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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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,137 posts
 
Hello The Excellent Vitus  integrated amps are very refined and detailed
Check with Anthony at Perotta consulting he may have a demo or used one .
To buy on approval. Depending on budget  the 100wpc pure class A model 
Is over $20k retail  the main stresm model you can get for may be $12k new.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@denon1   may be helpful to reach out to @raindog031  He did a write up on the Diablo 300 a few months ago.
neoshah
33 posts
 
I think an Octave audio V80se or an V110se might float you boat. Give it a listen.
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,626 posts
 
@denon1, very interesting thread. Please let us know what you end up purchasing.
denon1 OP
342 posts
 

Jafant Lak, thank you, I will. Not an easy decision. The pass INT-250 is very good. May be anybody will be interested in my experience with the integrated..So far in my system, I had these integrated  (mostly playing with Sonus Faber or Vienna Acoustics  models):

1. Plinius Hiato - great midrange and bass, highs are hot and digital noise persistent - as result lack of air and micro details.

2. Gamut D150SE - good airy sound silky highs, but lack of bass and poor build for the price.

3. Accuphase E-470. Great build. I guess prestige play part. But nothing special with the sound - overpriced in US.

4. Pass labs INT-60 - great one,  
beat all the above but when I had Guarneri Evos, I needed some more power to get that relaxed/effortless feel in the sound.

5. Mark Levinson 585 - balanced smooth sound, but I felt its not a best match with Sonus faber.

6. Viva Solista - very good 845 tube based amp. To my surprise has been a good match with Sonus faber Anniversarios. The tube swapping so drove my crazy and it obviously ran hot. On a higher volumes did not have enough power to get SF sing. But with efficient speakers will be outstanding.

7. Pass labs INT-250 bested all the above. Power, musicality, good details. But I know that my new Sonus faber Serafinos can exhibit even better sound - with more flash out micro details and dynamics.

So my only choice that I like to explore is Gryphon Diablo 300.

Even so I appreciate it, please don't offer your opinion on anything else, since I am only interested in Gryphon. Lack of availability to demo, makes me to ask assistance on the forums. So again please anybody with hands on or any experience with Gryphon Diablo and its sound and reliability please chime in.

Thank you.

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