I took an opportunity to listen to an E1X in my system this weekend. Same system as in signature, just took out the 532h and put the E1x init's place.

I was anxious to listen so didn't allow much time to sit and warm before playing something. I should clarify though this amp is already broken in by the owner. First observation this is an evolution from Bel Canto I've heard in the past. Maybe going from ICE to Ngore, or maybe just a different voicing from the company.

If the E1X was in a blind test with other Class A/B amps I wouldn't have been able to pick it out as the one that was the Class D. It just doesn't have the stereotype sound I've come to expect from Class D. The E1X was very easy to listen to. As I listened I noticed the E1X has an amazing control over every aspect of the sound, it locks on the rhythm and/or melody and let's the music flow. Piano and strings were nice. The E1X was able to play low and exhibited constant control at very low bass regions. Along with the control the amp was quick.

My 532h retailed at $8500.00 before it's discontinuation. The E1x is $6k. Some comparisons, only as it may help give a feel for the E1X more. I felt the 532h was more organic in it's presentation overall, it was better on brass and things like separating multiple vocals. However, the E1X with the control I mentioned was able to sort out complex music and allow you to hear every detail, and, I do not mean in an analytical way, you will hear what is going on with no overlap or smearing at all. At times I got a sense that some highs, like cymbals were some recessed by comparison, some may prefer that. Cymbals were lighter on the E1X, where the 532h really renders that metallic clash. Again, just a difference that would come to preference.

The 532h is more visceral, maybe due to the higher power, remember the cymbal clashes, and, also the 532h pressurizes the room more.

I have a wide range of musical taste so I threw everything at the E1X, from Nashville Chamber Orchestra and acoustic Jazz to even some Sepultura . It seemed to do it all well. I will say though on some recordings I loved how the E1X reproduced piano.

The two amps have differences but I felt it wasn't that one is clearly better than the other, it would more come down to which flavor do you prefer. The E1X is a good performer, better than I expected. It would be interesting to hear it with the matching preamp/DAC.