General Asylum: REVIEW: Bellari VP 129 Phono Preamp by NeuGeo

Model:	VP 129
Category:	Phono Preamp
Suggested Retail Price:	$250.
Description:	MM Tube Phonostage
Manufacturer URL:	Bellari
Model Picture:	View

Review by NeuGeo ( A ) on April 20, 2006 at 20:58:52
IP Address: 71.246.124.148

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for the VP 129

The Bellari is my first phono-pre. Its a basic one tube design and comes with a headphone output. Using a classic Dual CS5000 turntable and a contemporary Benz MC 20E2 high output moving-coil cartridge, I can honestly say...I get it!
While most of my old LP's are 70's and 80's pop,soul and rock, one or two of them fully demonstrate the power of analog. Most notably, Mr.Magic by Grover Washington on the Motown label. Quadraphenia sounds good too, maybe a little compressed(and scratched) but the performance is thoroughly enjoyable. I need to go find lots of great wax now!
Listen, my whole system is about ten grand worth of equipment.In this hobby, that aint squat! But I like where Im at and where Im going, and this Bellari is a keeper. Smooth, Robust, Extended, Musical,....you get the picture. Got it for $200 at B&H in NYC. This was a no brainer,and it should hold me until I can afford the CJ Premier Fifteen.

Product Weakness: Its not a megabuck unit so it wont be taken seriously.
Product Strengths: Natural musical perfomance and headphone output!

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bryston 3BSST
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	CJ Premier 14
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Classe CDP-10 , Dual CS5000
Speakers:	Epos M12
Cables/Interconnects:	DYI (antique telephone wire)
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	all
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	felt cloth draped like curtains
Time Period/Length of Audition:	weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio UPC200
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	yes mine,ok?

Product Weakness:	Its not a megabuck unit so it wont be taken seriously.
Product Strengths:	Natural musical perfomance and headphone output!