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Integrated Amp (Gryphon, T+A, etc) or DAC + Stereo Amp for B&W 802d3

Hi everyone,

First post here on Audiogon as I’m seeking advice to upgrade my current amps for B&W 802d3. The speakers have been driven by Devialet Expert Pro 440 CI over the last years and I can’t really say Devialet  is my cup of tea, although it’s extremely convenient. Appreciate if someone can share his/her experience.

The following amps are currently in my shortlist and I’m really close to pulling the trigger to one of the amps -

Streaming DAC (w or w/o preamp) + Integrated Amp: Gryphon Diablo 300, T+A PA 3100 HV, Accuphase E-800,
OR
Streaming DAC (w or w/o preamp) straight into Stereo/Power Amp: Gryphon Essence, Accuphase A-75, Luxman M-900u

All my listening sources are Digital (Roon + TIDAL, AirPlay, Apple TV, TV) so I’m leaning towards a good quality Streaming DAC + Stereo amp unless a pre-amp is really necessary to add ’colouration’ or some sort.

Any thoughts/advice?

Additional info:
1. I listen mostly to Jazz, vocals, classical (especially piano and violin). Music 75%, 25% films via Apple TV
2. I have T+A PA 3100 HV loaner/home audition at the minute. Great amp, very neutral, balanced, great bass control and impressive soundstage. But, I feel like it’s an ’upgraded’ version of Devialet...it’s a bit analytical and doesn’t have the warmth for midrange at least to my ears
3. I’m looking for an amp that a) great soundstage b) details c) control the 802D3 bass well d) warmer than Devialet or T+A (go for pure Class A perhaps?)

fan118

Showing 9 responses by fan118

fan118 OP
9 posts
 
ah ok! that explains (electronics isn't my field I just know the basic).

thanks again.


fan118 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks George appreciate your feedback!

I think you hit the nail on the head. When I listen to very dynamic classical music the Dev. 440 wasn't able to control the bass well (in contrast to the loaner T+A PA 3100 HV) and I believe it's one of the reasons of listening fatigue.

I'll soon audition the amp!
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
cheers guys!
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks Bilatata, indeed that’s why I’m looking for a warmer sound of amp for now. I do like B&W a lot especially the turbine head, soundstage and bass. However I had ProAc and Harbeth speakers previously as well.

I may get ProAc bookshelf speakers on my working desk so I can listen to both speakers at different times :).
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
thanks Thyname. I'll try the toe-in later. Perhaps less toe-in where the diamond tweeters point just outside my shoulders rather than 45 degree placement.

I do enjoy the T+A amp a lot plus very nice looking especially the VU meters at night and the titanium finish! On the flip side the remote control is like from the 80s...very chunky and heavy and I think it looks ugly (personal opinion).

@smer319 - CH Precision i1 is beyond my budget and I'm sure even if I can afford it I'll then upgrade my speakers and think the amplifier isn't good enough :)
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
@andrewkelley - lol exactly! the 9 DSD is indeed a good dac at that price point as well.

PS. I'm going to audition both Essence and Diablo 300 paring with the 802 D3s over the weekend! I'm sure I'll know which amp to purchase afterwards.
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
Hi George, actually is at the dealer's place. I'm indeed aware of the differences, just want to  compare the Essence (pre/power combo and streaming DAC straight into power amp) vs Diablo 300 if that makes sense. 

My listening room is approx. 17' x 15' ft and listening volume is low - medium so 50w into 8ohm should be fine.

I'd also need to factor in my longer term plan for upgrade (or not!) and 'approval' by partner for the 'look' of the amp. 
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
Hi Jay, thanks for the feedback. Indeed T+A is extremely smooth, neutral and balanced! I liked the amp a lot.

I just came back from the audition (Diablo 300 and Essence). The Diablo 300, like many have already said the 'authority' is def. one of the best ways to describe the characteristic of amp and it's warmer (Class A for first 10W) than T+A. However, the Diablo 300 can be a bit harsh for the treble and it wasn't able to tame the diamond tweeter in contrast to T+A. The room at the dealer's place is ideal so I don't think it's the problem of the interface with the room.

In summary it's really down to personal preferences, either Diablo 300 or T+A PA 3100 HV. Personally I would choose T+A PA 3100 HV over Diablo 300 to pair with B&W 8 series including an important factor - the 'look' (like George said Wife Acceptance Factor).

I've put a deposit on the Essence power amp. The dealer unboxed a brand new power amp for me to audition, paired with Linn streaming DAC. Without burn-in and warming up, the Essence is just on another level...it is way better than Diablo 300 and T+A PA 3100 HV in every single aspect I can think of and it was able to drive the B&W 802d3 easily (I cranked up the volume on purpose to test how the amp can drive very dynamic classical music).
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
Hi Cervantes - the sound signature in my opinion is only slightly different (ie still the Gryphon sound) especially the authority is still there which controls the bass very well. The soundstage and depth are on a different level compare to Diablo 300. I think the speaker matching is quite important for the Gryphons and for me it's either you like it or hate it (at this price point you got a lot more options).

With regards to Dag Progression, unfortunately no as I'm not sure if there's a dealer in the UK and even if there is the information is rather limited.

If I want to upgrade the amp in the future I may have a look at Aries Cerat. I saw a full set of their equipment today and absolute gorgeous.
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