2. amps-preamps
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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
respected_ent
190 posts
 
mi4, I've never seen the word 'thin' being used on Gryphon before.  I've heard the original Diablo, and the word 'thin' never came into my mind when listening to it.  Where did you hear the 300?  I wonder how a system can be setup to make a Gryphon sound thin...   
Post removed 
jim204
881 posts
 
I must agree also that the Gryphon is anything but thin sounding, I think it is one of the best amps made at any price today. If you are a lover of classical music this is what the 300 was made for ,the treble is extended and so smooth. I have heard it driving their own Pantheon model and also Zingali Client name speakers.The two speakers are entirely different beasts with the Zingali being very large horns for midrange and treble and huge dynamic woofer for bass. The Pantheon If I had to say anything about the two would be they are the most accurate of the pair and the dynamics with them are mind blowing ( you should hear an orchestra at full pelt ) and of limitless power. The Zingali clients through the 300 remind me of going to a favourite hall and listening to a string quartet or cello or violin, they add an enveloping glow that is memorable hours after the event. The 300 I heard had the DAC module inside and the way I see it it may be quite an expense for it but just think what you will save by not having to buy a power cord and interconnect for it. Also the DAC is styled on their wonderful Kalliope DAC and it is not too far removed from it. All in all anyone choosing the 300 will have an amp for life plus the DAC is upgradeable as technology gets better.
bobheinatz
724 posts
 
Why argue over what Mi4 heard.  If you like Gryphon sound great, however there is a lot of extreme high end equipment that is lean sounding.  Plus everyone hears differently.
russellrcncom
316 posts
 
smoffatt I have not heard the vitus SIA-025 but one of the concerns I have is that in some of the reviews I read is that the reviewers hint that the magic disappears running the amp in the higher output mode.  Can you or anyone else comment on this?
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