Apart from requiring a bit more juice than your average IEM, Bell is not terribly picky of source. And don’t let me scare you, it’s not too difficult to drive. I’ve seen worse. Still, it is a dynamic driver, and as such, not as sensitive as many BAs.
I did most of my listening with the Astell&Kern A&futura SE100 ($1,699, Review HERE). In single-ended, as, of course, Bell has no balanced option. I found this pairing quite ideal. SE100 has more than enough power for Bell, and a significantly clear, detailed sound. This works as a counterpoint to Bell’s warm and smooth character, helping to deliver a more balanced meal.
For those on a budget, but still want all that shit I said above, look towards the Cayin N5ii ($299, Review HERE). It has that clear and revealing sound, only on a slightly lesser scale. How much lesser? Well… you’ve heard of diminishing returns, yes?
Now, if you want to push the bleeding hell out of Bell and embrace its pursuit of raw musicality, I wholeheartedly recommend the iBasso DX150 with AMP7 ($499, Review HERE). This setup is a powerhouse of pure fun and enjoyment. Warm, and insanely dynamic. This is where I turn when I want to be kicked in the teeth by all the things I love most about music.
That, good people, is the Noble Audio Bell. A perfect, low-budget, no-hassle solution for quick on-the-go listening. Bring the lushness and romanticism with you. Keep close the rich acoustical promise of your favorite artists. And put to rest the fear of losing or breaking one of those high-end models. You may just find that Bell is good enough for your own personal EDC.
-~::Pinky_Powers::~-
