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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
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 :)
andrewkelley
275 posts
 
@fan118 I use the t+a DAC 8 dsd remote to control my HV for that exact reason. The HV remote is like a weapon it’s so big and heavy 
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.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I’m going to audition both Essence and Diablo 300 paring with the 802 D3s over the weekend!
This is getting done at your place I hope?
As you know the sound of your room and setup

Looking at the differences, the Essence should be even sweeter using the same preamp, being higher Class-A biased, (the Diablo preamp I think can be done with programming to make the two sub outs to be pre outs?) If I remember right when it was here.
Depends on how loud you like to go but the Essence should be the better so long as it’s not near it’s 50w-8ohm limit, in the bass it’s good for 200w being down to around 2ohm 

Cheers George
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. 
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