Does anyone have any experiences with a Bellari VP129/130

[pdupiano]

Hey Everybody,

I'm currently in the market for a phono amplifier and I came across the bellari VP129/130 (the 130 is a newer model with an updated psu, but its the same as the vp129 otherwise).

Here is the included manual/guide I obtained from a dealer
http://proaudio.nekomedia.com/ads/pdf/vp129man.pdf

And here is the product info on the NAD PP2 amp
http://www.nadelectronics.com/img/da...ts/NAD_PP2.pdf

I looked at the specs and the SNR is unbelievable, its 10dB higher than the current NAD PP2 Phono Amp (unweighted). Anyway I wanted to know if anyone else has used this preamp and if it is actually possible to use this as a headphone amp. I am also interested in finding out if this pre-amp would go well with higher end systems since I plan to move up as I go along in the vinyl world.

 

[edsel95]

pdupiano,

I picked up one of these off Craigslist a few months ago and have just recently used it as a headphone amp and must say that it worked incredibly well. It was just me and my phones the Bellari and the turntable. A very tidy little closed system. My only gripe is the the headphone jack should be on the front of the unit instead of the back. But that's a minor thing. It works great as a tt preamp, too. The new one (130) has a usb port to help you digitize vinyl to your computer's hardrive. It has no software though. Other than that they are the same. I think. But to answer your original question, it is a killer headphone amp used in conjuction with a turntable.

As far as being relevant in a high end system, just remember that it's a $250.00 mm phono preamp.

 

[searchenabler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by edsel95 /img/forum/go_quote.gif As far as being relevant in a high end system, just remember that it's a $250.00 mm phono preamp.

Honestly, price has little to do with actual sound quality. No reason even a well designed $100 phono pre can not be perfectly suited to a $2000 turn table. The electronic circuit is the easy part. The only genuine justifiable expensive to produce part is the precision mechanical system - and even these seem to be quickly entering B.S. territory past the $2K-$3K mark.....

-Chris

 

[searchenabler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdupiano /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey Everybody, I'm currently in the market for a phono amplifier and I came across the bellari VP129/130 (the 130 is a newer model with an updated psu, but its the same as the vp129 otherwise). Here is the included manual/guide I obtained from a dealer http://proaudio.nekomedia.com/ads/pdf/vp129man.pdf And here is the product info on the NAD PP2 amp http://www.nadelectronics.com/img/da...ts/NAD_PP2.pdf I looked at the specs and the SNR is unbelievable, its 10dB higher than the current NAD PP2 Phono Amp (unweighted). Anyway I wanted to know if anyone else has used this preamp and if it is actually possible to use this as a headphone amp. I am also interested in finding out if this pre-amp would go well with higher end systems since I plan to move up as I go along in the vinyl world.

Also check out the solid state Music Hall Phono Pack from Import and Domestic Vinyl, SACD, DVD Audio, Audiophile Hardware - musicdirect - (800) 449-8333. Normally $120, it's on special for $80 right now. It's considered a superb value. It's excellent for MM and high output MC. But I don't know about low output MC as it only has 52dB gain in MC mode. But even so.... you are best going with step up transformer for low output MC if you are using one. I recommend a DIY Cinemag based step up transformer connected to the MM input mode of the pre-amp for ideal results with low output MC cartridges.

Chris

 

[Sherwood]

I own one, and when it's working it's a very nice unit.

I use a reasonably high output MM cartridge, and I feel it's a little too quiet out of the VP129. I also had a 220k resistor go south on me, and it's recently developed a channel imbalance that may or may not be due to the tube.

Again, if it's working it's nice. However, it's often not working. I've no idea how they sell it for that price AND make it in America.

 

[flohmann]

If you live in an area with lots of RF interference, be cautious about the Bellari VP129. I had one a few months ago and couldn't lick the RF noise (it even picked up the local FM stations if I held the interconnects just right -- I swear!). I live line of sight to San Francisco's broadcast tower, so mine is probably a bad case (the Bellari was dead quiet in my office, which is a big windowless brick building). But be warned!

I've since switched to a Musical Fidelity X-LPSv3, which is dead quiet everywhere I've used it.

 

[Sherwood]

I've never had the RF problem (though I've had loads of others).

The nice thing is repair is free, even on used units. I sent mine in and got it shipped back to me 1 1/2 weeks later all fixed. My tube gave out shortly after hat, but whatareyougonnado?

 

[tubes]

In this price range you should also have a look at the Cambridge 640p, lots of good feedback on the internet.

Phill

 

[searchenabler]

I have since my last post, purchased and tried the Music Hall Phono Pack. It is on sale for $80(regular price $120) at Music Direct. It has superb noise performance, and it uses very versatile internal jumpers to change gain and loading. You can change the capacitance/input impedance and gain separate from each other. It is very well built, and did not appear to take short cuts on component quality or parts used. I mean, it's no Boulder, but it's a very good low cost pre-amp. The MM input, even though rated at 34dB gain, is very sufficient for my Denon DL-110 cartridge, making me think the gain rating is rather conservative! My last pre-amp stage was rated at 40db but had less actual gain in use than this!

Recommended on the basis of noise floor, build quality and versatility.

-Chris