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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
elan120 OP
35 posts
 

@phasemonger ,  Thanks again for the detailed information.  My system will be very different than yours, but the overall praise from different sources seems to be a good indicator Signature can match well in multiple configurations.

 

@buddyboy1 ,  Good to know the standard Aria also works well with different speakers.  I will keep this in mind if I decided to put together a bedroom system next year.

 

@twoleftears ,  Is it possible for you to describe what you are hearing from both the standard Aria and the Aria Signature?

 

buddyboy1
106 posts
 

@twoleftears That’s just not true. The Aria Signature and the Aria are very similar with the Signature being a more powerful amp. The Belles "sound" embodies both amps. Saying you can't transfer any sounds from one to the other is like saying that one is a Belles and one is from another manufacturer completely. Yes, many of the sound characteristics that people love about Belles amps ...are carried over from model to model...I asked Dave Belles to confirm this and he did!

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 

Johnny Rutan audio connection this site is a Belles dealer and expert. Suggest a chat or audition w him. David makes great gear.

best to all on the journey 

Jim

rammerjammer's avatar
rammerjammer
7 posts
 

I have the Aria and i really could not be happier.  Ive had it for three-four months.  I selected it over the Elex-R and a Naim ( both great integrateds btw). The Belles just had the IT factor which I really don't have the words for. With the Fritz Rev 7s, I hear very good clarity with being too clinical.  Though it has MOSFETs, it is not overly warm.  At the end of the day, and i mean every day, Im up in my lil music room for a couple of hours enjoying my setup. Dont think you can go wrong

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

I agree that it would be best to have a chat with Johnny R.

I've heard both, and I found the Signature more muscular and energetic than the regular, no doubt due to its increased power supply.  At the same time, I found it a little less sweet or delicate than the regular, though admittedly the Sig wasn't fully broken in.

My point remains.  Some manufacturers make a "signature" version of a product, but what that really means can vary considerably.  Gold plated connectors, better wire, costier caps, or whatever.  The Aria Signature is substantially re-engineered, though retaining some of the original DNA of the regular.

 

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