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.


denon1

Showing 2 responses by peppar1

Sorry to pick up this slightly older thread but I am from Germany and I do disagree about T+A with Audiotroy...

T+A in Germany is a brand considered one step above average - not HighEnd! This isn’t to say they are bad but not on par with Gryphon, Pass Labs or for example Dan D’Agostino.

If you’re looking for a German HighEnd brand look for
Einstein Audio Components. 
Sincerely 
@ryder : your last sentences are very well said and observed wisely.

I also still do enjoy listening with my Pass Labs monos. Interesting to read about the former Gryphon owner who changed back to Pass :)

Never had a Gryphon myself but I think their Antileon Evo isn’t a bad amp...But I‘ll keep my Pass anyway. ;)