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
Denon1, yes, I will always keep a cd player as well for exactly the reasons that you said but also for sound quality and some rare discs.
I understand, you didn't buy Gryphon dac option, extra $6k is no fun, and I don't know how it competes with outboard dacs of similar cost including cable and power cord. No no, this would be a very uninteresting cause for a divorce, you are absolutely right.
This is one of the more enjoyable threads I've read in years.  DEnon1 there is currently an Aavik integrated that is being offered at a very reasonable price.  TAS went Gaga over the unit if I recall.  I have the gryphon, Aavik, T&A, and th e Vitus on my short list.  I wish someone could do an ss integrated shoot-out and share their impressions.

Since he already got the Gryphon, it looks like you're the most likely candidate to try (one of) the rest and report back
Aavik doesn't have XLR inputs, has only fixed 62db phono gain, only three line inputs and it doesn't weigh much. No thank you, not for me.
T+ A looks impressive. Of those I would only audition the Gryphon and the German. Some do like Vitus, many others not much.