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Just purchased a Belles 150A Reference amp. Watch should my preamp be..

My system is shaping up as follows: VPI classic 1 (JMW 10.5), Dynavector Karat 173D cart, Maxxed Out/Cary SLP-98 or other tube phono stage in 2-3k range, preamp?, Belles 150A reference, Epos m12i speakers. The system is probably too good for the Epos m12's, but I want the flexibility to upgrade those at some point. What preamp should I try to pair with the Belles?
ironclaw1

Showing 10 responses by ironclaw1

ironclaw1 OP
10 posts
 
Would an integrated tube preamp sound better than say a Maxxed out or Cary 98 paired with another separate? What's the best solution given my system for about 3k with prepared gear?
ironclaw1 OP
10 posts
 
*preowned
ironclaw1 OP
10 posts
 
*What
ironclaw1 OP
10 posts
 
Would a Cary SLP-98 preamp be sufficient? Or should I look for a Belles preamp such as the Aria with the Cary as phono preamp? Trying to have a real cherry of a system.
ironclaw1 OP
10 posts
 
I looked up the 1.27V figure and it seems that may be associated with the 150A Belles and not the 150A reference, which has an input sensitivity of 1.4V according to another page. Still, much less than the 2V. What would an acceptable small amount of gain?
ironclaw1 OP
10 posts
 
Unfortanely for me, I am a newbie and those numbers mean next to nothing, and I have been resorting to judging equipment based on other's characterization. Is there a simplified video crash course or articles that help me understand why those numbers should be alarming to me.
ironclaw1 OP
10 posts
 
Hadn't heard anything, but glowing reviews of that Belles unit. Is it just that it doesn't fit in my system well? Or does that Belles 150a necessarily limit preamp choice? 
ironclaw1 OP
10 posts
 
So a very nice tube phono stage such as a Cary or Fosgate would have too much gain and therefore would have a slight background noise?
ironclaw1 OP
10 posts
 
Anyone on the forum have experience with the Belles 150a reference amp for vinyl playback? If so, phono stage recommendations? Looking into the Schitt Freyr, but there must be more options as it has been an much lauded amp.
ironclaw1 OP
10 posts
 
Thanks GeorgeHifi and Johnny R, I ended up going with a Belles Aria pre, and just got off the phone with Keith Herron, and am going with Modified Herron VTPH-2 instead of the Kary.
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