This is $99 over budget but consider Van Alstine Vision, see the Van Alstine discussion board on audio circle. The built in version is less expensive. I have the built-in previous version and it sounds great.
There are a fair amount of stages that I would consider over the Bellari. BUT, I tried one for a few weeks and with an upgraded wall wart and a better tube it was pretty dang good. Very quiet with the better power supply.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I forgot to say that when it comes to hi-fi, I prefer to avoid Chinese made equipment. Impossible to do in everyday products, but in the world of high end electronics it is still very feasible and practical. I'm not a snob nor a hypocrite, but I do what I can, when I can.
Bajaed, you mentioned an upgraded power supply. Which one and where do you go for that? Which tube did you switch to?
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