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Luxman 509X, 590AXII, or Gryphon Diablo 300 for B&W 802d3

Hello All and Happy Holidays,

As the title states, I am exploring an integrated for my B&W's. I would like to get some insight as to your experiences with the aforementioned. I do enjoy a "tubey" midrange and also love my bass (a lot)! The top end is not as important to me. I only do digital and hope to utilize a tube DAC (maybe AudioNote). There is something magical about class A, but can the 30 watts of the Luxman do an adequate job in taming the B&W's?

As far as Gryphon, the reviews are legendary. I have heard Luxman some years ago and it was quite engaging. However, I am having struggles auditioning the Diablo. Please advise on the strengths and weaknesses. I hope to make this my last purchase for many years (at least, I hope!).

128x128jeffreyw
erik_squires
16,123 posts
 

Also, consider your listening location.  Some feel the 802's sound a lot better if you sit on the midrange axis or lower than the tweeter axis.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,550 posts
 

I recommend Gryphon Diablo, neither of the Luxman you’re considering have the ‘grunt’ to drive power hungry speakers like 802D3.

Gryphon’s are more transparent and has that ‘silky’ smooth presentation. 

fastfreight
804 posts
 

Have you considered the Audionet Watt?

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw OP
270 posts
 

I have not considered Audionet. I am actually totally unfamiliar with the brand, unfortunately!

lucky_doggg7
120 posts
 

Happy Holidays... "Tube-y" you say... Well then, this for solid state...  This is the Int 250 by Pass Labs.  

As for power output, Stereophile reviewed the Int-150 and into 4 ohms, it belted out 284 wpc; based on this, I think it is safe to say that the Int-250 into 4 ohms would make 500 wpc.  That is not too shabby.  

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