I can't debate as to which one is better, as I have heard neither. They are both on my radar for a new integrated. the Belles Aria Sig. has many traits I like very well such as phono stage, by-pass, balanced input, 125 watts/ch., not to mention a remote. I am a jazz fan. In terms of having no balls or soul regarding the LFD, that could be a factor of many things not to mention having less power output and how it matches up with a particular speaker. I have Vandersteen Treo CT's, with a Vandy sub.
It looks like I could audition either one with the only cost to me being shipping charges and my time.
I think it safe to say that either amp could/would be a very good choice in their respective price ranges. Could probably live happily with either. |
@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 |
When I had an LFD NCSE mk II (from 2015- 2018) it had two service issues that required repairs.That was a problem. The distributor at the time, Fidelis (in NH), referred me to a 3rd party repair guy. He fixed the first issue but it returned 2 years later.
I sent it the distributor the first time. The second time I contacted some dude named Howard Popek and he recommended that my issue could be addressed by a qualified tech in Chicago. So, I brought it to "the best" guy for hi-end stereo repair.
When I met with him, he popped the lid and looked inside and that's when our jaws hit the floor.
The inside of the NCSE mkII looked like an amateur science project or DIY kit. The engineer basically said there was a small transformer, erratic and conflicting wiring and lack of depth to the tech. In fact, most of the weight of the unit was in the heavy metal casing, not in the components.
Not what you expect for an amp that had an MSRP at the time of $6,495.
Personally, I willnever buy another audio component that cannot be serviced by the manufacturer in the US. |
I'm sure everyone here has had some severe equipment failures, myself included. As far as LFD is concerned, for every problem like you have had, there have been dozens if not hundreds of satisfied customers. You don't have to prove or explain your purchase. You like the Belles Aria Sig., and you went with it. Which is fine. I went with the LFD purchase because it satisfied most of what I want in a audio component. I have also found some people who like the LFD better than the Belles, which might indicate the comparison is system dependent. I have also found several positive reviews on LFD integrateds. The proof for me will be in my own evaluation and listening sessions. My dealer has an iron clad return policy if I am not satisfied costing me only shipping charges for return. |
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 |
i have not had the aria sig (as yet) but i have had the regular aria, as well as an lfd le mk4 sig, and at the same time in house for comparison - drove a variety of speakers... proacs harbeths buchardts vandy sig 3a's among others over that period
observations:
- both had a similar sonic signature, which is a somewhat lively, slightly uptilted high freq response, very clear and concise midrange (not lean not warm), and solid rhythmic bass... both image reasonably well (for solid state) and both are free of grain, though they both bring some degree of ’sharpness’ to leading edges of transients
- the lfd was a little brighter than the aria, both substantially brighter than a hegel or a pass or my longtime reference audiosector patek, they are simply voiced differently, to 'spotlight' the sound a bit more - the aria had maybe had a touch more low end drive than the lfd but both were very good
- the lfd definitely has a minimalist, small-op, homegrown feel to it... the play here is minimalism and thus implied purity to the sound because of it, whereas the aria definitely has a more proper, grown-up, full featured feel to it... with onboard phono stage, decent remote control, etc etc
- both of these amps do very well with more laid back/warmer speakers like harbeths, wharfedales, older vandys and spendors - they bring a little additional 'life' and punch to the music
i don’t know whether the higher, more expensive belles sig or the ncse permutations of the lfd bring more refinement... have not had the chance to hear for myself as yet |
@jjss49 I've had the Aria integrated for a few years now. Your description is spot on. |
Just so yawl know, I think very highly of the Aria Sig., I made my choice, but if it doesn't pan out the Aria Sig. is standing in the batter's box. :-) |
@jjss49 ,
Great observations. Thanks for sharing.
I am awaiting an Aria Signature Preamp, as soon as Mr. B. can make one.
bob |
Looking through this thread and wondering if anyone has compared Belles to Rega integrated amps.
I have an Elex-R, really love the Rega sound but the Belles amps are very intriguing to me. Have a pair of DALI bookshelf speakers, but might try Spendor, LSA-10, or even new stuff from Canton soon.
FWIW, I have gone with Rega over comparably priced integrateds from Hegel, Musical Fidelity, Denon, and Naim. |
@cd45123 I replaced my Rega Elex-R with a Belles Aria about 3 years ago. Once the Belles has bedded in I was completely satisfied it was a decent upgrade, especially in terms of refinement. The Rega was fine for the money, but I clearly prefer the Belles. |
ianmack: I am with you I have owned LFD, more overhead for a dealer if you ask me, great sounding product but I found the Aria Signature much better to my liking and it sounded much better to my liking. The only thing that bested it was my Belles MB-200 Mono blocs and VT-01.. Not sure if I am going to keep both, although I like the versatility of an Int. Amp.
Anyone looking for a Belles Aria Signature PM me, as I have one in Silver that I am going to be posting on here soon.. or not, the more I listen to it, the less I want to let it go.
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Gandalf, you still have your Belles sig? I may be a player.
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Just curious as my Aria Signature Int is a year old, whats
the difference in the new Aria Signature Int which has a
different faceplate and back layout.
thanks!
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arro222: yes love it but I have Belles separates now. MB-200 and
VT-01. I have had 100s of Int Amps this is the best
one I have heard so far, I have it for sale but still might
keep it!
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I was just reading on Gene Rubin website, the original Aria Integrated is offered in both original version an in dual mono version for extra $700..Gene, who I've done business with and trust, says the difference is well worth it...he only offers the Signature in dual mono
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@so-al
"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".
I have not found this to be common at all!
In fact, it's the reason I don't patronize local brick-and--mortar stores-- they expect me to lay down thousands of bucks based solely on a showroom demo using their gear in their room. Such a business model-- wherein I'm expected to accept all of the risk-- is one I absolutely refuse to engage in or support.
I've bought two components, including my recently-acquired Hegel H390, from Kevin Russell at Listen Up in Denver, a brick-and-mortar store that offers a return policy.
I bought my DAC from Alex at Alma Music in San Diego, who was willing to first ship me a demo unit.
These are the type of dealers I'm happy to patronize. Unfortunately, I've found them to be the exception, rather than the rule.
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John R at Audio connection was cool with all kinds of auditions both at home and at his store. I do believe that you should be ready to buy when trying out gear. People do have to eat after all. I never felt pressured to buy at Audio Connection.
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@gandalf
Interesting thoughts for me. My old Belles 400A amp died a couple months ago. Almost a month after getting the new Belles Aria Signature preamp from Johnny R. After talking to him about a replacement, he suggested either the Aria dual mono or Signature dual mono amp. Then I came across a very clean and well cared for pair of MB-200 for a good price. After much thought, went with the MB-200’s, and paired with the new Aria Signature pre, am very happy with the combo.
I wondered if I made the right choice, but the MB-200’s were really ‘crying out to me’. it’s good to hear you still hold them in high regards vs the new Aria Signature integrated. Thanks.
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Has anyone compared the new Aria Signature Dual Mono Integrated to the now discontinued Aria Signature Integrated ?
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bkeske: I agree the MB-200 are much better in my opinion as I have owned both Aria and Aria Signature, both great Int. Amps and if you don't have the room a good choice, but hard to be separates in this category, I think it's one of this best built separate amp he has made. I also use his VT-01 Pre/Amp.
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@gandalf
👍🏼 I’ve had my MB200’s for more than a couple months now, and am very pleased. Installed new power cords (GR Research), and that helped even more. A noticeable SQ increase over the stock cables.
Very pleased.
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