaker hook up
Balance control / mute
Display on/off and display input configuration
37 lbs.
standby mode

I bought the 2i gen II ( hereafter refered to as the 2i ) after reading many of the great reviews and have not been dissapointed! The 2i is powerful enough to drive just about any loudspeaker with ease. When I put it into my system I immediatly noticed improvements in deep bass response being full and powerfull. Also the soundstage widened and the music had depth and body to it that I had not previously noticed before.The 2i is smooth and easy to listen to yet has a livley character that draws you into the music.
As I have improved on CD player and speakers the 2i responded showing me it's seemingly limitless power and sound quality.
I would recommend the 2i highly to anyone who is looking for an integrated with excellent sound along with power and versatillity.

Similar Products Used:

Arcam A85
Portall Panache