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Luxman 509X, 590AXII, or Gryphon Diablo 300 for B&W 802d3

Hello All and Happy Holidays,

As the title states, I am exploring an integrated for my B&W's. I would like to get some insight as to your experiences with the aforementioned. I do enjoy a "tubey" midrange and also love my bass (a lot)! The top end is not as important to me. I only do digital and hope to utilize a tube DAC (maybe AudioNote). There is something magical about class A, but can the 30 watts of the Luxman do an adequate job in taming the B&W's?

As far as Gryphon, the reviews are legendary. I have heard Luxman some years ago and it was quite engaging. However, I am having struggles auditioning the Diablo. Please advise on the strengths and weaknesses. I hope to make this my last purchase for many years (at least, I hope!).

128x128jeffreyw
ronboco
873 posts
 

The Boulder 866 has stellar reviews. Very neutral if that is important to you. Good luck! 
 

merry Christmas everyone! 

lak's avatar
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lak
4,707 posts
 

There is a fellow Audiogon member that has a very long post regarding your question. He purchased and/or demoed the expensive integrated units including the Gryphon Diablo 300. I believe he ended up with a Pass Lab Integrated 250.

If I find the Audiogon Forum I'll post it for you to read. Should you other guys know of what I'm thinking of please post it, I don't have the time to find it, I have to head out for a 5-hour round trip.

czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 

I also suggest the Pass INT 250 and if you are located in the USA Mark from Reno Hi-Fi will let you audition in your home. 

Chuck 

 

larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,011 posts
 

It's funny because if I were to dream of adding a 2 channel amp to my system I would pick the Luxman LX Integrated amp.  It is supposed to be exceptional.  If you need the name of the dealer to buy this from let me know.  He can save you $ thousands.  

bushiekiwi
3 posts
 

I own the Gryphon Diablo 300 with Wilson Audio Sabrinax speakers. I know from many comments on this site that people seem to not like integrated amps and the look of Wilsons. For me and the music that I like listening to it is a perfect combination. A lot of detail without too much brightness and huge power and dept. When I save up my pennies (well, lots of pennies) I hope to upgrade the speakers to something larger. I've heard the Gryphon 300 amp driving some large Gryphon speakers and the sound stage and overall sound was simply amazing. 

 

I will now wait to be shot down! 

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