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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

Showing 5 responses by ctsooner

ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I've heard the Belles running some really expensive gear and it fit right in.  I think it's because it has plenty of current to run difficult speaker loads and it's tonally balanced.  I believe that's why I've never heard anyone say they don't like the sound.  Others may get a higher priced integrated like an Aesthetix Mimas, but nothing negative about the Aria or newer mono's etc..  I love the fact that I can tell friends to get the Belles and I'll never look bad. lol.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Those belles product really are special. They are one of the true values in high end audio. they are not out of place in much more expensive and sophisticated systems. If I was putting a system together for someone on a limited budget, I’d gladly move them up a line in speakers and use a Belles integrated or amp to run things. It’s what NAD was years ago, only much much better.

I’m glad that they are growing as it’s a benefit to all of us.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I've spoken to a few folks who own or have auditioned the Belles gear and they seem to play well in the sandbox with most everything.  That's very rare.  
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
He is a great designer.  Many great ones out there, but most folks don't know about their gear etc...  This is why the brick and mortar stores are so important and why I frequent them when purchasing.  You can hear gear and how it pairs with what you own.  

I'm sure Johnny can answer any questions about the age of a piece or how it sounds compared to todays offerings.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 

Guys, the AQ cables are what Richard voices his speakers with. They are highly neutral no matter which ones you get.  I’m running the William Tell Silver with the matching zero cable and using a 3’ run.  Yes, they are amazing, but I’ve also heard my speakers with the lower cost AQ cables and they sounded great.  Johnny is the one to ask about going with the best AQ you and buy in a bi wire or with the proper jumper cables.  He listens all the time to different cables on them and knows what is best.  It’s what you pay for going to a dealer! :).  Keep us posted.

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