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

((((I can now listen to CD's again with this amplifier plugged into my system. They now sound so good that I'm not chomping at the bit anymore to play a record. The Belles Aria Dual Mono  integrated is IMHO, the best sounding and most enjoyable amplifier I have ever owned. It has grunt, clarity, great bass, mids and detail / air up top without irritation. I also like how it is built and how form follows function. I think it looks great with the black chassis too. Finally, before hooking it up, I took a look under the hood and smiled when I saw two nice size power transformers. It claims to be 85wpc, but it sounds way more muscular than it might appear to be with my 8 ohm speakers. This would be the amp I would keep if I had to choose only one. Before looking elsewhere, take a risk with the Aria Dual Mono integrated. It is a very special and speaker friendly piece worth owning.))))

Greetings, Thanks for sharing your Belles Dual Mono experience. I totally agree a special amp at 3495 for sure or at any price!!!. Just wanted also to let folks know There is a Belles for everybody!  Please feel free to give me a call JohnnyR Audio Connection Verona NJ  

 

 

very curious about Belles Dual Mono Signature Integrated vs Belles Aria mono block amps and Aria preamp - similar price I believe...I had the original Aria Integrated and friend has the mono blocks, both are awesome...

I got the Aria monoblocks, but Johnny Rutan recommended the Aria Signature preamp.

Absolutely no regrets on my decision to move to the Signature. To be honest, I probably should have plumped for the Sig monoblocks, and been done with it.

The Aria integrated is one of the sleeper bargains out there. You can build a very nice system around it.

Bob

Hi all.  I wanted resurrect this thread.  First, wanted to thank all of you on here for your thoughts on Belles amps.  My Vandersteen 2ce signatures were initially driven with a NAD 2400 and NAD preamp ~18 years ago.  For the past 10 years or so, the Vandie 2ce sigs so little use but now I have the time to enjoy them again.  I connected with Johnny R at audio connection and picked up the dual mono signature integrated.  All I can say is that it is one heck of an amp.  I have never heard the Vandies sound this good. :)