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When is Belles going to get the credit he deserves

Having been in the audio business for 20 years, owned a High End Store for 12 years, and Director of Sales for a notable High End Manufacturer; I sold just about every high end electronics line on the planet. Also, I was exposed to those few I hadn't sold during my travels while working for the manufacturer, visiting more than 100 stores all across the USA. So this perspective comes from a very broad look at the industry. Dave Belles is making, in my humble opinion, amplification and preamps, which outperform some which cost multiples of his pricing. Yet, when it comes to reviews, he rarely gets a mention. This is unfortunate, since it leaves the consumer, who is searching for great values,out in the cold.
It is true that he is a very small company, and hand builds everything, but isn't that the American Dream? "If I build it they will come" That is worth repeating; HE HANDCRAFTS ALMOST EACH PIECE. In a world of cookie cutter products this is a refreshing difference. The time has come for more people to be aware of his products; they are simply amazing. For the money they are a triumph of ingenuity. Also, some of the reviewers out there need to give this man his due. Marty DeWolf, I think it was, reviewed the 350 Amp, and was spot on on his evaluation. That is a wonderfully open and dynamic amp, and, for a very good price. Are we stuck on, "If they don't advertise, they don't get reviewed?
Comments please.
lrsky
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
649 posts
 
first off, i agree, the bass w/ the 350 is quite startling in its drive, authority, pitch and impact. it can be considered reference in that regard (even the merlins made that obvious when compared to lesser amps. bigger speakers would make it more so).

in the ballpark at the price range, i would venture that the berning is nice if not the same cup of tea; step up higher to $6k and the parasound JC1s have it beat coming and going. the belles is on the warm side of neutral, its highs are a bit muffled, and it lacks a bit of body for SOTA imaging.---granted, i'm nit-picking, as i still think its a fine amp, much better than lots of higher priced competition (plinius and bryston come to mind as being "less for more"). ultimately i sold mine to get into a better amp (used) for less $ that had a better protection circuit than the belles---i needed a delay-on feature on my amp (which belles doesn't have) in order to prevent any DC output from my preamp from reaching my speaker. the belles didn't have that, but my new amp does.

never heard the integrated or the preamps, but knowing dave, they're both solid designs w/ good value for the money (like sim audio or rogue products are) and more than enough for most people.

rhyno
lrsky OP
1,118 posts
 
Actually, it was Doug Blackburn of Sound Stage! who reviewed the 350 so glowingly, and summarized with this quote, which I will put at the bottom of this message. After about only a week, and having gone from Gryphon to this, I am surprised at how good this amplifier is...at any price.

FROM DOUG BLACKBURN...
It doesn’t happen often, but every now and then a reviewer is lucky enough to encounter a product that is so perfect that it is difficult to imagine anything being better in any substantial way. But what is unusual about the 350A is that it achieves this at the lowest price point I’ve yet encountered.

I thought this was a reviewers fit of metaphoric magic, woven with hyperbole (or even, "extravagant exaggeration") , but darned if I don't agree.
Larry
bigtee
803 posts
 
I purchased a Belles 350a to drive my Vandersteen 3A Signatures. It replaced a $6000 Theta Dreadnaught 4-ch. I have to say it is a finer all around amp. Certainly better in the bass but I found the mids to be more neutral. It's the best amp I've used in the 35+ years in stereo.
Sorry, I can't agree with RHYNO. The 350a is certainly not muted in the highs. It also has the most neutral midrange I've heard out of any amp.
As for the JC1 comparison, I have directly compared the two and I still own the Belles. I found the Parasound to be a good amp but with a slightly edgy sound in comparison and a touch brighter with certainly not as expansive soundstage.
To explain this further, first, I know the Vandersteen's aren't going to be bright, so if a amp is rolled in the highs---it WILL show up. Second, if a amp is full in the mids, this will also show in the Vandersteen's since they are a touch on the warm side to begin with. The point is, the 350a makes the Vandersteens sound neutral.
Does this actually mean the above fellow is wrong? Not really. On HIS system, it may be as he says. System synergy is as important as any other factor. However, on a system I know as well as mine, I just can't agree with his assesment. I also feel Doug Blackburn was right on the spot in his review---of course he does use the Vandersteen 3A Signatures.
84audio
175 posts
 
I have been a Dave Belles fan for years. Can anything beat his 150A Hot Rod at the $1500 price point? He makes great amps, but you guys should listen to his new 21A preamp!! It uses 2 12AU7 tubes, has remote volume, and sounds better than almost any preamp I have heard. I have had it for about a month and I am more impressed with it every day. Dave continues to quietly make outstanding electronics. This is the work of a master craftsman who continues to create wonderful products. I am always amazed that used Belles gear doesn't bring more dollars. Granted, he's not well known, but he makes great value for dollar products.
jsujo
348 posts
 
Musical Design is another company that rarely gets mentioned...People hang on to their stuff like leaches...
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