2. amps-preamps
  3. 160439-37252

Integrated/Power Amp for Vienna Acoustics Mahler

My current system consists of a Teac VRDS-25 CD player with a superclock used only as a transport (and a streamer) into a Weiss DAC 202. The Weiss feeds a BAT VK40 preamp modified with Mundorf SilverOil coupling caps. The powers amps are DIY Hypex Ncore NC400 based monoblocks feeding the Vienna Acoustics Mahlers speakers with upgraded crossover components. There is no analogue front end. I mainly listen to rock, progressive metal/symphonic metal and a little opera.

The system sounds good but I feel the highs are little harsh, perhaps even thin with perhaps a hint of sibilance which I think could be associated with the Class D amplification. I am therefore thinking of either upgrading the monoblocks or replace the preamp and the power amps with a quality integrated. Valves are out, the Mahlers while are relatively efficient, present a difficult load dropping to below 3 Ohms at some frequencies bellow 100Hz, IMO they need loads of current to drive them properly.

I am considering the following integrated amps:
  •  Gryphon Diablo ( the original, NOT the 3000) / Diablo120
  •  T+A PA3000HV
  •  ASR Emitter II (Exclusive) 
  •  Vitus RI-100
  •  Audio Flight FLS10 
  • Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary
  •  Audionet Watt?

Alternatively I keep the BAT preamp and I look for a power amp:
  •  Old secondhand Gryphon Antileon (perhaps Signature, not the EVO)
  •  Burmester 956 MKII
  •  Linnenberg Liszt
  •  Kinki Studio EX-P7

I am based in Europe, all of the above are within my budget (mostly secondhand), I could stretch my budget for something exceptional. Unfortunately there is no way I could audition any of it where I live so it is going to be a blind buy...
Anything else to consider? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

greg_f
gregm
3,405 posts
 
Interesting revival of an old thread! As a precurse to your quest and looking at your shortlists, here are some subjective comments.
I would prefer the Vitus to the Gryphon 120, but I might prefer the 300 to the Vitus. The Vitus is very controlled, extended and authoritative, I find the big Gryphon a tad more relaxed in the high register, but very capable as well.
As I remember it, the big ASR (the 3 box model) sounded a bit tinny by comparison.
If you like the Gryphon sound, you might also consider a CH Precision integrated.
Good luck!


gosta's avatar
gosta
839 posts
 
Bought the original Diablo used just a month ago and it is amazing driving my Salon 2's. 

Now of course curious about the even bigger Gryphons :-) but unsure if they produce enough watts to satisfy the Salons. Current they do have.


greg_f OP
100 posts
 
@gregm, first of all are we in the same country? :) Thanks for the suggestions, very interesting that you put the Vitus above the Diablo 120 but below the 300. Is there that much difference between the two Diablos? I thought the ASR emitter II exclusive was fuller that the Diablo but there you go. Do you have personal experience of these amps? Please tell me more.

@gosta, did you have a change to compare the Diablo with anythng else before buying it? If you do upgrade to the Gryphon Class A amps, they have tons of current, they can drive extremely difficult loads so they should be able to drive the Salons well.
yage
400 posts
 
I would try this - drive your Hypex NCore amps with the Weiss directly and use Filter A (sharp roll-off).

This will give you an ultra clean signal path and will let you know if it is the amp that's producing the harshness you hear.

gosta's avatar
gosta
839 posts
 
I compared to JC-1, Tidal Impulse, Bladelius Grendel and a NuPrime class-d. And more. I will also during summer (hopefully) try Nelson Pass 250.8 and Hegel H30.

The Gryphon deliver what I want. From bottom to top.

Yes, they sure have current for any possible peak, but will they play the Salon 2’s loud enough without having to play at full volume is what i’m uncertain about. With the Salons the saying is that you need at least 500w at 8 ohms to fully control them. A mono H30 will give you that.....and current.
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