The Belles Aria Signature Integrated Amplifier

@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

@grdnrbob

your advice is still good, no matter where you buy!
audio connection has been there forever, they are honest, knowledgeable, welcoming - can't say that for many retailers in the biz, esp. ones with a large store and significant overhead 

buying used is smart as a way to try things without losing your shirt
smart hi fi nerds trade that way
definitely tough being a high end hifi retailer, no doubt about it, esp. away from big cities where there are people willing to spend big dollars for good sound

Hello

Ive bought a Belles Virtuoso and Aesthetix and Pallene from Johnny R and have been super pleased.
One big plus from buying from brick and Mortar Store is that you cam take home and audition equipment before you buy.
Its a tremendous advantage. 

@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

I think John can probably spot a non-buyer within seconds...