Need input on purchase of Belles 350A amp

dhart86
dhart86 Posts: 1,594
edited August 2018 in Electronics
Hey guys,
I am in the process of down-sizing and selling of some equipment. I have 3 amps
1. McCormack DNA 0.6 Rev B
2. Belles 150a hot-rodded
3. Rotel RB990

I am considering selling all of them in order to buy one amp that I can be happy with, so I am considering a

Belles 350a (not Reference version). I can buy one for $1250 shipped. From what I've read the 350 a has 250 watts, is more transparent with more bass extension than the 150a.
i like the Belles 150a but it is a little light in the bass for my taste.

My questions are

1. Is $1250 a fair price for non reference version
2. If someone has heard both is it a big upgrade over Belles 150a / Mccormack DNA 0.5

Thanks for any feedback on the 350a
Main Rig:
Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


Second Rig:
Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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Comments

  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    I would go for it, belles makes some great gear. I had the 21a preamp for while before upgrading.
    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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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,962
    I wouldn't hesitate on any piece from Belles, solid stuff all around. Other options would be moving up the McCormack line, Butler, Bryston also come to mind if a more powerful lower end is your desire.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    Thanks Marv and Tony, I decided to pull the trigger on the Belles
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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