2. amps-preamps
  3. 132108-1570

Upgrading form Pass integrated amplifier to a better one

Hello,

Currently I have a PASS INT-250 integrated amplifier . The Pass INT-250 is a very good integrated (in my system it was overall better than Plinius Hiato, Gamut D150se, Mark Levinson 535, Vitus RI-100,  Accuphase E-470 and some others) but I can't get rid of the feeling that I miss some explosiveness (drum kicks for example) and micro details.

I know that its not the speakers. The new Sonus faber tradition I have are much more open, dynamic and airy than previous Guarneri Evos, Elipasas SE and Amati Anniversarious I used to own. And before buying them I auditioned the Serafinos with Audio Research separates and it was the amazing combo. But I really prefer not to go the separates road ( ICs, power cords and space contribute to financial constrains also) and even so I like the combo of Pass and Serafinos overall but from time to time looking for some better integrated on the market.

Currently I presented with a good opportunity to buy latest Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated or latest just released Accuphase E-650.  No possiblilty to demo them, so I am asking here on the forum if anybody can comment if Gryphon Diablo 300 or Accuphase E-650 will be better integrated than Pass INT250 overall and especially in terms of dynamics, micro details and harmonics.

Any advise and opinion would be very appreciated.

My system: Esoteric K-05x, Pass INT-250, Sonus Faber Serafinos, all cabling are the Shunyata Sigmas.

Room is 12" wide by 17" long. Listen mostly acoustic jazz and chamber classical on low to moderate levels.


Thank you.


denon1
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
Denon1, I highly recommend the Gryphon product's, the dealer you have is spot on with description of the sound,  post your impression's here are email me,🎼🎶🎵
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
Denon1,  Btw, what version have you considered?,  the added dac module,  the mm/mc phono pre-amp?,  or regular Diablo 300?
hddg's avatar
hddg
121 posts
 
I believe these amps could do much better with more efficient speakers. These SF are not what I personally consider efficient speakers. They need some power, and i have noticed on several speaker models that the Pass, which are excellent amps, struggle to give the dynamics - I know exactly your feeling about that aspect, as I am a big fan of dynamics. 
Now again for dynamics especially, these Accuphase wont do it any better than the Pass. There are many choices out there, but you are on something good here - if you have the opportunity for the Gryphon Diablo 300, I think you would have it all there and a great match for the SF - amazing stuff !!! Keep us posted
passet02's avatar
passet02
145 posts
 
Ming Da KT 120 ,110 watts UL.55 Watts Tr.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
1,219 posts
 
Two integrated amps I have personally heard in depth a bit better then the very good Pass Labs ,are both from Denmark,
The superb Virus audio ,they make 2 models. Perrota consultants I believe still is s delear for them.
Gryphon another great product ,I do not think any distribution in the U.S

Due to a horrible review ,that was totally untrue . As with many reviewers they assume the unit is fully run in. Which BTW I totally feel the MFG should cover this to prevent dumb
Things like that from happening. Long story short it totally ruined the little bit of support 
It had and since then he has stayed mainly in the European market. Having owned a Hifi store and heard these integrated amps know they are better then most separates. Expensive Yes but built to premium standards throughout.
The same can be said about Vitus.and power Doubles down to 2 ohms.Gryphon has a smaller model out now.also Accuphase makes a lower power 150wpc which is Excellent.
More to discover