Day 2 Belles Reference 350A Amplifier

fly_fish_nz · « **Reply #20 on:** 7 Nov 2005, 05:33 pm »

Hi Jerry,

Noticed form your post that you switched from the Anniv. 25's to Proacs, and was wondering which model proac you are using now. I'm just getting to listen a bit to my Belles 150A reference in Madison and interested in hearing your comments on the 350.

Chris

audiojerry · « **Reply #21 on:** 8 Nov 2005, 03:44 pm »

Quote from: fly_fish_nz

Hi Jerry,
Noticed form your post that you switched from the Anniv. 25's to Proacs, and was wondering which model proac you are using now. I'm just getting to listen a bit to my Belles 150A reference in Madison and interested in hearing your comments on the 350.
Chris

Hi Chris, I switched to the ProAc Response 2.5, not because I like it better than the Special 25. We are building a second home, and needed to divert assets towards this investment. The switch saved me thirteen hundred bucks. The Special 25's are wonderful, but the 2.5's are no slouch, and do have very good synergy with Audio Research. They also seem to like the 350A.

audiojerry · « **Reply #22 on:** 23 Nov 2005, 01:39 pm »

I now have the same demo unit that Earlmarc had, and I've been evaluating it for the past week. I too, agree, that the Reference 350A is shockingly good. I'll be posting my review soon.

In the meantime, if you are considering a new amp, I strongly encourage you to get in touch with Belles to make arrangements with a local dealer for an audition.

zeke · « **Reply #23 on:** 25 Nov 2005, 01:30 pm »

Question ---- is there a "standard" 350A, and a "reference" 350A amp ??

earlmarc · « **Reply #24 on:** 25 Nov 2005, 02:17 pm »

Yes, there is a standard 350A and a Reference 350A.

earlmarc · « **Reply #25 on:** 26 Nov 2005, 02:26 pm »

Alright Jerry, you've kept me waiting long enough. Seems like your're enjoying the Belles little too much! Last I heard the jury was still deliberating between your AR VT200 and Ref. 350A. Come on now, what's the verdict? Time to share your insights.

audiojerry · « **Reply #26 on:** 26 Nov 2005, 10:39 pm »

I making the world's biggest waffle - sorry haven't decided yet.

zybar · « **Reply #27 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 01:01 am »

Quote from: audiojerry

I making the world's biggest waffle - sorry haven't decided yet.

Let me help you...

DNA-500

Just kidding!

Both amps you are comparing are excellent and I am sure each has its pluses and minuses.

It will be interesting to see which you pick and why.

George

audiojerry · « **Reply #28 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 01:30 am »

George, if I could audition a DNA-500, I would.
Do you have access to a Belles audition?

zybar · « **Reply #29 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 01:36 am »

Quote from: audiojerry

George, if I could audition a DNA-500, I would.
Do you have access to a Belles audition?

I am still trying to arrange one.

It is a little more difficult for me since I would need a pair for my Salk HT3's.

I heard the difference between one Ref 350A and a pair of Ref 350A's on Steve Chang's system and it wasn't subtle.

George

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #30 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 02:34 am »

Quote from: audiojerry

George, if I could audition a DNA-500, I would.

Hey Jerry,

Chris[/list:u]

audiojerry · « **Reply #31 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 02:44 am »

is the DNA-500 a monoblock?

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #32 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 02:49 am »

The DNA-500....photo -->> http://www.mccormackaudio.com/DNA_500_staighton.jpg

audiojerry · « **Reply #33 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 02:53 am »

nice picture, loanwolf, thanks, but i still don't know if it's a monoblock or stereo

zybar · « **Reply #34 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 02:55 am »

Quote from: audiojerry

nice picture, loanwolf, thanks, but i still don't know if it's a monoblock or stereo

Stereo.

I would be happy to loan you mine, but I don't have a backup amp. Maybe when I move I might have some downtime for a few weeks.

George

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #35 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 02:55 am »

Quote from: audiojerry

nice picture, loanwolf, thanks, but i still don't know if it's a monoblock or stereo

Its stereo... (single amp).

earlmarc · « **Reply #36 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 03:07 am »

Hey Zybar, when you do find some down time, I would'nt mind hearing the DNA-500 too.

audiojerry · « **Reply #37 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 04:11 am »

Zybar, are you using dual DNA's? If not, why would you need 2 350A's?

zybar · « **Reply #38 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 01:28 pm »

I am using a single DNA-500.

The DNA-500 puts out around 600 watts into 8 ohms and has the most effortless and dynamic sound I have heard in my system.

The Ref 350A puts out 250 watts into 8 ohms when run as a stereo amp and 1000 watts into 8 ohms as a mono amp.

I realize it isn't all about watts. However, when I heard the Ref 350A as a stereo amp and as a mono amp in the same system on more efficent speakers than mine (SP Tech Revelations vs. Salk Sound HT3) there was a noticeable decrease in performance. Besides taking a hit in dynamics and bass control, there was a shrinkage of the soundstage.

Maybe Steve Chang can comment more on the stereo vs. mono comparison as it was his system and he is very familiar with the Ref 350A.

George

earlmarc · « **Reply #39 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 03:57 pm »

Zybar wrote:

The DNA-500 puts out around 600 watts into 8 ohms and has the most effortless and dynamic sound I have heard in my system.

I realize it isn't all about watts. However, when I heard the Ref 350A as a stereo amp and as a mono amp in the same system on more efficent speakers than mine (SP Tech Revelations vs. Salk Sound HT3) there was a noticeable decrease in performance. Besides taking a hit in dynamics and bass control, there was a shrinkage of the soundstage.

Zybar, I believe the DNA-500 is rated at 500 watts into 8ohms. And the input impedence of both the Salk HT3 and SP Tech Rev. are 8ohm and both of their input sensitivities are rated at 85db. However, I do understand you wanting a mono configuration because they would perform better with your speakers. I know a stereo Ref. 350 had no problem driving the SP Continuum AD MKII. The Continuum are rated 4ohm with a 88db sensitivity.

Zybar, you should try to audition a stereo Ref. 350 and report back to us as to whether or not it could drive your Salk HT3 to your satisfaction.