I understand that all other options seem to be off the table but I would urge you to consider a mint used Dartzeel CTH 8550 integrated amp. The road would stop here. Exudes Swiss uber build quality and sound competitive with very high end separates. Lots of power with great refinement. Read reviews in Tone Audio and a fairly recent Positive Feedback review. You can find used in the 12k range and they are constructed to outlast most of us. The designer Herve D is quite renowned, totally accessible and a gentleman. Contact Jonathan Tinn at Blue Light Audio if you have even a smidgeon of interest. I have no personal interest other than shedding light on one of the great pieces of audio gear that would absolutely light your fire. Oh, I love the color which kind of implies the rich but neutral sound. FWIW
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.