Belles Virtuoso or PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP

I just don’t want to vomit to something, and be left wanting. I know that’s part of this hobby, I just don’t want to be stuck on the ‘wish I would have bought that instead’ train. The idea of being able to ‘tune’ the sound with a tune amp really appeals to me. I know the Belles is supposed to be David Belles best work yet. Dual mono, balanced inputs, good quality preamp section, doubles down perfectly (200w-400w), and high quality parts all throughout. Is this going to be his piece that competes with others in the 15-20k range? And, it has METERS....

Guess I should spell check. That should read ‘don’t want to commit to something’. 

Maybe others can answer this, but is there any tube buffers that he could use in the signal path that would give him a taste of what he is looking for?

jtweed,,
All things considered I would prefer point to point wiring over a printed circuit board as well. Regarding autobias it is a good feature to have. I own a 300b SET amplifier with autobias and 2 push pull tube amplifiers with manual bias (simple to do) . The autobias is every bit as sensitive and revealing of tube changes as the manual bias amplifiers, maybe more so.

The Belles amplifiers are consistently praised and I assume rightfully so. Some describe them as smooth and "tube like" which is meant as a compliment. "Tube like" still isn’t the same as actual tube amp driven. If you’re truly interested in trying out a tube amplifier I say go for it. Your speakers are an 8 ohm nominal load so I imagine that either of your two choices should mate well.
Charles

My amp is also autobias and very revealing of tube changes, driver, power, and rectifier tubes all. Rolling tubes is certainly one of the fun parts of the hobby. And regarding Belles yes widely praised gear for sure and I am sure the new amp will be a good one but, no ones actually heard it yet. I'm not saying that's good or bad just a ton of hype for an unreleased unheard product. So the choice is yours but you certainly have some good choices before you.