What about the Belles SA-100?

Belles is excellent and extremely impressive.
I just upgraded my 150a Hot-Rod version with the freshly purchased 150a Ref v2. Right out the box without warming up (literally), my jaw was on the floor. My eyes were wide open staring on the "image". it was so much inner body and sparkling on the Highs. Image was so clean and clear. I felt that i was just not being closer to tbe stage but actually on it. The vibration of each keys from piano and strings on guitar were so much vibrant and real. How did Belles do that right out the box?
About an hour later, i got lost in music instead of, as usual, listening to my gear.
The amp responses well with neutral and detail cables/cords too.
I have had tried couple amps on Agon but I must way this is one heck of the amp. Dealer been trying to tell me that the upper level ones will left me speechless...
I paid full price for this amp Belles 150a Ref v2 and not regret 1 bit.
Hope this help and great luck with your search.

I have had a 150A Hot Rod that I use in my BR system for years, and I bought it used. Very musical, plenty of grunt, a steal for the money even new. Assume Ref series even better.

Neal

Yes. The Ref v2 is a total diff animal though still has the signature sound of the HotRod.
I was very skeptical before the upgrade. Wondered how much more the Ref v2 could be better than the , already good, HotRod or could it just be the name changed for marketing. But Belles proved me wrong; it's an awesome amp and a very BIG step up from Hotrod.

Your dealer is right, the upper models will leave you speechless. I have a Belles SA-100 which is in a different class. I am serious. That is also why I was wondering in the first place that this amp is not more popular among audiophiles. Anyone in need of a serious upgrade should audition this one.

I own the Belles SA-30, for a few months now, and I don't see many user reviews of this sister-model to the SA-100 either, although a few magazines have reviewed it very favorably. It truly is a phenomenally good poweramp, and one I don't see taking second seat to most any poweramp, price disregarded, with the only limiting aspect (on paper) being the stated (pure Class A) 30 watt output power. However, and take my word on this: there's absolutely no indication there's only 30 watts under the hood on the SA-30; it simply sounds unrestricted and wonderfully natural. I guess it goes to show how far 30 good watts can bring you, although with todays most inefficient speakers some might want for more power. In light of all this it may not be a cheap poweramp, but it's a relative bargain nonetheless.

Needless to say I'm also confounded by the lack of awareness on these Statement Series poweramps. Perhaps a parallel can be drawn to politics here: the more money spent on marketing/campaigning...