Please keep us informed of your decision and how you like the Ascends.
Been curious about and looking at those for a long time
Belles Aria Signature and other Int Amp recommendation
While searching for an Integrated Amp to go with my new Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower speakers that I ordered, one Int Amp pique my interest is the Belles Aria Signature. Although, not too much information on the Internet, but the few I did see seems to be all positive
One of the key things caught my attention is the use of MOSFET output devices, where both MOSFETs and vacuum tubes are both voltage controlled devices and their transfer functions are similar as well. My limited experience with MOSFETs impart a tube-like sound with the low-end grunt of amps using bi-polar transistors. If implements well, it is the best of both worlds, and I hope to get some inputs from people having more experience.
Meanwhile, I am also hope to have some recommendations on other SS Int Amps that is in the similar price range as Belles Aria Signature and see what I can do to arrange some audition.
TIA
29 responses Add your response
AVM uses MOSFETs in teir output stage and I would agree, it imparts a warm, sweet sound. It is part of the reason I am such a huge fan of AVM. They have the A30.3 integrated amp available which $4495 list and has an aburd feature SET. The only thing it lacks is a built in streamer and should be on your list of considered devices. I have the MA30.3 monos here (though currently off at a customer) and they really are awesome with the right preamp stage which is obviously incorporated into their integrated.
|
There are a few things out there used that would probably catch my attention, given your parameters (hope I stuck to them!):
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisab24j-black-ice-audio-f22-50wpc-balanced-integrated-tube-amp-tube https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisada0b-plinius-8200-mkii-solid-state
https://tmraudio.com/components/integrated-amplifiers/vac-avatar-super-stereo-tube-integrated-amplifier-mm-phono/ |
The coda CSIB the best integrated at its price class under $7 k and even above belles not on the same level.I was considering this in the spring,low quality $20 alps volume pot, very small transformer, compare 🍎 to apples 🍎 which totally Alps volume potrobs detail , Coda has 3 power choices ,and first watts up to 18 1St watts in pure class A , current up to 120 amps short term , a Huge potted not open 3kva transformer ,electronic BB volume attenuator , mosfet ,Jfets and 40 bipolor transistors on the output , great review stereo times and best of 2020 |
I tried a Belles Aria briefly a few years ago with Devore Nines. I never connected with it. It sounded over controlled- like you could hear the amp gripping the speakers. It may have just been a bad match. The Coda is a nice amp and I regret selling it some days. The only flaw is the way they have the control lights set up to stay on all the time. Kind of odd for an amp at this price point. Worth checking out for sure. |
@elan120 I've owned a Belles Aria Signature for about three months. I agree there's not much out there about it. I'm not an experienced audiophile but I'm extremely pleased with it. I upgraded from a Rega Elex-R and I primarily listen to vinyl using a Tavish Design tube phono pre. Here are a few observations: 1. Relative to the Elex-R, the Belles is warmer, which makes it neutral and well-balanced through the range compared to the leaner, more forward Rega. 2. Bass is wonderful, very strong, full, and tight with great tonal and pitch definition. This is a refined amp and it really shows in the bass performance. 3. Soundstage depth and instrument separation are excellent, giving an immersive sense of being there and being able to easily point to each instrument or voice in space. It's very three dimensional, and endlessly fascinating to listen for where specific sounds are coming from in the music. 4. Clarity is dramatic and precise yet smooth at all ranges with no harshness or rough edges. It has a full, rich sound that's engaging, but never syrupy or rounded off. The sound is so interesting I have a hard time walking away, even after a couple hours of focused listening. 5. The Signature has a lot of grunt and really woke up my speakers, bringing them to a much higher level of performance than the Rega. I can really feel the fullness and power of the music, even in quiet parts or at lower volume. 6. Break in took a long time, and it goes through very audible changes as break in proceeds. It started to settle down after about 40 hours of playing, and kept getting clearer, smoother, and more lifelike over a few more weeks after that. Break in is not subtle with this amp. 7. I bought from Gene Rubin. Gene went above and beyond to help me with setup issues, and I highly recommend working with him. I also had a few questions for David Belles who replied quickly and gave me great service. These are top shelf guys to work with. I'm really happy with the amp and highly recommend it. However, I freely admit I'm not very experienced and don't have a lot of high end references for comparison. For me, it was a great purchase that's added a lot to my enjoyment of music and my system. Best wishes! |
@thecarpathian , Will do, once I have the setup ready.
Interesting read about the Coda, and I will do more research on this gear.
@phasemonger , Thank you for taking the time for such detailed reply. It is very helpful, and I lean very strongly to get one and see how it works in my setup. If you don't mind, could you also share what speakers you paired with the Aria Signature?
|
I have owned the Belles Aria now for 2 years. I own Klipsch....JBL....Teckton.....Triangle...Alon....and Quad speakers. This integrated powers them all beautifully. Sweet and punchy. Easy to listen to for hours at a time with no fatigue....I'm actually looking to upgrade to seperates and will be selling my Aria . Mint condition. Like new. |
@elan120 You're most welcome. Below are a few of my system details. I know my speakers are on the border of "audiophile" grade, but the Signature is definitely getting the best out of them, and they're a lot better than their price point might indicate. I'm planning an upgrade because I can tell the rest of my system is capable of much more with better speakers, but for now I really enjoy what I'm hearing. For what it's worth, I'm taking a close look at Vandersteen 3a and Raven Audio Celest' right now, but haven't decided. Speakers: Martin Logan Motion 40i TT: Rega RP8 with Hana SL Phono pre: Tavish Vintage Mid grade AudioQuest interconnects, Belden speaker wire, Nobsound springs and BDR cones for vibration control, magic by Krissy (bless her). Best wishes! |
@buddyboy1 I heard from Gene Rubin that David Belles is about to release an Aria Signature dual mono, if you find that interesting vs. separates. Best wishes! |
@phasemonger .....Thanks for the info, I'll definitely look into that option. |
@phasemonger , Thanks again for the detailed information. My system will be very different than yours, but the overall praise from different sources seems to be a good indicator Signature can match well in multiple configurations.
@buddyboy1 , Good to know the standard Aria also works well with different speakers. I will keep this in mind if I decided to put together a bedroom system next year.
@twoleftears , Is it possible for you to describe what you are hearing from both the standard Aria and the Aria Signature?
|
@twoleftears That’s just not true. The Aria Signature and the Aria are very similar with the Signature being a more powerful amp. The Belles "sound" embodies both amps. Saying you can't transfer any sounds from one to the other is like saying that one is a Belles and one is from another manufacturer completely. Yes, many of the sound characteristics that people love about Belles amps ...are carried over from model to model...I asked Dave Belles to confirm this and he did! |
I have the Aria and i really could not be happier. Ive had it for three-four months. I selected it over the Elex-R and a Naim ( both great integrateds btw). The Belles just had the IT factor which I really don't have the words for. With the Fritz Rev 7s, I hear very good clarity with being too clinical. Though it has MOSFETs, it is not overly warm. At the end of the day, and i mean every day, Im up in my lil music room for a couple of hours enjoying my setup. Dont think you can go wrong |
I agree that it would be best to have a chat with Johnny R. I've heard both, and I found the Signature more muscular and energetic than the regular, no doubt due to its increased power supply. At the same time, I found it a little less sweet or delicate than the regular, though admittedly the Sig wasn't fully broken in. My point remains. Some manufacturers make a "signature" version of a product, but what that really means can vary considerably. Gold plated connectors, better wire, costier caps, or whatever. The Aria Signature is substantially re-engineered, though retaining some of the original DNA of the regular.
|
@twoleftears , Thank you for more detailed listening impressions. Sounds like you enjoy the Aria quite nicely.
@b_limo , Good to have such a positive endorsement. Is it fine to know what amp did you change to? |
I listened to both amps plus the Virtuoso for over an hour last month at Audio Connection thru Vandersteen Treos. I loved both Arias and am trying to decide which to buy. I felt the characteristics of the base model were retained and improved in the Sig level. I went in expecting to get the entry level but the 2 per models were just better although I felt the jump to the top amp at $7k or so was a case of diminishing returns. But the Sig is really special and I felt like the extra investment was returned in improved sound, power, product build, etc. |
This Exposure 3510 might be worth looking into. Gene Rubin sells Exposure and Belles. You should give him a call and ask his opinion on both brands! https://generubinaudio.com/shop/ols/products/exposure-3510-integrated-amplifier
|
@joekapahulu , Thank you for the listening impressions. I am leaning toward the Signature as well. Based on what I have gathered, Signature seems to do everything in more refined level and the bass region is more improved over the standard version, and hopefully this also mirror your experience.
@yogiboy , I will have a look. Not on my short list at the moment. |
For all those considering the new Belles Aria Dual Mono integrated amplifier, I can say with confidence that it is a great integrated. I switched from an Odyssey Kismet power amplifier to the Belles Aria Dual Mono and I am blown away. It has a beefy power supply with dual power transformers and please tell me again that this is only 85wpc?!?! WOW! What can I say, it has killer dynamics, clarity, outstanding frequency extension, superb bass as well as very superb mids and upper freqs! It's worth the risk and sounds as powerful as my previous high power amplifiers. This thing is a keeper and definitely worth the extra $1000 upgrade from the standard Aria. I've owned everthing since 1974 and this amp is one of, if not, the most enjoyable integrated or separates I have owned! It's driving a pair of Spendor D7.2 loudspeakers, a match made in heaven. Absolutely worth a listen! |
audioman74: I am resurrecting this thread! LOL I compared this to his MB-200 Mono blocs and very close in sound signature even with the VT-01 running the preamp section. He has isolated the two power supplies and pre/amp section so it doesn't surprise me the Belles Aria Dual Mono Int. Amp is that good. Hell his 75Wpc ran my Magnepan's with ease! I just ordered one, so hopefully he isn't behind on making them anymore. |
Hi All, I got lucky and got my hands on Belle Arias and Vandersteen speakers (all 2nd/3rd hand). My first set and hopefully something I can enjoy for a few years. They are yet to be delivered though. How can I connect my iPhone to the Belle Arias ? All my music is through the apps on iPhone. Can I connect using an USB Cable ? Or USB C Dongle on iPhone with headphone out kind of wire that connects to like a headphone in on Belle Arias (sorry if my explanation is not good). Or do I need another device between my phone (that my phone connects to) and Belle Arias ? I really hope I don’t need another device and expense. But if its the only way - ca you please share a couple of under $500 ones that would work without making the Belle + Vandersteen's sound horrible. All you help is greatly appreciated. |
Hello Tomic, Thanks for sharing the options. I went looking for them on Amazon. I made a list - will any one of them work ? Not expecting feedback on comparison in any way - just - will any one of them work and which one should be prioritized for feature/flexibility. I am guessing the audio from here to Belles Aria will be reprocessed by Belles Aria anyway. 1. Cambridge Audio AXA25 25 Watt 2-Channel Integrated Stereo Amplifier | 3.5mm Input, USB Input https://a.co/d/2ia1ICz 2. Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 - Digital to Analogue Converter with Toslink, S/PDIF, and USB Inputs Featuring 24-bit Wolfson DAC - Black https://a.co/d/dmNpD6R 3. FiiO K7 Desktop DAC and Amplifier https://a.co/d/bImXALg 4. Schiit Modius E Balanced DAC Digital to Analog Converter D/A Converter (Silver) https://a.co/d/7wxhyFc 5. WiiM Pro Plus AirPlay 2 Receiver, Chromecast Audio, Multiroom Streamer with Premium AKM DAC, Voice Remote, Works with Alexa/Siri/Goog... https://a.co/d/ifL2269
|