2. amps-preamps
  3. 129680-9088

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
zek4u
45 posts
 
Stupidly sold my first Aria and just got another. Just can't believe this thing. I don't remember the headphone amp sounding great in the first one and on a whim, hooked up my Sennheiser HD800S headphones. Geeeze. I'm going to sell my Violectric V281. How does Dave Belles do it. Sounds amazing through these Gallo Reference Stratas I picked up too. Running them near field with a Chord 2Qute DAC, Chord Anthem 2 speaker cables, microRendu, Chord Signature Tuned Aray USB, REL S2, Tellurium Q Black. I'm very, very happy right now. FYI, I like the Gallos with the Aria better then the Harbeth P3s I just sold.

I've had sooooo many integrateds. Rega, Simaudio, Naim Supernait 2!, Hegel, Exposure, Marantz, TACT, Croft separates. you name it. Well I'm finally happy.

Thank you so much Dave!
fjn04
1,561 posts
 

Sounds like better synergy between the Aria and Gallo's, and I have no doubt they play very nicely with Vandy's. I heard from someone I trust, that the Belles/Vandersteen pairing punch way above their weight class... Sounds as if Harbeth/Belles may be another story.

jl35
3,979 posts
 
Zek4u  I see your Aria is for sale again - what’s the replacement?
zek4u
45 posts
 
I still have it. Any good interconnect or speaker cable recommendations for the Aria/Vandie VLR combo?  Might even want to try a few more DACs. Using a Chord 2Qute now. 
zek4u
45 posts
 
The Belles Aria/Vandersteen VLR combo was amazing!  Problem was I was trying to merge 2 channel with headphone listening. Also trying to get  something small for my desk. I've moved on to a Linear Tube Audio MZ2 headphone amplifier/preamplifier, ZOTL10 amplifier and some Proac Tablette 10 speakers. I bet the Quicksilver EL84 integrated would also be great on the Tablette 10s. Naim is also great but wanted a better headphone amp and love that tube magic.

If you are looking for a great 2 channel system, I highly recommend the Belles/Vandersteen combo. Working with Johnny at Audio Connection is the best! He is a Belles, Vandersteen and Proac dealer.
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