Belles research?

David (Belles) makes wonderful sounding gear. Flies under the radar for some reason.

I was never a Belles dealer, but I’ve owned the 20A, 21A Auricap, 22A preamps and the 150A Hot Rod, 150A Reference and 350A Reference amps. I still have a 150A amp.

Have always lusted after either a pair of MB200 Monos or the MB500 Mono or Stereo amps.

IMHO, the 150A is a much better amp than the older 250.

The 150 came in an "A" version and a HOT ROD version in addition to just the regular 150 original issue. Try to find the "Hot Rod" version if possible. It’s a killer amp.

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/revequip/belles_150a_hotrod.htm

The 150A, (and 350A) REFERENCE amps had a version 1 and 2.  The REFERENCE series amps had about twice the voltage output than the regular versions.

Anyone here know the real measure power output of the Belles SA-30 ?

Belles rates it at 30 watts into 8 ohms and 32 amps of current.  So it is probably closer to 45-50 watts and doubles down each time.  45/8, 90/4, 180/2.  Just my guess.

I've heard one on some pretty hard to drive speakers, (Magnepan 1.7i) and although I didn't think it would work well, it did a fine job.

@gryphongryph 

SWEET!  Wonderful amplifier.  All Class A amps run very hot.  IMHO, the hotter it runs, the better it will sound.

Mick makes a GREAT preamp.  Should mate very well with the SA-30.

You picked some very, very nice gear...

@brianportugal 

Cables are VERY system dependent.  I would recommend just using what you have to see, (hear) what it sounds like, then maybe "try" something else.  Might take a few choices to get what you want.

 

I have owned all of the Belles tube preamps and indeed, I like the 21A Auricap the best.

 

GREAT gear and the REF 150A will drive the LRS speakers very nicely.  I has over 30 amps of current available, so it shouldn't have any trouble.