Hi guys, just thought that I should contribute a little to the community given how much I learn from the forum. I have recently received my Bellina Pro HPA with balance out option and thus would like to share some initial impression.
For me, given my background in classical music training for years, music is never 'technical' but more emotional. I have not invested much into digital music up to now as to me, most of the equipment sound rather 'digital' to me. I really enjoy the 'different' natural harmonic distortion from instruments/environment/recording, it adds a tone of 'air' into the record playback (I can felt/imagine I am actually at the hall). Given my preference, the ultra high resolution HD recordings and DAC really doesn't excite me much.
This is where the RWA Bellina comes in. Upon the first time I audit the Isabellina DAC (Only got to the older Isabellina as the dealer in my country doesn't have the Bellina), i knew this is the DAC/HPA I was looking for. The NOS DAC, resembles the old vinyl/ CD I used to listen to everyday for years during my training. It is smooth, warmth and adds a great stage to the music. I think you really need to use a great remastered lossless Concerto to witness this. (Pop, and Jazz are great too, just less dramatic for me.) I use both the LCD 2.2 and the HD800 (90% time with LCD) for my listening. On the LCD 2.2, the bass are well controlled and while mid/treble had a pretty clear extension compare to my mobile gear (DX 50 + ALO international).
The whole package comes in a very classy wood casing. Fit and fitness are 1st class and I just love the fact that I can use it without connect to the AC. Having the HPA option really makes this a great deal as I don't have much appetite to have multiple machines, interconnects to test. Everything fits nicely in one box. You plug and you play. I even got Vinnie to install the recommended Amperex PQ 8416 in it before shipping.
Last but not least, I really appreciate the 10 years warranty and the trade in policy. I still don't understand why most other vendor provides a rather short 1-3 year warranty on high-end gears, isn't that just a vote of non-confidence to their own craft-manship?
Anyway, this is the first time I post and I have only listened to it for 25 hours (basically the whole weekend since I received it. Highly recommended for those of you would love to experience back vinyl, live like music. The only downside is probably cost and for some ppl the lack of balance amp output. It is not cheap but I think it offers great value for the long enjoyment it brings. I plan to use it as a DAC only in the future when I moved up to full size speakers.
Thank you
