[earlmarc]

Soundstage just released theri review of the Belles Ref. 350A amplifier: http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/belles_350a_reference.htm

[tvad4]

That's a hell of a review. If someone can shine a light on where to find the amp's power rating in the review, I'd appreciate it. I eventually gave up and went to the Belles website.

I've always been intrigued by the Bells products, but I was wary due to the products' lack of traction among more than a small group of audiophiles.  Unwarranted probably.

I'd sure like to hear one in my system.

[95bcwh]

I wish they had a 30-day trial period

[batmanslc2]

Being in SLC, UT I used to stop in Talon on a regualr basis to listen to Mike Farnsworth wonderful speakers.
He always had high end amps hooked up to his Khorus X  such as Pass, Edge and Tenor. One day
he had a Belles 350a and it sounded great to me.  Mike commented how he was mightly impressed
at the performance compared to much more expensive gear.

--Mark

[marvda1]

i saw a picture of a new belles 75 watt class a power amp, looked like a beast.

[Bob Reynolds]

I'd sure like to hear one in my system.

Based on the review and the measurements, I don't think you could "hear" one. 

As it should be.

[earlmarc]

Here is the past thread on the Belles Ref. 350A amplifier:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=22524.0

[JoshK]

i saw a picture of a new belles 75 watt class a power amp, looked like a beast.

You mean this one?

[earlmarc]

According to Dave Belles, his new Class A, MB-01 monoblocks are better than the Ref. 350A if 75watts will do.

[Ron D]

Can't seem to find out much about these new monoblocks...

Any price info?

[earlmarc]

Dave Belles only has two of the MB-01 monoblocks in circulation, and one of them went to Germany. They will retail for $12,000 a pair. I had a long enjoyable conversation with Mr. Belles. He certainly has a passion for audio design. His first commercial amplifier 30 years ago was a Class A amplifier. Now some thirty years later, he introduces his statement class A amplifier. Mr. Belles doesn't normally attend audio shows, but attended the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. He told me he wasn't impressed with alot of the amplifiers he heard. He said amplifier design is going in the wrong direction, speaking about switching amplifiers. He introduced his new Class A amplifier to remind everyone what a true musical amplifier should sound like.

[mfsoa]

If I had $12K to spend on an amp, and had no space/heat/consumption concerns, Class D wouldn't interest me, either!

But, being mortal, I still enjoy my CIA D200s!!

[earlmarc]

I forgot to mention that the current Ref. 350A amplifier has a new soft-start circuit to prevent breakers from tripping. In addition, the sound of the newer Ref. 350A is suppose to sound better with the new soft-start circuit than the Ref. 350A I audtioned awhile back.

[sleepysurf]

I agree fully with earlmarc's review referenced above, and can attest to the pure musicality of the Belles 350A Reference.  For 6 months I had been searching for a pure two-channel SS amp (to replace a Sunfire Cinema Grand ~five) driving ML Summits.  My current setup precludes a tube amp, or a HOT running Class A design.  I auditioned a number of alternatives, with no luck.  Fortunately, Shane (hometheaterdoc.com) suggested the Belles 350A Reference.  After reading (admittedly sparse) reviews and forum comments, I took the plunge and ordered one.  All I can say is WOW!  I've never heard such a musical amp, with such textural detail, in my system.  The synergy between my Modwright Pre, Belles, and Summits are pure heaven...  deeper tighter bass, with crystalline midrange and highs, and an incredibly deep soundstage.  Thus far, with a few hours of listening, it runs warm, but not hot.  The latest version includes the soft-start circuit, and I've had no issues whatsoever with startup.

Mind you, the Sunfire is a great design (certainly deserving more high-end respect than it gets), and it's a favorite of ML owners because it doubles-down it's output into low impedance electrostats.  But, there is definitely something special about Belles MOSFET output design (as opposed to the Sunfire bipolar transistor output), which yields a more "musical" and natural soundstage.  If you are looking for an amp with "visual bling," look elsewhere.  However, if you want "music" "power" and "goosebumps", the Belles 350A Reference provides all three. 

Happy New Year to all!  I know mine is starting off on a very happy note!

[Ben Mcc]

Being in SLC, UT I used to stop in Talon on a regualr basis to listen to Mike Farnsworth wonderful speakers.
He always had high end amps hooked up to his Khorus X  such as Pass, Edge and Tenor. One day
he had a Belles 350a and it sounded great to me.  Mike commented how he was mightly impressed
at the performance compared to much more expensive gear.

--Mark

Is Terry still his Speaker Designer.