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

Hi All,

I got lucky and got my hands on Belle Arias and Vandersteen speakers (all 2nd/3rd hand). My first set and hopefully something I can enjoy for a few years. They are yet to be delivered though.

How can I connect my iPhone to the Belle Arias ? All my music is through the apps on iPhone. Can I connect using an USB Cable ? Or USB C Dongle on iPhone with headphone out kind of wire that connects to like a headphone in on Belle Arias (sorry if my explanation is not good).

Or do I need another device between my phone (that my phone connects to) and Belle Arias ? I really hope I don’t need another device and expense. But if its the only way - ca you please share a couple of under $500 ones that would work without making the Belle + Vandersteen's sound horrible.

All you help is greatly appreciated.

Headphone in….. my wife accuses me of this….

Easy route is an ifi, wimm, or bluesound streamer /dac….. used $200-300

When you get the Vandersteens join the owners group at manufacturers website. There are more than a few Vandy owners running Belles gear of some variety.

Hello Tomic,

Thanks for sharing the options. I went looking for them on Amazon. I made a list - will any one of them work ? Not expecting feedback on comparison in any way - just - will any one of them work and which one should be prioritized for feature/flexibility. I am guessing the audio from here to Belles Aria will be reprocessed by Belles Aria anyway.

1. Cambridge Audio AXA25 25 Watt 2-Channel Integrated Stereo Amplifier | 3.5mm Input, USB Input https://a.co/d/2ia1ICz

2. Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 - Digital to Analogue Converter with Toslink, S/PDIF, and USB Inputs Featuring 24-bit Wolfson DAC - Black https://a.co/d/dmNpD6R

3. FiiO K7 Desktop DAC and Amplifier https://a.co/d/bImXALg

4. Schiit Modius E Balanced DAC Digital to Analog Converter D/A Converter (Silver) https://a.co/d/7wxhyFc

5. WiiM Pro Plus AirPlay 2 Receiver, Chromecast Audio, Multiroom Streamer with Premium AKM DAC, Voice Remote, Works with Alexa/Siri/Goog... https://a.co/d/ifL2269