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Integrated Amp (Gryphon, T+A, etc) or DAC + Stereo Amp for B&W 802d3

Hi everyone,

First post here on Audiogon as I’m seeking advice to upgrade my current amps for B&W 802d3. The speakers have been driven by Devialet Expert Pro 440 CI over the last years and I can’t really say Devialet  is my cup of tea, although it’s extremely convenient. Appreciate if someone can share his/her experience.

The following amps are currently in my shortlist and I’m really close to pulling the trigger to one of the amps -

Streaming DAC (w or w/o preamp) + Integrated Amp: Gryphon Diablo 300, T+A PA 3100 HV, Accuphase E-800,
OR
Streaming DAC (w or w/o preamp) straight into Stereo/Power Amp: Gryphon Essence, Accuphase A-75, Luxman M-900u

All my listening sources are Digital (Roon + TIDAL, AirPlay, Apple TV, TV) so I’m leaning towards a good quality Streaming DAC + Stereo amp unless a pre-amp is really necessary to add ’colouration’ or some sort.

Any thoughts/advice?

Additional info:
1. I listen mostly to Jazz, vocals, classical (especially piano and violin). Music 75%, 25% films via Apple TV
2. I have T+A PA 3100 HV loaner/home audition at the minute. Great amp, very neutral, balanced, great bass control and impressive soundstage. But, I feel like it’s an ’upgraded’ version of Devialet...it’s a bit analytical and doesn’t have the warmth for midrange at least to my ears
3. I’m looking for an amp that a) great soundstage b) details c) control the 802D3 bass well d) warmer than Devialet or T+A (go for pure Class A perhaps?)

fan118
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
fan118



Hi fan, with a 3ohm load from 100hz to 1khz in the bass and mid bass for the B&W 802 D3’s and again in the low bass at 70hz where there’s also -64 degrees of negative phase angle for the amp to contend with as well.
https://www.stereophile.com/images/616BW802fig1.jpg
These speakers want current, the Gryphon Diablo 300 would be my pick, partly because of the many bi-polar output transistors and massive power supply they use, the best formula for big current.
Gryphon Diablo 300:
The extreme wideband frequency response of the Diablo 300 extends from 0.5 Hz to 350 kHz and its prodigious 300 Watt (8 Ohms) power output. The extreme high current capability of the Diablo 300 allows it to double its output to 600 Watts in a 4 Ohm load and deliver a massive 950 Watts into 2 Ohms.

Cheers George





fan118 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks George appreciate your feedback!

I think you hit the nail on the head. When I listen to very dynamic classical music the Dev. 440 wasn't able to control the bass well (in contrast to the loaner T+A PA 3100 HV) and I believe it's one of the reasons of listening fatigue.

I'll soon audition the amp!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The Dev. 440 wasn’t able to control the bass well (in contrast to the loaner T+A PA 3100 HV)
Because it’s class-d mosfet, they just get flustered driving those kind of loads.

And I think the Diablo 300 will even be better again, as TA doesn’t publish any 2ohm specs

Cheers George
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
ah ok! that explains (electronics isn't my field I just know the basic).

thanks again.


tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,638 posts
 
I think the T+A could handle the bass with your B&Ws just fine, but talk to someone who knows for sure before spending any money.
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