2. amps-preamps
  3. 129680-9088

Any love for the Belles Aria or other recent Belles amplifier?

I recently heard a Belles 150a Hotrod with Triangle Zerius speakers and a transformer volume control.  The sound is one of the most compelling pairings I have heard.  I am considering purchasing a used 350a or a new Aria or 150a ref. v2.

Has anyone spent time with one, two or all three of these amplifiers?  I'd like to spend as little as possible but still have an outstanding match with the easy-to-drive Zerius.  I like the idea of an integrated if it sounds as good as the bigger amps just with less output power.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
128x128leahy
nymarty
109 posts
 

I was lucky enough to find and buy a pair of Belles Aria monoblocks recently.  Listening to them for the 2nd night in a row and really enjoying them. Despite having less power than either my Schiit Vidar or McCormack DNA-1, they seem to dig deeper with the KEF LS50 Metas and drive them better. The Metas have never sounded better.

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

Belles MB-200 mono blocks with a ‘new’ Belles Aria Signature preamp combo. Happy camper. My Vandersteen Treo’s seem to like them too.

audioconnection
1,271 posts
 

((((I can now listen to CD's again with this amplifier plugged into my system. They now sound so good that I'm not chomping at the bit anymore to play a record. The Belles Aria Dual Mono  integrated is IMHO, the best sounding and most enjoyable amplifier I have ever owned. It has grunt, clarity, great bass, mids and detail / air up top without irritation. I also like how it is built and how form follows function. I think it looks great with the black chassis too. Finally, before hooking it up, I took a look under the hood and smiled when I saw two nice size power transformers. It claims to be 85wpc, but it sounds way more muscular than it might appear to be with my 8 ohm speakers. This would be the amp I would keep if I had to choose only one. Before looking elsewhere, take a risk with the Aria Dual Mono integrated. It is a very special and speaker friendly piece worth owning.))))

Greetings, Thanks for sharing your Belles Dual Mono experience. I totally agree a special amp at 3495 for sure or at any price!!!. Just wanted also to let folks know There is a Belles for everybody!  Please feel free to give me a call JohnnyR Audio Connection Verona NJ  

 

 

jl35
3,979 posts
 

very curious about Belles Dual Mono Signature Integrated vs Belles Aria mono block amps and Aria preamp - similar price I believe...I had the original Aria Integrated and friend has the mono blocks, both are awesome...

gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 

I got the Aria monoblocks, but Johnny Rutan recommended the Aria Signature preamp.

Absolutely no regrets on my decision to move to the Signature. To be honest, I probably should have plumped for the Sig monoblocks, and been done with it.

The Aria integrated is one of the sleeper bargains out there. You can build a very nice system around it.

Bob

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