I know, I know, call Dave. Well I emailed him and haven't heard anything back. I was just wondering if anyone here at DIY had any information on this classic gem of an amp?
I just bought it on Ebay and assume it is 200wpc, but have no other information on how its built and the specs associated with it. It has replaced my Yamaha M85 as the amp for my mains. The Yammie is 265Wpc with Class A to 30W.
The Belles doesn't quite have the same punch, but it is smoother with better soundstage imaging and instrumental separation. I couldn't be happier with the sound, now if I could just get a few details on this thing.
Anyone? 😕
I just bought it on Ebay and assume it is 200wpc, but have no other information on how its built and the specs associated with it. It has replaced my Yamaha M85 as the amp for my mains. The Yammie is 265Wpc with Class A to 30W.
The Belles doesn't quite have the same punch, but it is smoother with better soundstage imaging and instrumental separation. I couldn't be happier with the sound, now if I could just get a few details on this thing.
Anyone? 😕
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one thing that makes amplifier better these days is the "mechano" and topology of the construction
to explain i mean that the chances of one amplifier that have 25 year old capacitors placed horizontally, wired with cables to boards, and then boards wired with cables to TO3 cans to sound very nice are actually quiet low
for the specific amplifier though i have no idea never seen or repaired one
kind regards
sakis
to explain i mean that the chances of one amplifier that have 25 year old capacitors placed horizontally, wired with cables to boards, and then boards wired with cables to TO3 cans to sound very nice are actually quiet low
for the specific amplifier though i have no idea never seen or repaired one
kind regards
sakis
Thanks for the reply Sakis... I'm not sure I buy into the "newer is better" philosophy myself. Not saying that newer designs can't be more power efficient and just as clean as vintage gear, but there is a school of thought that says that the old gear may in fact be built better.
Take my Yamaha M85. I bought it new for like $800 back in the 80's and to replace it today with something comparable would cost you thousands. The components used in it were the best of the time and in many ways better than what is available today.
Not so sure about the Belles, but having had the oppotunity to compare it to the M85, I'm pretty sure it can hold it's own with the best of them. It is smooth, clean and has awesome separation of both the soundstage and the individual instruments.
It's a classic, no doubt.... just wish there was more info on them! 😕
I have a manual and specs on the amp and need to find it as Im selling my Belles 400 amp and XLM matching Preamp that I used with my Apogee Duette Ribbon speakers that Im going to sell also.
Jerry
Jerry
Brochure - Belles 400 amplifier
Hello,
I read your post regarding a Belles 400 amplifier. Did you ever find the brochure for it? I own a copy of the amplifier that I would like to sell but don't have the brochure for it. If by chance you have the brochure I would greatly appreciate a pdf copy of it.
Thanks,
Guido
Hello,
I read your post regarding a Belles 400 amplifier. Did you ever find the brochure for it? I own a copy of the amplifier that I would like to sell but don't have the brochure for it. If by chance you have the brochure I would greatly appreciate a pdf copy of it.
Thanks,
Guido
I have owned a Belles 400 since 1989 and still have the brochure. I can send pics of the pages if you still have the unit. Great amp but thinking of replacing it with a newer unit (along with all my other components) that has XLR inputs. Looking at the successor to Belles (Power Modules), among many other brands.
Sam
Sam