Belles 20A Pre-amplifier W/Clarity Caps--- 800.00 plus shipping

george daniel
george daniel Posts: 12,096
edited June 2014 in For Sale (FS) Classifieds
Pics when I get home-- This is the 20A (4 tubes--12AU7's) not the hybird 21-- these pop up about once every year or so. HT bypass,,remote volume control-- I'll gve it a 7 to be safe. Please pm me if interested.

EDIT-- Make that 800 shipped--CONUS

Thanks.
JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
Post edited by george daniel on
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2014
    belles%20002.jpg

    Oh yeah,, forgot that I put a Mundorf in too-- I should be asking more,,eh?

    Dynamatted too.

    4 New JJ goldpins
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • vcwatkins
    vcwatkins Posts: 1,993
    edited June 2014
    I'll take this. Pm in a few.
    Thanks,
    Craig
    b]Beach Audio[/b]: Rega RP6 (mods) - AT33PTG/II - Parks Budgie SUT - PSAudio NPC * Eversolo DMP-A6 * Topping D90iii * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Pass Aleph 30 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl (mods) * PSAudio PPP3
    Beach Study: Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra & Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * DH Labs SS Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354 * PSA Dectet
    Beach Master: WiiM Pro * Dayens Menuetto * Zu Libtec * Dynaudio Audience 50
    Beach Den: Bluesound Powernode 2i * DH Labs SS Q10 * Zu Omen DWII * Richard Gray RGPC
    Town Study: WiiM Pro * Chord Qute (Pardo) * Elekit TU-8600 * MIT S3 * Revel M22 * Beyer DT-990 * Shunyata Hydra 2
    Town Den: Music Hall mm5.1se - Denon DL-103r - Jolida JD9ii (mods) * WiiM Pro * Cary xCiter * Rogue 99 Magnum * Schiit Aegir * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2tl (mods) * Dectet * Bottlehead Crack - Senn 600
    Town Porch: WiiM Pro Plus * Sunfire Sig II * Canare 4S11 * Magnepan 1.6 * Dectet
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2014
    Sale pending
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,656
    edited June 2014
    Thank god. I was seriously considering doing something drastic like buying this myself. Hehe. Thanks vcwatkins for removing the temptation and congrats George on the quick sale!
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2014
    sold
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 10,024
    edited June 2014
    Pretty unit.
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  • Oldfatdogs
    Oldfatdogs Posts: 1,874
    edited June 2014
    That didn't take long,might be a record sale time congratulations.

    Dan
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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited June 2014
    Great buy, Craig. Nice pre! :)
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,333
    edited June 2014
    I'm shocked you let this go!!! I know it was your baby for a few years...
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,904
    edited June 2014
    george, did you ever try auricaps in the 20a?
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • vcwatkins
    vcwatkins Posts: 1,993
    edited June 2014
    I feel very lucky to be getting this pre. Appears to be a much better value than the others on my tube/bypass/remote short list, especially with the upgraded caps.

    I would appreciate any advice on tubes. I don't have many 12au7's. My only foursome is 50's GE JG-5814A grey plate, horseshoe getter. Any suggestions?
    b]Beach Audio[/b]: Rega RP6 (mods) - AT33PTG/II - Parks Budgie SUT - PSAudio NPC * Eversolo DMP-A6 * Topping D90iii * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Pass Aleph 30 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl (mods) * PSAudio PPP3
    Beach Study: Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra & Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * DH Labs SS Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354 * PSA Dectet
    Beach Master: WiiM Pro * Dayens Menuetto * Zu Libtec * Dynaudio Audience 50
    Beach Den: Bluesound Powernode 2i * DH Labs SS Q10 * Zu Omen DWII * Richard Gray RGPC
    Town Study: WiiM Pro * Chord Qute (Pardo) * Elekit TU-8600 * MIT S3 * Revel M22 * Beyer DT-990 * Shunyata Hydra 2
    Town Den: Music Hall mm5.1se - Denon DL-103r - Jolida JD9ii (mods) * WiiM Pro * Cary xCiter * Rogue 99 Magnum * Schiit Aegir * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2tl (mods) * Dectet * Bottlehead Crack - Senn 600
    Town Porch: WiiM Pro Plus * Sunfire Sig II * Canare 4S11 * Magnepan 1.6 * Dectet
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited June 2014
    Very sexy gear!
    Jake
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2014
    marvda1 wrote: »
    george, did you ever try auricaps in the 20a?

    Listened to a 21A w/auri's extensively,,even A/B after the Clarity's were installed in mine,, I prefered the Clarity's over the Auri's--I felt that they were "quicker" and had the pre seemed to have a tad better overall sound. Just my .02
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2014
    It's got JJ goldpins in it now.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited June 2014
    vcwatkins wrote: »
    I feel very lucky to be getting this pre. Appears to be a much better value than the others on my tube/bypass/remote short list, especially with the upgraded caps.

    I would appreciate any advice on tubes. I don't have many 12au7's. My only foursome is 50's GE JG-5814A grey plate, horseshoe getter. Any suggestions?

    Not that I've tried that many but I like my current Psvane 12au7's better than any other I've tried including RCA clear tops, Amperex Globe logo and Bugleboy Holland made, Amperex American made, your GE JG's....not sure if there were any others.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • vcwatkins
    vcwatkins Posts: 1,993
    edited June 2014
    Thanks guys! Although it sounds like the JJ Golds might be perfect in this case, I feel the urge to hit ebay for some nos.

    50's Sylvania JHS-5814, early 60s Mullard Mitcham short plate ECC82s, and RCA cleartops are on my short list. I love the Mullards but they might take this pre a bit too far to the dark side. Psvane's were not as smooth as a few NOS in the 12at7, but it might be good to compare it with others in the 12au7. Also, it's entirely possible I was impatient and didn't give them a fair chance. I think most of the new production recs I'm reading elsewhere are for 20a's with Auricaps, so not sure if that's a factor. Think I'll just buy a few and try them out.

    H9, if you happen to see this and you have any good 12au7's you're looking to sell, gimme a shout.

    Craig
    b]Beach Audio[/b]: Rega RP6 (mods) - AT33PTG/II - Parks Budgie SUT - PSAudio NPC * Eversolo DMP-A6 * Topping D90iii * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Pass Aleph 30 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl (mods) * PSAudio PPP3
    Beach Study: Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra & Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * DH Labs SS Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354 * PSA Dectet
    Beach Master: WiiM Pro * Dayens Menuetto * Zu Libtec * Dynaudio Audience 50
    Beach Den: Bluesound Powernode 2i * DH Labs SS Q10 * Zu Omen DWII * Richard Gray RGPC
    Town Study: WiiM Pro * Chord Qute (Pardo) * Elekit TU-8600 * MIT S3 * Revel M22 * Beyer DT-990 * Shunyata Hydra 2
    Town Den: Music Hall mm5.1se - Denon DL-103r - Jolida JD9ii (mods) * WiiM Pro * Cary xCiter * Rogue 99 Magnum * Schiit Aegir * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2tl (mods) * Dectet * Bottlehead Crack - Senn 600
    Town Porch: WiiM Pro Plus * Sunfire Sig II * Canare 4S11 * Magnepan 1.6 * Dectet
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2014
    The best tube that I've had/heard in it was the Brimar 13D5
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • vcwatkins
    vcwatkins Posts: 1,993
    edited June 2014
    Received this pre Thursday in beautiful shape. Thanks to George for the conservative rating, very careful packing, lightning fast shipping, and bonus valves. Very happy and will not hesitate to deal with again.

    I was able to hook it up yesterday and give it a listen. I started out using the JJ Golds and immediately dug it. A little grain up top but fantastic detail - a noticeable improvement over the Dared 2000 with Telefunkens and the Adcom 750. Maybe not quite as magically wide, but more precise instrument placement with vocals centered nicely and sounding organic. Later in the day I received some RCA clear tops, so I tried those. Not great at all - too bright. Didn't last too long.

    Next tried 50's GE JG5814 grey plates. VERY interesting combo. Not what you'd ever call 'accurate', but the soundstage and emotion absolutely came alive (wider, less cohesive, but wonderfully liquid & colorful). Warm gooey center that was extremely involving with unexpected details popping in and around, mostly in the midrange. This pairing also worked better than every other combo I'd tried to date with the Exact cartridge and Jolida phono pre (Tlfkn ECC83's, I think). Parson's I Robot (recently from George Grand) sounded amazing. The recent Zeppelin 180g remasters sounded so good I actually listened closely to whole sides of those LPs - something I confess I haven't done in quite a while.

    Then the power blips started and I lost power from the amp which is plugged into the wall. I had to leave before I could investigate, so just shut everything down. I have some Mullards coming and will consider buying some Telefunkens depending on what I think of the Mullards and how they compare with the GE goo-makers. I suspect I'll be happy enough with those, but I'll probably have to get some Telefunkens just to keep the nagging little voice silent. Also have some Brimars coming in from uk.

    Many thanks to George for the opportunity to try some very cool gear.

    Craig
    b]Beach Audio[/b]: Rega RP6 (mods) - AT33PTG/II - Parks Budgie SUT - PSAudio NPC * Eversolo DMP-A6 * Topping D90iii * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Pass Aleph 30 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl (mods) * PSAudio PPP3
    Beach Study: Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra & Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * DH Labs SS Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354 * PSA Dectet
    Beach Master: WiiM Pro * Dayens Menuetto * Zu Libtec * Dynaudio Audience 50
    Beach Den: Bluesound Powernode 2i * DH Labs SS Q10 * Zu Omen DWII * Richard Gray RGPC
    Town Study: WiiM Pro * Chord Qute (Pardo) * Elekit TU-8600 * MIT S3 * Revel M22 * Beyer DT-990 * Shunyata Hydra 2
    Town Den: Music Hall mm5.1se - Denon DL-103r - Jolida JD9ii (mods) * WiiM Pro * Cary xCiter * Rogue 99 Magnum * Schiit Aegir * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2tl (mods) * Dectet * Bottlehead Crack - Senn 600
    Town Porch: WiiM Pro Plus * Sunfire Sig II * Canare 4S11 * Magnepan 1.6 * Dectet
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited June 2014
    vcwatkins wrote: »
    I feel very lucky to be getting this pre. Appears to be a much better value than the others on my tube/bypass/remote short list, especially with the upgraded caps.

    I would appreciate any advice on tubes. I don't have many 12au7's. My only foursome is 50's GE JG-5814A grey plate, horseshoe getter. Any suggestions?

    I really enjoy these http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-12AU7-Sylvania-Baldwin-Vintage-Vacuum-Tubes-New-Old-Stock-Audiophile-Grade-/301207503364?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item46215dc204

    They have a very good sound signature and are priced right.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2014
    I hope that you enjoy it,, I had it for years and always kept going back to it. Enjoy!
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • vcwatkins
    vcwatkins Posts: 1,993
    edited June 2014
    The Brimars are OUTSTANDING!! Thanks for the rec, George - that's one I would not have thought to look for.

    Craig
    b]Beach Audio[/b]: Rega RP6 (mods) - AT33PTG/II - Parks Budgie SUT - PSAudio NPC * Eversolo DMP-A6 * Topping D90iii * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Pass Aleph 30 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl (mods) * PSAudio PPP3
    Beach Study: Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra & Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * DH Labs SS Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354 * PSA Dectet
    Beach Master: WiiM Pro * Dayens Menuetto * Zu Libtec * Dynaudio Audience 50
    Beach Den: Bluesound Powernode 2i * DH Labs SS Q10 * Zu Omen DWII * Richard Gray RGPC
    Town Study: WiiM Pro * Chord Qute (Pardo) * Elekit TU-8600 * MIT S3 * Revel M22 * Beyer DT-990 * Shunyata Hydra 2
    Town Den: Music Hall mm5.1se - Denon DL-103r - Jolida JD9ii (mods) * WiiM Pro * Cary xCiter * Rogue 99 Magnum * Schiit Aegir * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2tl (mods) * Dectet * Bottlehead Crack - Senn 600
    Town Porch: WiiM Pro Plus * Sunfire Sig II * Canare 4S11 * Magnepan 1.6 * Dectet
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2014
    Great,,the Brimars just work so well with the Belles,,they add just the right amount of "sparkle". Enjoy!
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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