AVA Vision Set 400 v Belles SA-100

I ended up getting the Belles SA30 class A power amp, great sound, only problem is a bit of a gain mismatch with my Supratek Cabernet pre, it sounds great, only my volume control is a bit hampered by both being high gain amps, so still interested in the Set 400 as Frank can match the gain to my pre on request. Am waiting a bit as Frank and the guys are refreshing their lineup, interesting what will be coming down the line.

I use two Rothwell’s at my power amp inputs which helps a little bit, no the 300B is still too high, I asked Mick if the power amp would work with the Cabernet and he said no problem!!!

I didn’t think I would have this problem, so never looked for it, after doing some research it seams this is getting to be a common problem with high gain pre amps, as most power amps today can be driven with passive pre amps!

I wish that was true, turning the gain all the way down I can only use 15-20% of the volume knob.

Also the gain only can be turned down on the 300B output.

I like to be able to change between them, the 6SN7 is more detailed, but the 300B can sound very nice with small assemble jazz.

It is useable, but could be interesting trying an amp better suited to the gain of Supratek. Accuphase has some class A power amps that one can change gain in 3 levels I think, but unfortunately they are out of my price range.

Sorry guys I made a mistake in my last post, too much red vine, the gain is too high on the 6SN7 output, the adjustment works on the 300B, but unfortunately I loose the right channel when activating the gain switch, have sent pictures to Mick of the inside of the pre, but have not heard back from him, I could see nothing wrong inside, but I am no expert.

I have had problems with this pre since I got it, it was also shipped back to Mick because of hum, unfortunately getting it back it still hums and when using the gain switch on the 300B output I loose one channel !!

Feel like I have moved the discussion on to Supratek, which was not my intention, please let us go back to AVA and Belles.

Be interesting how the new 400 will look.