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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
johnto
1,040 posts
 

The Pass equipment is truly wonderful I'm using a 250.8 with magnepan 3.7i never a problem and rarely leaves class A. Reno HiFi will let you demo in home. There's also the used option which I took based on reviews

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mayoradamwest
430 posts
 

I had the 802D3 for a few years in my system and had a few different high end amp. My feeling is that the highs and mids will be wonderful with any of the amps you mention, but bass will be a challenge in any reasonably large room. The bass will be tight (probably more with the Gryphon) but it will never have that huge impact. If your a bass person, like myself, you might need to consider a pair of subs. 

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lalitk
5,626 posts
 

+1, @thyname

@jeffreyw

T+A Integrated’s are pretty awesome, ultra detailed and plenty of grunt in lower octaves. I used to own B&W 800D2’s and you can’t fully appreciate B&W’s (especially the 800 or 802’s) until you feed them with an amp that’s stable down to 2ohms load.

mournbladeiv
33 posts
 

Michi X5  , 300/600 . I like mine quite a bit.

ronboco
874 posts
 

The Boulder 866 has stellar reviews. Very neutral if that is important to you. Good luck! 
 

merry Christmas everyone! 

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