The Belles Aria Signature Integrated Amplifier

Interesting topic. I'm in the market for a new integrated amp and my top choice is/was a Belles Aria Sig. integrated. Talked to a well known dealer {not gonna say who it is to prevent a possible argument) who sells the Belles and also sells LFD integrateds. He claims the LFD is vastly superior to the Belles. Pricing is similar but the LFD is a very stark looking amp, has a maximum output of 65 watts/Ch. and no remote.

lfd also lack remote control... that was a deal breaker for me

lemme guess who that dealer is pumping lfd ... 😂😂😂😂😂

I have had LFD amps including the NCSE MK II.
loved for jazz but just had no balls or soul.

I think that same dealer has a pretty clear distribution path with LFD with very few national competitors. Belles has several dealers inc. in NY area.

The Belles Aria sig works for me as I wanted the 125 watts, remote and an amp that can move some air with finesse. I found it. Plus, match in heaven with Dynaudio. 
LFD is more geared to speakers like Harbeth. At the same price point of Aria Signature ($4500) the comp for LFD is a new mistral.....NO CHANCE its in same league as it comes from a UK craft shop (like belles) via a US distributor, then to a dealer. 
The new NCSE MK III comes in at $7500 and that would be the product that compares with Aria Signature.

I can't debate as to which one is better, as I have heard neither. They are both on my radar for a new integrated. the Belles Aria Sig. has many traits I like very well such as phono stage, by-pass, balanced input, 125 watts/ch., not to mention a remote. I am a jazz fan. In terms of having no balls or soul regarding the LFD, that could be a factor of many things not to mention having less power output and how it matches up with a particular speaker. I have Vandersteen Treo CT's, with a Vandy sub.

It looks like I could audition either one with the only cost to me being shipping charges and my time.

I think it safe to say that either amp could/would be a very good choice in their respective price ranges. Could probably live happily with either.

@mr_m ,
With the Vandy sub/crossover, you could easily get away with 60wpc, thanks to Mr. V's design. I haven't heard LFD and their website is even more minimal than Belles.
Bob