Any owner thoughts on the Belle 350A amp?

what's your rig bob?

i have a pretty revealing system: G&D transport into belcanto 1.1 dac, into G&D preamp into merlin vsm-ms w/ TG Audio cabling (silver) througout. never had the problems you did w/ belles gear...it was an excellent performer, but i'm curious as to what you're using that it didn't work for you.
best
rhyno

Haven't heard the Belles or Sim amps, but have been able to audition the BC8s and Herron 150s with the Herron VTSP-1A, which I also own. First these are both great amps, and in the end the choice is reaaly a matter of personal preferences.

To my ear the Blue Circle's are a bit more extended and detailed, the Herron's warmer and more organic. Both image very well with wide, deep soundstages. You didn't mention your speakers, mine are the Von Schweidert VR5-HSEs.

Haven't heard the Belles or Sim amps, but have been able to audition the BC8s and Herron 150s with the Herron VTSP-1A, which I also own. First these are both great amps, and in the end the choice is really a matter of personal preferences.

To my ear the Blue Circle's are a bit more extended and detailed, the Herron's warmer and more organic. Both image very well with wide, deep soundstages. You didn't mention your speakers, mine are the Von Schweidert VR5-HSEs.

Thanks for the responses. I forgot to mention that my speakers are JM Lab Mini Utopia's and I am still on the amp search.

I respect bob and admire his posts but I can't help thinking that something else was amiss in his experience with the Belles amps. I've never heard them called dark before and they've certainly never sounded dark in my system....which is likewise pretty detailed and revealing.

Just demonstrates how radically different the same gear can sound in different setups, doesn't it?

Anyway, I am quite happy using the Belles 350a to power my Mezzo Utopias so...if there is a family connection...you might be equally pleased with your Minis.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

will