Sad to say I need a new amp…

@wb27

I feel for you. I lost my old Belles 400A last week. Power section somewhere failed and ’went up in smoke’. Dragged it into a local shop who used to be a Belles dealer, and he won’t touch it, saying I have to send it to David. Damn. Well, new equpment is 6-8 weeks out for David, let alone an old 400A showing up at his shop for possible repair.

So, for the time being, I picked up a B&K ST3030 that arrived Monday (was also advertised here). Actually sounds pretty good. But, have already talked to Johnny Rutan about getting a new Belles Signature amp (6-8 weeks out) and perhaps looking into the 400A repair down the line....or not. The Signature is a bit more money than the Aria, but Johnny seems pretty ’high’ on it, and it would match well with the new Belles Signature preamp I just got.

Or, just relax, enjoy the B&K, and think a bit about my next move.

You might want to get a good ’beater’ amp as well until you make a final decision, it could always serve as a back-up in the future. I bought the B&K for $325 shipped, not bad for a musical 200 wpc Mosfet amp. I knew I should have had a back-up in waiting with an old amp like the 400A. Lesson leaned.

To tell the truth I was a bit stunned for a few days. Very much appreciate your idea as I really haven’t heard any other amps (or speakers) in many years. The Belles Aria has a five year warranty which has extra appeal given the circumstances. My other system includes old Coincident Conquest Speakers which are fairly efficient..

@bkeske Not sure where you are, but if you're along the Front Range, I have a tech I'd recommend to you.

Wish Audiogon had a thread for hooking up customers with local techs.

The Mesa is a cool amp, see about a repair. 

@wb27 

Maybe it’s a supply shortage the reason for 6-8 week wait on a new amp. Give belles a call.