For those with a Belles Aria integrated...

The Belles Aria integrated amp is a very solid product but by no means a "Giant Killer". I had my sister’s entire system for 6 weeks when she was in the process of moving with the Aria being my main interest. I also used her speakers a Wharfedale Diamond 11.4 and my current loudspeakers Focus Audio FS 8’s to evaluate the Aria. Both speakers claim a 91db sensitivity rating which appears overly generous on both speakers with an impedance low of 3.4 on the 11.4 and 3 ohms on the FA 8. The Aria had a problematic time driving the Focus Audio FS 8 especially at moderate/high volume levels. Performed much better on the Wharfedale’s but still lacked control and dynamics. The strength of the Aria is the midrange/tonality and natural flow but with compressed dynamics and the ability to be pushed hard places this as a finesse type of amplifier. I would only consider a very highly efficient loudspeaker that does not drop below 4 ohms. Also consider a lively speaker with a top end sparkle to offset the slightly truncated treble of the Aria. Compared to my current amp/pre an Esoteric A3/C3 and even my back up amp a Valve Audio Predator the Aria fails to be competitive with either. The Aria was released 7 years ago? IMO the entry level competition has caught up and even surpassed the Aria despite its impressive midrange.

The Vandersteen 1Ci, updated a few years ago to 1Ci+ designation, get no press, no reviews, no acknowledgement at all for the most part. The match with the Belles Aria, to me, is damn near perfect. So good that I never  have had the urge to upgrade and even with the cost having risen over time they still, undoubtedly, are a bang for the buck marvel. An amp and speakers that will connect you to the music without breaking the bank.

@thecarpathian 

So glad that's working out for you. I'm kicking myself because I nearly bought a used Belles reference 250 for a decent price, but instead got a Modwright KWA 150 that I wasn't really crazy about in my system. Everyone seems to agree that they make great gear. 

Thanks, all. I wasn’t even particularly looking for one, but a deal fell into my lap I couldn’t pass up or I’d be kicking myself in the pants for years. I’ve been in speaker limbo since selling my Fritz Carrera’s. Currently I’m using an old pair of Avance Epsilon 980’s . 3 ways, all ScanSpeak drivers, go down to mid 30’s...

I didn’t know  they could sound this good. This Aria has a honey sweet smoothness to it while still maintaining a crispness. Very pleased with it.

I wish Salk was still in production ... and good buy on the Belles.  

Salk SongTowers now, and Klipsch Forte before 

If it was my choice, I would get a pair of Vandersteen Model 1's. I think it would be a very good match, and they're not that expensive. 

I’ve owned the Belles paired with Harbeth HL5s. I thought that the Belles was outstanding. It is a high current amp (16 amps and 135 watts at 4 ohms). It is a top notch SS integrated amp that should be fine with any speaker!

My favorite was Salk SongTowers, but also great with Avalon Ascendants ...

@roxy54 , hey Rox.

Yeah, it's got 75 wpc and plays bigger than that. Just looking for some real world insight because I know a lot of guys on here have this integrated.

@2chfreak ,

I care because I picked one up and want to know what others are using with theirs to give me an idea of synergy and what they feel is a good match. Didn’t think it was that difficult to figure out. In the future I’ll spoon feed it to everyone so the slower guys will understand.

Charming @2chfreak 

Vandersteen 1Ci. Why do you care?

Shouldn't it be capable of driving the majority of speakers at normal levels without a problem?