Impressions & comparisons of Belles 150a Reference Power Amplifier Ver 2
So, I'm toying with buying a used Belles 150a Ref. V. 2 amplifier out on the used market. My question is: would it bring real difference to my current setups?
I'd like your thoughts, if you have any experience.
Let me describe my situation: I'm always curious about trying a new amp. I have three sets of speakers: a wide baffle DIY with JBL woofers and a Beyma AMT tweeter (97db.), Ascend ELX Towers (90db, approx.), and Fritz Carbon 7mk2SE (88-89db).
I have several amps for these guys -- Pass XA-25, QS Mono 60 tube amps, and an ST-35 Dynakit. While none of these are "high power" amps, as many know, the Pass can produce a lot more than 25 watts (e.g. 50wpc into 8 ohms and more) and has a grunt and power belied by it's name.
I've had a hypex-based amp in my stable for a brief while delivering a lot of power 300wpc and it was interesting how it "lit up" my less sensitive speakers. I'm curious about the Belles in this regard.
So -- anyone who wishes -- please weigh in about the Belles 150a Ref. Amp Ver. 2 and, if you can, how it might stand out (or NOT stand out) from the amp/speaker combos listed above.
Thanks!
Hi @hilde45. If the Hypex captured your interest you might check out the newer GaNFET based Class D amps. Class D Audio provides very high value products for low cost due to low overhead etc. I have Hypex based Cambridge Evo 150 and newer GaN Class D Audio amp. Both are very good but sound very different. The Cambridge is a touch warmer and more forward sounding. The GaNFET is more neutral with highly nuanced detail and absence of any fatigue. 200w/ch into 8 ohm. Quite a revelation for ~1K.
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@mapman I like the "grip" and excitement of the Hypex but it's a bit brittle in the highs and sterile in the mids. That said, I will look into your suggestions! Thanks! |
@hilde45 worth noting there are different Hypex modules and different amp makers that use them add things like op amps and power supplies among others that can affect the resulting sound so chances are different Hypex based amps will sound different. The devil is always in the details. Cheers! |
@hilde45 , Your description of Class D matches my experience. I own the Belles Aria monoblocks, not the 150a. And, I have to say they are very sweet sounding amps. You have some nice amps, and quite varied, too. I personally think your not going to hear a significant difference, though the Belles will be a bit more mellow-and perhaps, engaging. Bob |
Up until recently I owned a pair of the V2’s running in mono. They were great. Owned them for a number of years. These are class B amps and run very cool. They provide more than enough horsepower to run the non sensitive speakers. As a previous poster stated, these are a more mellow sounding amplifier. If one is seeking that nails on a chalkboard sound, these may not be a fit. |
