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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
dsjs4 OP
18 posts
 
Thanks everyone for all your advice and feedback! 
It really seems like most of you have had a lot of positive experience with the Belles.  Between the feedback in the discussion as well as the private messages it seems to pretty clearly be the winner.  
While I'm sure the Rogue is great in it's own right and all things are system dependent I believe the Belles is the one for me!  

Now if only I had the extra budget to pick up some of the Vandersteen's or Harbeth's that many of you have mentioned then I'd really have my dream system! 

mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Just a thought..... Buy the Rogue, and get the Vandersteen speakers with the money you saved on the amp. You will have a bigger difference between the speakers than between the amps. IMO.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
One thing at a time.  If you skimp on something now, you'll only regret it later.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,271 posts
 
I’ve actualy heard that the Belles Aria is a horrible amp.  If anyone sees one for resale, especially in silver, please pm me so that I can buy it and destroy it as to save someone else from making a horrible decision.  
Thank you and have a good day.
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.
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