2. amps-preamps
  3. 132108-1570

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
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
I don't see anything about the Accuphase E-650. Isn't that a fairly low powered Class A integrated? Less power than the Pass? That doesn't make sense to go lower in power. I have an Accuphase A36, only 30wpc, and it's nice but resale is terrible. I can't give it away. Accuphase USA pricing is idiotic at best. 

You really don't have many options for a killer integrated. The Gryphon Diablo 300 makes the absolute most sense among those mentioned and with the internal dac, a true reference answer. 
denon1 OP
329 posts
 

I would  kindly ask don't post anything like increase a volume, check your connections or move up the pass separates.

I stated clearly that my interest related only to integrated amps and now specifically to Gryphon Diablo 300 since I offered a great deal on the new unit.

So if anybody owns Diablo 300 or had a chance to audition it and compare it to any pass gear, please provide your opinion.

Thank you.

jjue
103 posts
 
I don’t have experience with Pass INT-250. But I have auditioned both Gryphon Diablo and Diablo 300. They both share the same Gryphon house sound but the 300 is more refined and more powerful. I currently own RI100 and use it on my main system. By comaparimg my experience between Vitus and Gryphon, I doubt whether Diablo 300 will give you the improvement that you’re looking for. It will give you a different flavor of sound for sure. But not sure whether that’s what you’re looking for or not. Besides Gryphon Dianlo 300, have you considered Dartzeel CTH-8550? 
denon1 OP
329 posts
 
jjue, thanks for the comments, as usual, it is all system and taste dependent. When I had Vitus RI-100 in my system for a demo, to my ears, it had some better resolution than pass but sounded more analytical (less musical) than my Pass Int-250. Based on what I'm reading on the net, the Gryphon delivers front rows presentation with outstanding refinement and musicality. If this is the case - this is what I am after. I did not find any negative review or opinion on the forums (yet) related to the Diablo 300. The Dartzeel (new) and others in this range out of my budget completely and I'm not after used units at this level of the equipment.
jjue
103 posts
 
Denon1, what you read about Gryphon matches my impression. Both Diablo and Diablo 300 can deliver life like music in front of you with great dynamic and details. I was looking to buy a Diablo before I bought my RI100. Back out because of lack of importer/dealer at that time. I’d buy the Diablo 300 without hesitation if I were buying now.
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