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!
leahy
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
4,221 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.
tc77
1 posts
 
I have a Belles Aria pre-amp/monoblock/Vandy 3a sig system set up by Johnny Rutan at Audio Connection.  Totally agree that his service is top notch.  The match of amps to speakers is very efficient for my smallish listening room, with a lot of headroom for any type of music.  The silence between the notes is profound - the system doesn't get in the way of the music.  Really shows up poor music sources.  Enjoyed Johnny connecting me up directly with Dave Belles on a conference call before I purchased the amps.  Nice to hear Dave's philosophy right from him.
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