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Rogue Sphinx or Belles Aria???

I've recently been building up my system over the past year getting into the mid/hi-fi level and have finally reached the point of upgrading my amplifier [currently older Yamaha A-S500]. 
I'm looking for an integrated amp in the ~$2k range [I don't have space or budget for separates] and think I finally have it narrowed down between a Rogue Sphinx v3 and a Belles Aria.  I'm only listening to vinyl so have no need to worry about a DAC.

The Rogue has many positive reviews so think it would be a pretty safe bet and while I can only find one professional Belles Aria reviews the personal reviews in various forums seem to be pretty spectacular and seems to punch above its class so I'm really intrigued. 
Unfortunately, I'm not in the position to demo either of these personally so I'm looking for advice; especially if any one has ever compared side by side.

The rest of my setup is as follows:
B&W 705 stand-mounts
Rega Planar P3 w/ Elys MM
Audioquest Sydney interconnects

I really appreciate any advice...thanks!

dsjs4
fredcdobbs
128 posts
 
Just returned a Sphynx 3 because I heard something in the upper mid/loser treble I didn't like. Overall sounded good but not for me. Every time someone tells me it's a class D amp but doesn't sound like it. I seem to hear Class d.
No experience with the Belles. I think I've settled on a Ragnarock 2. 

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
Belles Aria is a terrific sounding amp. Clean and extended but with good midrange richness. Excellent spatial capabilities. Have had numerous David Belles pieces over time, back to the OCM 500... always musical solid state... never harsh or flat sounding.  Excellent designer, excellent voicing.
gandalf's avatar
gandalf
55 posts
 
jjss49: I am 100% with you, David been building Amps for some time one, and if he really wanted to get big he could. He makes top-notch equipment at decent prices. I have owned several Int. Amps and Amp by him over the years. Right now I have VT-01 Pre/Amp and MB-200 Monoblocs and I just picked up his new "Aria Signature Int. which I fell instantly in love with when I heard it. I have owned Rogue and Schitt Audio etc.. Threshold/Hegel/Musical Fidelity and David's pieces bested them in every way. 
doni
355 posts
 
I have enjoyed my Belles Aria integrated so much that I recently ordered the Aria monoblocs.  I plan to use these with a Backert Rhumba 1.2, and cannot wait to pair these with some LS3/5a's.  I'm hoping this combo has great synergy. 
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