Very good bass definition and extension. Natural, well-balanced highs, excellent soundstage width and good depth, with very good refinement for the price. Good driver control for lower-sensitivity speakers. Biased almost into Class-A. Classy appearance for the money.

Very slight midrange brightness, which is acceptable for a solid state design at this price. Not the greatest in transparency, as it appears slightly solid-state sounding. Awkward placement of binding posts.

This will be a synopsis of the Hot Rod Version of the successful Belles 150a power amplifier. Belles has added some key design improvements which include: Cromolin vibration-damping strips, 02 blocker spray application to all contacts (to prevent oxidation over the years which affect longevity), IEC detachable cord socket (for use with after-market AC power cables), excellent, connector-adaptable speaker binding posts, and lastly, much better isolation of the torodial tranformer from the chassis; all which are significant design improvements over the stock 150a. Aside from the strange placement of the binding posts, the amp is designed well and very simply, utilizing 'better' parts, and close attention is paid to good circuit utilization. I have verified this on the test bench with a local hifi shop owner, who also confirms the simplicity of design and the operation almost into class A.
The AB-operating 150a has an exciting sonic perspective with iron-fisted bass control for an amp its size. Its tonal balance is very natural, while retaining a degree of detail that Class A solid-state amps are noted for. While the amp has a degree of solid-state sterility compared to much more expensive tube amps, the Hot Rod version more than acquits itself of being an excellent performer on par with the McCormack DNA series; for comparison; and it proves itself to be a bit clearer, more bloomy and yet taut, than Rotel amps in general. The bass also has way more authority, depth, and extension than the comparable wattage amps from Rotel as well, easily matching much more powerful amps from the current line.
Soundstaging width is excellent, as is naturally-rendered images within the left to right spectrum. Depth is slightly truncated, but layering is very good for a solid state amp at its price range. I would not be remiss in saying that a more holographic soundstage would be had in a properly-implemented tube preamplifier, like the Rogue or Audio Research gear, of which I have had limited experience.
In direct comparison of the AMC 4 channel 40 watt transistor amp used as a loaner, the Hot Rod trounced all over the whole audio range and with refinement that the AMC couldnt hope to compete with. A small testament to semi-expensive parts implementation and simple design in action.
Ironically, one downside of this amp may be its compatibility with its sibling the passive remote preamp, the Belles GR8. I have noted a slight, but pervasive opacity with the 150a combination; but more comparisons and cable-matching have to be done on this tempermental beast called the passive preamp.
But honestly, the Hot Rod version of this amplifier is awesome, and belies the 100-160 watts per channel rating, and its price, in every way. Four stars because you can go louder for the bux, and more refined in absolute terms. Value-wise, it certainly is a giant-killer! It rocks.

Similar Products Used:

Belles Hot Rod 150a, McCormack DNA amp line, Bryston 4b and others, Audio Research 100 amp, variety of Rotel amplification, AMC 4/2 channel amp.

Well built....very clean sound....very straight forward

Well...it may not be a weakness, but break in period is long.

I was looking to upgrade..denon int amp..and stay in the $1000-2500 range. I listen to many amps..including the ones above...the Belles won ... with the B&K and Bryston a close 2nd. The Onkyo stayed in the running for about 6.2 seconds...it is way out of it class...but the price was right so I listened...ugh...the meters are nice..but the sound was not even close to the rest of these guys.
The Adcom (3 channel) and the Acurus (200x3) both beat the Onkyo (504)... but both sounded very 2D/flat..dull..even harsh. The Bryston 4b...this was a very soild amp..but it was used and look a little beat up...if it was new I may well have pick this one. The B&K 4420..this is a sweet amp, great sound..well defined..very clean sound..and almost as good as the Belles. The guy turn on the Belles and everyone in the room notice the music get warm...oh baby this amp turned heads! The image was huge..the amp looks so..simple..so plain..until you turn this badboy on! Then WHOA! Lots of power..very clean sound! These amps where all listened to at the same time..same CD player...same spearkers (2). I scored the Belles..and the guy warned me..that the amp take time to "break" in..he was right! Was not the same sound when i got home. But after about 2 -3 days of playing music..it changes! I think for the money...this is one badboy amp! If you get a chance..check one out.
I am using this Belles amp with an Onkyo Tuner...JVC CD player..Parasound pre-amp...and OHM Walsh 100 MK-2 speakers.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom...B&K...Acurus...Onkyo....Bryston (used)