Quite frankly, your concerns seem valid and would probably stop me from laying out this type of cash for the unit. Its the two big show stoppers, having to ship to a heavy unit to a different country for repairs and an unknown as to the future direction of the company. Nowhere near the same financial investment, but I have Museatex-Meitner mono block amps, designed and manufactured by Ed Meitner. After this company shut down one of the amps had problems. If it was not for John Wright who worked with Meitner, there would be no easy avenue to repair the unit that is not of a completely conventional design. As it is, the unit is being shipped to Canada for repair. No huge deal, but it doesn't weigh 100 lbs either. So your concerns are valid.
Bryston 4B3 vs Mac MC462 vs Pass Labs X250.8, OR... GRYPHON Diablo 300?
Hi,
Over the next few weeks I am organizing in-home demo of three pre/power amps for my B&W 803D2's, and will purchase whichever sounds best. I will be testing the following gear, which is based on what's available where live:
-Bryston B173 / 4B3-McIntosh C47 / MC462
-Pass Labs X250.8, if I can get my hands on one (will probably use the C47 pre-amp to test with this)
The Gryphon Diablo 300 is also a candidate. I've seen some strong comments from others that Gryphon is in another league compared to the others.
My question is, barring what sounds best to me during my auditioning, in general to most people would the Diablo 300 really beat the others in my list? And, are there any material disadvantages to sound quality considering the Diablo is an integrated vs the other choices? I don't really care about having separates, but sound is obviously important.
Secondly related to the Gryphon, there is only one Gryphon dealer that is even remotely close to me. Should that dealer cut ties down the road, or go out of business, does anyone know how I might go about getting service for the Diablo should I require it at some point? Is that a valid concern? There are multiple Mac dealers near me so that would not be so much of a concern.
Thanks in advance for any feedback....
Over the next few weeks I am organizing in-home demo of three pre/power amps for my B&W 803D2's, and will purchase whichever sounds best. I will be testing the following gear, which is based on what's available where live:
-Bryston B173 / 4B3-McIntosh C47 / MC462
-Pass Labs X250.8, if I can get my hands on one (will probably use the C47 pre-amp to test with this)
The Gryphon Diablo 300 is also a candidate. I've seen some strong comments from others that Gryphon is in another league compared to the others.
My question is, barring what sounds best to me during my auditioning, in general to most people would the Diablo 300 really beat the others in my list? And, are there any material disadvantages to sound quality considering the Diablo is an integrated vs the other choices? I don't really care about having separates, but sound is obviously important.
Secondly related to the Gryphon, there is only one Gryphon dealer that is even remotely close to me. Should that dealer cut ties down the road, or go out of business, does anyone know how I might go about getting service for the Diablo should I require it at some point? Is that a valid concern? There are multiple Mac dealers near me so that would not be so much of a concern.
Thanks in advance for any feedback....