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Battle of the "Davids"......Belles vs. Berning

OK, it's a cold, rainy Sunday am in Chicago - a great day to listen to music. After the provocative thread on "Tenor vs, Berning" that got a little side-tracked, I thought I'd narrow the scope. I have been fortunate to audition both the Belles 350a ss amp ($3,500) and the Berning ZH-270 ($4,500)in the past two weeks. The common theme is that these two amps come from, in essence, "one man shops" and seem to eschew mainstream "hi-end" retail. Both amps are widely recognized as providing huge "bang-for-the-buck" and might cost substantially more if their logos were different.

This would seem to be a real world comparison of two "Davids" that may be able to bring down Goliath - whoever that may be. What do you think?
ianrmack
oneprof
147 posts
 
Ianrmack, I noticed that you have are getting a pair of Merlins--probably the 'T' harness, judging from your system. This won't matter to you, probably, but I'm pretty sure that the Belles 350a is one of the amps that Bobby at Merlin recommends for the VSM's with the 'S' wiring harness. I've never heard it either, but it must be pretty good or Bobby wouldn't recommend it.
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
649 posts
 
my comment was on the sad state of audiophiles, not products. people jump from one thing to the next to the next, sometimes moving up, sometimes down, but always moving. moving in this hobby is expensive, or an opportunity, depending on your stance.

did i not say "quality products by quality guys?"

i would never take a pot-shot against berning--he's a credible designer running an honest operation...a lot better than a LOT of high-end companies i know.

but my point remains...audiophiles get suckered into the NEXT BIG THING a LOT. that's when i usually buy the previous one, if it sounds good.
thorty40
149 posts
 
Rhyno, you are right, audiophiles are unfortunately pursuaded by hype too often.
bishopwill
369 posts
 
I have used the Belles for quite some time and am totally pleased with it. No desire to change. And I use fairly demanding speakers that are likely to reveal amplifier flaws.

Have not heard the Berning so I make no attempt at comparison.

will
jayarr
117 posts
 
Ianrmack,
I owned a Berning 270 and an OCM 200. OCM was the company Belles was involved in prior to Power Modules. My understanding is that the amps are very similar. In comparing the OCM and the Berning amps the Berning was superior across the board. The OCM was a very good amp(slightly warm for a SS amp) which I could live with without any problem but was outclassed by the 270--faster,timbrally more accurate,more 3D soundstage,more like the real thing. I don't know if this is a valid comparison but the Berning was better on my Legacy Focus speakers.
Jayarr
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