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Any love for the Belles Aria or other recent Belles amplifier?

I recently heard a Belles 150a Hotrod with Triangle Zerius speakers and a transformer volume control.  The sound is one of the most compelling pairings I have heard.  I am considering purchasing a used 350a or a new Aria or 150a ref. v2.

Has anyone spent time with one, two or all three of these amplifiers?  I'd like to spend as little as possible but still have an outstanding match with the easy-to-drive Zerius.  I like the idea of an integrated if it sounds as good as the bigger amps just with less output power.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
128x128leahy
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Those belles product really are special. They are one of the true values in high end audio. they are not out of place in much more expensive and sophisticated systems. If I was putting a system together for someone on a limited budget, I’d gladly move them up a line in speakers and use a Belles integrated or amp to run things. It’s what NAD was years ago, only much much better.

I’m glad that they are growing as it’s a benefit to all of us.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

Amen.

My next speakers, whatever they are, are going to be "disproportionately" expensive w.r.t. the Belles I'm running

ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I've spoken to a few folks who own or have auditioned the Belles gear and they seem to play well in the sandbox with most everything.  That's very rare.  
gcknapp
52 posts
 
Purchased a used Belles Aria on Audiogon on this week.  Paired with Vandersteen VLR speakers, Bryston BDP-pi streamer and Mytek Liberty dac.  Kimber Kable interconnects and speaker cables.  Most honest, uncluttered sound I have had in my system, with great dynamics, soundstage and range.  Thanks to John Rutan at Audio Connection for another great recommend.  
tube_meister
20 posts
 
Hello All.
Does anybody know anything about David's 250i tube hybrid integrated amplifier?
There is one currently for sale here on Audiogon.
It must be a discontinued piece, but I cannot find much information about it on the internet.
Is it that rare?
Many Thanks!
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