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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
6550c
393 posts
 
I have only owned PASS LABS and they DO NOT error on the warm side. No hint of warmth. The warmth meter goes to zero.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I have owned Gryphon, Pass and Lamm, the later is for me the less coloured and honest sounding of the pack
hamburgcity OP
7 posts
 
@Aldavis: Thank you for that combination recommendation. Audio Research Ref 5 + Antileon Signature is on my list

@Changster: Nice to hear I am not the only one facing this dilemma! Wavac is not on my radar as they really are crazy expensive and look very esoteric on top of that. On Gryphon continuity I agree. The used prices of their equipment are really keeping quite constant (on the current models, the discontinued once drop a fair bit). Also while I am sure some people hate their design it is quite a statement which I believe makes it more appealing for resale. Especially with expensive audio products people seem to buy as much for their looks as for their performance! (Obviously not the people here on Audiogon)

@Flg2001: Funny you mention Lamm as the most neutral. Some other people I talked to found it to be a bit coloured rather than neutral, which just shows again that different ears and systems bring out quite different impressions!
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
Indeed Hamburgcity, I had several Gryphon and really liked their organic, dynamic and powerfull presentation, Pass were fast and transaprent, Lamm were more neutral, velveted and tonally correct. You can't go wrong with neither of thiese excellent options.

Regards,
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Hamburgcity, I use a CJ Act 2 and Antileon. I like the combination a lot. It bettered my CJ tube amp by a wide margin on all areas...most particularly dynamics, low-end control and soundstage depth and size. Limitless dynamics.

Enjoy the search!!! Pls keep us posted.
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