@so-al,
I agree, but more than a few of us have limited dollars to spend, and buying used-which is much easier these days because of the interenet-allows us to get more for the dollar.
Though I do feel a bit of twinge of guilt when I hear something at Johnny's and buy it used elsewhere.
As a self employed gardener, I would take issue if potential clients would take my designs and have others employ them, only because they could save some money.
(But, then again, my designs are pretty weird, and very few people could implement them besides myself,-at least to my standards).
Bob |
@gandalf ,
I am using my Belles monoblocks with an Atmasphere UV-1 currently.
I have a Belles Aria preamp getting an upgrade. When I get it,and have a chance to listen, I will post my thoughts on the differences between the two.
FWIW, I have heard the Aria integrated, and, for the money, it really smokes just about anything you could think of trying.
Bob |
I heard the Aria integrated at Audioconnection, and was very impressed.
You could make a very, very good system with the Aria, Vandy VLR's and Ayre Codex and Bluesound Node for around $5K.
I would love to have a side-by-side comparison between the two integrated amps just to hear the difference.
Bob |
@jjss49 ,
I have no experience with either Hegel or Naim, but I will say that the Belles Aria Integrated with a pair of Vandy VLR's (and with or without a sub) is a pretty sweet combo. In fact, with a Sub 3, it outperforms just about anything in the price range, and quite a few above.
IMHO
Bob |
@jjss49 ,
I am glad you found my recommendations worthy.
But, I have to give credit where it is due.
I auditioned the Codex and Node at Audioconnection.
If I were truly upstanding, I should have bought them from him, but being a cheapskate, I bought used instead, and saved a lot of cash.
Thankfully, I am now in a better financial situation, and will be buying more from Johnny.
Moral of the story:
Your brick and mortar dealer (esp. John Rutan) knows his/her stuff, and, if possible, you should try to repay that knowledge with purchases.
B |
@jl35 ,
I am sure he can, but I can say that he treats everyone with respect-
Which is something I can say I haven't observed from other dealers in the NY metro area over the years, and that goes back a couple of decades.
Things are a bit better now, but I can remember being sized up by more than one salesman than I can count.
-One of the reasons I won't buy a Rolex.
B |
I need to talk to John Rutan about the differences between the Aria and Signature. It would be nice to do an A/B comparison.
As far as Belles' website, I agree, it would be nice to get more information, but I can understand that Belles probably doesn't have the marketing budget of, say Wilson Audio or PS Audio.
B |
@msafrick,
Mr. B. is building some Aria Monoblocks for me, too.
It seems to be taking longer than expected, but I think that is due to difficulty in sourcing parts due to the pandemic. I have heard of other manufacturers having similar problems.
Bob |
@troidelover,
I own the Aria monoblocks and think they are great, I was considering the Signature, but it was a bit too expensive for my modest rig.
The best person to put your questions to is John Rutan (audioconnection). He would be able to put the differences into words, better than anyone else.
Bob |
@jjss49 ,
I wish I could answer your question, but I only found Belles due to John Rutan. That being said/written, I would PM or call him (Audioconnection).
He would be the one who could give you the best info on comparing the two models. -Other than Mr. Belles.
Bob |
@ianrmack ,
Oohh, that sounds like a great pairing.
B
|
@mr_m ,
With the Vandy sub/crossover, you could easily get away with 60wpc, thanks to Mr. V's design. I haven't heard LFD and their website is even more minimal than Belles.
Bob |
Though I have no intention of ever buying LFD equipment, I am glad @ianrmack gave his input.
It makes the phrase YMMV relevant IMHO.
Nuthin' but acronyms here, today.
B |
@jjss49 ,
Great observations. Thanks for sharing.
I am awaiting an Aria Signature Preamp, as soon as Mr. B. can make one.
bob |
