Bellari VP-130 phono preamp (Free US Ground S&H)
The Bellari VP-129 phono preamp has been updated to the Bellari VP-130 with a new switching power supply that accommodates 100 - 240 VAC. The sound quality continues to be amazing. It stands alone when compared to other tube pre amps up to twice its price point. Also since it's designed for professional use, it is solidly built to withstand the rigors of the trade. Designed to RIAA equalize and amplify the small signal generated by a magnetic phono cartridge to a Hi-Fi line level signal, the Bellari VP-130 is intended for use with moving magnet and high output moving coil phono cartridges only. The resulting output signal while not flawless is rich, full-bodied and musically gratifying. It also features all tube circuitry, switchable rumble filter, mute switch and steel chassis. About 50 hours of use are required to bring out its true high performance.
Bellari VP-130 Phono Preamp Specifications
-I/O connectors: RCA, 1/4" TRS stereo
-Input sensitivity @ 1kHz: 30dB, 47k
-Input impedance: 50k ohm
-Output impedance: 8 ohms headphone, 100 ohms RCA
-Max output level @ 1kHz @ 0.1% dist.: > 10dB
-Equalization RIAA: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 1.5dB
-Rumble filter: 20Hz
-THD: 0.02% @ 1KHz
-S/N ratio: >80dB unweighted
-Power: 15 VDC, 100 - 240 VAC power supply adapter
-Dimensions: 6"w x 2.5"h x 5.4"d
-Weight: 2 lbs.
-Indicator: One-power LED
Reviews
The Bellari gets my highest recommendation, and is the budget phono preamp I will now recommend for every genre of music. Its sins are strictly of omission and it worked well as a headphone amp too. Well done - and a genuine bargain!
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- Michael Fremer, Stereophile, Vol.29 No.2. For the full Stereophile review, click here.
"...the bargain of a lifetime (tube) phono preamp" is the headline in Jim Hannon's review of the Bellari.
-Jim Hannon, The Absolute Sound, January 2006. For the full The Absolute Sound review, click here.
I was surprised by how attractive and well balanced it sounded: smooth and warm, yet open and crisply detailed. The Bellari seemed to create a sound that was rich, natural and appealing. Surface noise was low, and the music emerged from a crisp, clean, quiet background. It was an excellent sound by almost any standards; one I was very happy to listen to. An excellent performer at a very reasonable price."
- Jimmy Hughes, HiFi+, Issue No. 38.
Recognition
The Bellari phono preamp received one of the highest recommendation in Stereophile October 2008. This one-tube wonder manufactured by Rolls Corporation in the USA was placed in the same performance category as some of the highly-regarded and expensive phono stages: Audio-Research PH-5 ($2495), Ayre P-5xe ($2500), EAR 834P ($1595), Eastern Electric MiniMax ($1499), Chord Symphonic ($5500), Whest Audio whestTWO ($1895) and more.