Impressions of Belles 150 Amp?

Had one of those in a secondary system some years ago, and was never dissatisfied with it. The mention of it in this review of the 150A is absolutely correct for how it sounds. It is getting some age on it, so may require some maintenance, although, it was built from very high quality parts. AFAIK, the one I had is still in use today with no problem. One thing to keep in mind is that the input impedance is somewhat low (25K ohms), so a tube preamp with a very high output impedance (above 2.5K ohms) will not mate well.

I'm a huge David Belles fan. I have stated before that this brand is one of the most underrated and unknown of any of the high-end companies.

I have owned the 150, 150A, 150A HotRod, and a 150 A Reference. I am currently running a 150A on my Maggies and it sounds superb. I could use a little more current, so I am actively seeking a 350A Reference, (if anyone has one or knows of one, please let me know).

All the amps have the same sonic signature. Very open with a wide, deep soundstage. Excellent bass control and smooth throughout. A little on the yin, (warm and dark) side of the fence, but that's my preference.

If it was me, I would pay the little extra and find a 150A HotRod or even a 150A. They are worth the slight extra money over the 150. In fact, IMHO, the 150A HotRod is one of the finest amps I have ever owned and I have owned hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of amps.

Thanks you for the input.

The amp is relatively inexpensive and if it has an issue I do have a bench setup with load, scope, freq. counter, variac, signal gen. etc.

TS49 thanks, I should have, but forgot about impedance matching.

I'm thinking of getting one of the Dynaco PAS units and rebuilding it. I've seen a schematic on line for a SRPP preamp circuit with an output impedance of about 3K Ohms. I know some companies offer a similar mod.

Anyone try one of these mods on a PAS 2-3 yourself?

07-26-15: Tls49((( One thing to keep in mind is that the input impedance is somewhat low (25K ohms), so a tube preamp with a very high output impedance (above 2.5K ohms) will not mate well.)))

Not, its 100 K no problem for a Tube pre amp
JohnnyR

07-26-15: Audioconnection
07-26-15: Tls49((( One thing to keep in mind is that the input impedance is somewhat low (25K ohms), so a tube preamp with a very high output impedance (above 2.5K ohms) will not mate well.)))

Not, its 100 K no problem for a Tube pre amp
JohnnyR

Sorry JohnnyR, the 100K is for the Belles 150A. I had the manual with my original Belles 150 and the specification listed was 25K. I used a few different preamps with the 150, and did have trouble with one tube preamp. That's why I remember the specification.

I'm thinking of getting one of the Dynaco PAS units and rebuilding it. I've seen a schematic on line for a SRPP preamp circuit with an output impedance of about 3K Ohms.

IMHO, that 3K will be too high to work well with the original 150. Most will say the difference should be at least 10X, and even more would be better.

Just found this ad for the Belles 150 with one of the pictures showing a sheet with specifications,

Belles 150 Stereo Power Amp

Thanks TLS49.