2. amps-preamps
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Rogue Sphinx or Belles Aria???

I've recently been building up my system over the past year getting into the mid/hi-fi level and have finally reached the point of upgrading my amplifier [currently older Yamaha A-S500]. 
I'm looking for an integrated amp in the ~$2k range [I don't have space or budget for separates] and think I finally have it narrowed down between a Rogue Sphinx v3 and a Belles Aria.  I'm only listening to vinyl so have no need to worry about a DAC.

The Rogue has many positive reviews so think it would be a pretty safe bet and while I can only find one professional Belles Aria reviews the personal reviews in various forums seem to be pretty spectacular and seems to punch above its class so I'm really intrigued. 
Unfortunately, I'm not in the position to demo either of these personally so I'm looking for advice; especially if any one has ever compared side by side.

The rest of my setup is as follows:
B&W 705 stand-mounts
Rega Planar P3 w/ Elys MM
Audioquest Sydney interconnects

I really appreciate any advice...thanks!

dsjs4
recroom
21 posts
 
It's hard to know if you're serious.  Where, may I ask, or from whom, have you "heard that the Belles Aria is a horrible amp"?  You can't simply put that statement out there without some evidence to back it up.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Irony alert!

Just to be painfully clear: b_limo is implying he wants it for himself--i.e. another strong recommendation.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,271 posts
 
Yes, irony.  I have heard nothing but good things about the Aria.  I have a pair of Fritz Carrera BE’s that I absolutely love and when Fritz caught wind of me wanting to purchase a new integrated amp, Fritz recommended the Aria.  After researching the Aria, it seems like everyone who has heard it really likes it.

I have been looking for one on the second hand market for weeks now and can’t find any.  

jackd
1,037 posts
 
Bruce

Two other great matches with the Carrera Be's are the Kinki EX-M1 and the Audia Flight FL Three S.  Fritz had the Kinki at one time and sold it but later when he heard one that was fully broken in with the Carrera's he admitted he made a mistake selling it too soon.
valinar
470 posts
 
I just sold an Aria last week via another popular audio equipment sales forum. It is a great unit but after comparing it to another amp for use in a small system I decided I liked the other a wee bit more.
I talked to Johnny at Audio Connection and David Belles and both were excited about a soon to be released Aria Signature. Johnny is currently taking deposits. It will be higher power output, MC and MM phono stage (current Aria has MM only), thicker faceplate, various other significant upgrades. David Belles said expected cost to be around $4500.
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