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Belles Aria Signature and other Int Amp recommendation

While searching for an Integrated Amp to go with my new Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower speakers that I ordered, one Int Amp pique my interest is the Belles Aria Signature.  Although, not too much information on the Internet, but the few I did see seems to be all positive

 

One of the key things caught my attention is the use of MOSFET output devices, where both MOSFETs and vacuum tubes are both voltage controlled devices and their transfer functions are similar as well.  My limited experience with MOSFETs impart a tube-like sound with the low-end grunt of amps using bi-polar transistors.  If implements well, it is the best of both worlds, and I hope to get some inputs from people having more experience.

 

Meanwhile, I am also hope to have some recommendations on other SS Int Amps that is in the similar price range as Belles Aria Signature and see what I can do to arrange some audition.

 

TIA

elan120
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,500 posts
 

AVM uses MOSFETs in teir output stage and I would agree, it imparts a warm, sweet sound.  It is part of the reason I am such a huge fan of AVM.  

They have the A30.3 integrated amp available which $4495 list and has an aburd feature SET.  The only thing it lacks is a built in streamer and should be on your list of considered devices.  

I have the MA30.3 monos here (though currently off at a customer) and they really are awesome with the right preamp stage which is obviously incorporated into their integrated.  

 

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,045 posts
 

There are a few things out there used that would probably catch my attention, given your parameters (hope I stuck to them!):

 

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisab24j-black-ice-audio-f22-50wpc-balanced-integrated-tube-amp-tube

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisada0b-plinius-8200-mkii-solid-state


https://tmraudio.com/components/integrated-amplifiers/ear-yoshino-8l6-stereo-tube-integrated-amplifier-esoteric-acoustic-research/

https://tmraudio.com/components/integrated-amplifiers/vac-avatar-super-stereo-tube-integrated-amplifier-mm-phono/

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,202 posts
 

The coda CSIB the best integrated at its price class under $7 k and even above 

belles not on the same level.I was considering this in the spring,low quality $20 alps volume  pot, very small transformer, compare 🍎 to apples 🍎 which totally Alps volume potrobs detail , Coda has 3 power choices ,and first watts up to 18 1St watts in pure class A , current up to 120 amps short term , a Huge potted not open 3kva transformer ,electronic BB volume attenuator , mosfet ,Jfets and 40 bipolor transistors on the output , great review stereo times and  best of 2020

bjesien
1,337 posts
 

I tried a Belles Aria briefly a few years ago with Devore Nines. I never connected with it. It sounded over controlled- like you could hear the amp gripping the speakers. It may have just been a bad match. The Coda is a nice amp and I regret selling it some days. The only flaw is the way they have the control lights set up to stay on all the time. Kind of odd for an amp at this price point. Worth checking out for sure.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,017 posts
 

if your budget goes that high, Ayre or Aesthetix both make fabulous integrated amplifiers...

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