Bellesvt01 usedBelles Tube Preamplifier VT-01Magnificently built Belles VT-01 tube amplifier is a statement piece by this renowned artisan, most well known for his classic 350 Reference amplifier. One look and you'll realize this piece is bui...1200.00

Belles Tube Preamplifier VT-01

Listing ID: lis9dggj Classified 
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Condition
7/10
Payment methods
Ships fromMorgan Hill , CA, 95037
Ships toUnited States
Package dimensionsunspecified
Shipping carrierFedEx
Shipping cost
Original accessoriesRemote Control, Manual
AverageResearch Pricing

Magnificently built Belles VT-01 tube amplifier is a statement piece by this renowned artisan, most well known for his classic 350 Reference amplifier. One look and you'll realize this piece is built to a level unheard of in this price range, and make some of the higher priced CJ models look like toys in comparison. The chassis is solidly built with thick anodized panels, giving it a sleek look. The sound is typical Belles: no obvious colorations, and authoritative. Makes a perfect match with his 350 Reference, or with any other quality tube or solid state amplifier.
Operationally, there is just one quirk. The LED for input 1 is burned out, but all the others work perfectly. That doesn't bother me any, since I hardly use more than 1 or 2 inputs (who does anymore? Connect a Roon streamer with Qobuz, and you have more high rez albums to listen to than seconds you have to live on the Earth!). I'm sure it's a simple fix, but the original owner sent it to me this way, and like him, it never bothered me.
For the money, I can't think of a better preamplifier. The only comparison in this price range is with the legendary Audible Illusions, which I also own. The AI is a bit more romantic sounding, the Belles a lot more neutral and without obvious coloration. Also, the Belles has a simple and easy to use remote -- not a 25 button monstrosity, but a simple wand that has the essentials at your finger tips.

Questions for the seller
Firstly would you ship to Australia and if so have you any idea of the cost? Also you note the LED on input one doesn't work but does the input itself still work?
Yes, input 1 works fine, and I have used it. When none of the other LEDs for the other inputs are glowing, you know by elimination, you are on input 1, so it's not a problem. For specific quotes on shipping to Australia, you'll have to give me an address or a zip code.
There must be cheaper shipping available as I've seen listings on ebay for heavier amps where postage was shown as around US$200. Can you help here as I'm really interested in the pre but the Fedex cost kills it. 120v is no problem as I have a step down transformer.
I can split the shipping costs with you. Would you be able to pay $250 for shipping?
I could manage that if you could mark the customs form as "used preamplifier faulty" and state the value as $600. This would help a lot with duty in Australia.
Unfortunately I can’t find any reasonable shipping services. Both FedEx and UPS are quoting rates above $600. I’ll see if there are other international carriers.

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