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Rogue Sphinx or Belles Aria???

I've recently been building up my system over the past year getting into the mid/hi-fi level and have finally reached the point of upgrading my amplifier [currently older Yamaha A-S500]. 
I'm looking for an integrated amp in the ~$2k range [I don't have space or budget for separates] and think I finally have it narrowed down between a Rogue Sphinx v3 and a Belles Aria.  I'm only listening to vinyl so have no need to worry about a DAC.

The Rogue has many positive reviews so think it would be a pretty safe bet and while I can only find one professional Belles Aria reviews the personal reviews in various forums seem to be pretty spectacular and seems to punch above its class so I'm really intrigued. 
Unfortunately, I'm not in the position to demo either of these personally so I'm looking for advice; especially if any one has ever compared side by side.

The rest of my setup is as follows:
B&W 705 stand-mounts
Rega Planar P3 w/ Elys MM
Audioquest Sydney interconnects

I really appreciate any advice...thanks!

dsjs4

Showing 4 responses by b_limo

b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,289 posts
 
I’ve actualy heard that the Belles Aria is a horrible amp.  If anyone sees one for resale, especially in silver, please pm me so that I can buy it and destroy it as to save someone else from making a horrible decision.  
Thank you and have a good day.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,289 posts
 
Yes, irony.  I have heard nothing but good things about the Aria.  I have a pair of Fritz Carrera BE’s that I absolutely love and when Fritz caught wind of me wanting to purchase a new integrated amp, Fritz recommended the Aria.  After researching the Aria, it seems like everyone who has heard it really likes it.

I have been looking for one on the second hand market for weeks now and can’t find any.  

b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,289 posts
 
@jackd , interesting that you mentioned the Kinki... I’ve had that on my radar for awhile now, v
before I had the Carreras.

I actually sent out an e-mail to A seller of a Kinki EX-M1 a week ago who resides in Mexico but haven’t heard back yet from him.  He has good feedback but him not getting back to me in a timely manner was a bit worrying.  
I’m looking at A Rogue Cronus 1 or a Rogue Tempest 2 here on the gon.

I wonder if the Kinki would just be the way to go since I think the build quality is awesome and I think it would pair well with the Carreras and my musical tastes...

I have a few days before I can do anything so I have some time to research things!

The Belles Aria at around $1300 used would be ideal  though,but I just can’t find one for sale and have been looking for one for weeks now...


b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,289 posts
 
@valinar , what was the other amp that you liked a wee bit more?
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