2. amps-preamps
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Amplifier Experience Gryphon Pass Lamm BAT

After living with a small integrated amp for quite some time (Pathos) I am finally about to take the plunge and buy myself a large power amplifier with a matching preamp. (Speakers are WB Chimeras)

I am focussed mostly on class A amps amd prefer a neutral sound erring on the warm side. After having lived with Pathos for a while I am looking for someting more powerful than most tube amps.

The brands and models I have narrowed it down to are:
- BAT VK52SE+ 2x BAT VK600
- Pass Labs XP-20 + XA160.5 Monos
- Lamm L2 Reference + Lamm M1.2 Reference Monos
- Gryphon Mirage + Antileon Signature Stereo

All models are used or ex-demo equipment I could get a good price on hence if some manufacturers (Krell, mbl etc.) are not included this is because there is either no opportunity or I excluded them for some other reason.

The above are listed according to price I could get them at with the BAT being quite a bit cheaper and the other three being quite close.

I will not be able to compare any of the above in the same room, etc so I would be grateful for any direct experience people have in comparing the above!
hamburgcity
kops's avatar
kops
478 posts
 
Lamm are the weakest in power reserves and can't deliver the power you'll need.

Gryphon and Pass with tube preamps like: Arc ref3/5, Viva Linea xp, Einstein are fantastic matches.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I think that Gryphon does not offer the kind of sound you are looking for. Antileon amps are also very problematic, so I would rather avoid them.

I have had Lamm M1.2R, now I have Pass XA-.5 ... personally, I would go with Pass amps.
rtn1
535 posts
 
Elberoth2,

Is this the end of your Amp-O-Rama? You certainly have to give us some details. You've really had some fine pieces of equipment come through your room.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
It certainly isn't ... I forgot to mention that I still have Audio Note Japan Ongaku amp on loan. I was considering this amp for my Sophias, since it did many things other amps were not able to duplicate, but with Sasha 1.8Ohm impedance dip, I seriously doubt it will have enough current to drive them. I will have to check though, hoping the uber expensive 1940' WE 211 tubes will not say good bye :-)
rtn1
535 posts
 
Elbertroth2. Thank goodness for audiophiles like you. You keep the rest of us appearing 'relatively' sane. When my wife starts yelling at me, I will certainly tell her about all of your amplifiers!
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