Best multi channel amp and processor good for 2 channel listening.

Maguiar,

I did demo the Gryphon Diablo 300 with the 11As.  Thought it was great, though certain songs came across a bit bright, and at times slightly harsh.  Generally it had a great balance of warmth and clarity, but was surprised at the brightness that snuck in every now and then.  It was enough where I could see potential fatigue setting in.  I think it was paired to a higher end DCS DAC, didn't check to see which model.  If I was to consider the Diablo again, I would want to try to do a more thorough demo.

I got a great deal on the Luxman 509X so figured I might as well give it a chance given it was pretty much half the cost the Diablo.  So far I like it, but working on trying balance the system a bit more since it is a very transparent amp.  Just picked up a new interconnect to try out.  The 509X is the first amp I have owned which let me really hear the obvious differences between my copper vs. silver interconnects.

On the PS Audio DAC Caphill mentioned, one cool factoid is that their DACs are firmware upgradeable.  You get a new and improved DAC with each free software update.  It's on my list of DACS to demo with my system down the road, though I am really fascinated with LampizatOr DACs out of Poland.

Eziggy,

I experienced the same with the Gryphon when I auditioned it, this is why I leaned towards the Pass Labs. I spent most of the audition with the Pass listening to music with a lot of highs and vocals and it did very well. I think you might really like this amp. As I mentioned it tamed all harsh sounding music you throw at it. I even threw a terrible recording on cd and it made it sound decent.
In my personal opinion it’s a solid state amp that comes closest to a tube.

The Luxman is a great amp, as I mentioned it’s very accurate but not warm enough for me. I still think the Luxman pairs well with your ML due to the type of speaker, they benefit from that accuracy and detail. You can always get a loaner and try the Labs but with your speakers you might be sacrificing in other areas with the Labs. Hey, but you never know till you listen......

I am considering the PS because of what Caphill mentioned reference the CD player connection and all other benefits it has.

@maguiar102 

Yes, the PS Audio DirectStream DAC is a way to go and will elevate the performance of your system to the next level. Your Arcam CD player is old and digital audio eg CD player, DAC DSP, etc, etc improves over time and have gone significant improvement since your Arcam CD player was first released in early 2000's. Even for back then your Arcam CD player was never considered a high end or excellent CD player it was fairly good even for back then. 

Or you should just sell your Arcam CD player and just use your Oppo 203 as a CD transport and connect your Oppo 203 using coax digital audio cable to the PS Audio DirectStream DAC for CD playbacks and connect the Oppo 203 using HDMI to your AV preamp processor or AVR for movies. Oppo is a good transport for the money.

That way you will have some more fund available to use by selling your Arcam CD player. I bet you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference between using your Arcam and the Oppo 203 as CD transport only. Both are probably comparable when used as a CD transport. Make sure you make AB comparison between using your Oppo 203 as a CD transport vs using your Arcam as a CD transport into the PS Audio DirectStream DAC. If using the Arcam as a transport gives you better sonic result then keep the Arcam as CD transport only, and just use the Oppo 203 for movie playbacks via HDMI to your AVR or AV preamp processor.

Caphill,

Thanks for the info., will do.....

Secondly, I would like your opinion on the Pass Labs INT 250 with the Verity Otello’s, since they are my first choice.

@maguiar102

I’ve heard the Pass INT250 on different speakers, not on the Verity, so can’t comment. I’ve heard a different model Verity speakers a while back on different set of amps and electronics. Haven’t heard the Otello. The Pass INT250 was good when I heard it on different speakers.

All the integrated amps that you are considering above are very good : Accuphase, Pass, Luxman, T&A, Levinson. It all depends on the synergy with the associated gears such as the speakers, front end source component(s), cablings. Do not skimp on cablings, all kinds of cables including power cables and digital cables, not only speaker cables and analog interconnects (XLR or RCA).