Upgrading form Pass integrated amplifier to a better one


Hello,

Currently I have a PASS INT-250 integrated amplifier . The Pass INT-250 is a very good integrated (in my system it was overall better than Plinius Hiato, Gamut D150se, Mark Levinson 535, Vitus RI-100,  Accuphase E-470 and some others) but I can't get rid of the feeling that I miss some explosiveness (drum kicks for example) and micro details.

I know that its not the speakers. The new Sonus faber tradition I have are much more open, dynamic and airy than previous Guarneri Evos, Elipasas SE and Amati Anniversarious I used to own. And before buying them I auditioned the Serafinos with Audio Research separates and it was the amazing combo. But I really prefer not to go the separates road ( ICs, power cords and space contribute to financial constrains also) and even so I like the combo of Pass and Serafinos overall but from time to time looking for some better integrated on the market.

Currently I presented with a good opportunity to buy latest Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated or latest just released Accuphase E-650.  No possiblilty to demo them, so I am asking here on the forum if anybody can comment if Gryphon Diablo 300 or Accuphase E-650 will be better integrated than Pass INT250 overall and especially in terms of dynamics, micro details and harmonics.

Any advise and opinion would be very appreciated.

My system: Esoteric K-05x, Pass INT-250, Sonus Faber Serafinos, all cabling are the Shunyata Sigmas.

Room is 12" wide by 17" long. Listen mostly acoustic jazz and chamber classical on low to moderate levels.


Thank you.


denon1
@denon1 - wow!  It seems as if you and I have been through a very similar process with respect to gear. I totally understand what you are saying and can relate 100%.   "Trust your ears" is the ONLY thing that matters!



Excellent discussions. Enjoyed the journey by @denon1 
Very interesting
I own Focal sopra2 and currently hesitating between diablo300 and INT250
From first demo Diablo is fantastic but I wonder if it is not « too » detailed and transparent for the Focal. Possibly due to pure silver cables by gryphon used in the demo room.  Going to listen to INT 250 soon. Unfortunately none of the showrooms have Focal.  So hard to conclude what will sound best. Anybody using Focal with either Diablo 300 or INT250?
I've had INT250 for three+ years.  Satisfied, but starting to consider change, mostly just for the sake of change.  Diablo300, Moon 700i V2, new Boulder 866 would be contenders.  Eager to see more reviews of 866 and hopefully comparisons to the INT250 (200+ w/c Made in America AB integrateds) and have a listen at dealer.  Appreciate denon1's journey.  Can't help but wonder if I too would just wind back up with INT250 if I did make a change.
Denon. I need your advice. I am looking at the Pass Int-60 to match my Marten Duke 2 speakers. Does the Pass have a refined and warmish tube-like glow in the treble and midrange whilst retaining the finer detail and nuance in music? I need something that sounds smoother with a slight tube-like presentation especially in the midrange and treble but with good tonal accuracy. The current amps I have sound a little too bright and rough with the highly revealing Marten Duke 2 speakers as there is a slight grain in the treble especially with piano.

The Int-60 got me interested as I read that the first 30W is in Class A. In my mind Class A sounds smooth like good tubes.

I read good things about the Vitus SIA-025mk2 but the price is beyond my budget.
Sorry to pick up this slightly older thread but I am from Germany and I do disagree about T+A with Audiotroy...

T+A in Germany is a brand considered one step above average - not HighEnd! This isn’t to say they are bad but not on par with Gryphon, Pass Labs or for example Dan D’Agostino.

If you’re looking for a German HighEnd brand look for
Einstein Audio Components. 
Sincerely