Belles 22A users yet?

Hoff48,

Thanks for taking the time to give your observations on both units. I know it was probably a hard decision to get rid of the acclaimed 21A with Auricaps but I hear the 22A has so much potential as you have outlined in detail on tube rolling. I'm wondering if the tubes I already have, vintage GE BP triple Mica 5814A, which are very neutral and I also have the CV4003 Mullards would compliment this unit.

How would you describe the layering or space between the instruments compared to the 21A?

Thanks

This is some good information, any other users with observations?

Thanks,

Based on Soundstage review, the VT-01 is equipped with 4 CV4003 Mullards tubes but I bet some neutral GE BP triple Micas 5814A or equivilant would really make it shine. The Mullards were ok but they were too rolled off when I had the Vandies 2 Ce Sig II.

Spent the last few days comparing my friends 22A against my 21A and can say without a doubt that the 21A is superior. The 22A has a small advantage in its ability to place instruments in a defined space but the images lack the size and depth of the 21A which is more musical with images that float behind the speakers as if it was the real thing.

I even put my best NOS tubes, fuses and power cord on the 22A and it still didn’t have the finesse of the 21A with Auricaps. I wonder if it’s the Auricaps that make instruments sound bigger with good ambiance and lifelike. I’m definitely keeping my 21A!

How would I rate them?
Bass: No difference to my ears
Midrange: 21A.
Soundstage and Imaging: 22A is a little more precise
Treble: 21A.
Overall : 21A is by far superior in sound quality and musicality.

Davt,

Thanks for the update on your experience with the VTL. The 21A is an outstanding piece of gear at its price point. I just upgraded my very good 1960's GE BP Triple Micas to 1960's 12AU7 Telefunken smooth plates and what a difference in bass,imaging and overall musicality. Let us know how the Herron works out?

How similiar are the sound between the Ear 868 compared to the Herron VTSP 3A?

I was just thinking that in my situation verses adding another pre it would be better to ditch it and move up to the Ayon CD5. Any thoughts?