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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
ryder
1,689 posts
 
Time really flies. I noticed i have actually posted here almost a year ago seeking advice from the OP. It just felt like yesterday.. Ohh well, I’m exaggerating. Anyways I’ve settled with the Luxman L-590AXII instead of Pass Labs INT-60 for my Marten Duke 2, and the current combination is a match in heaven.

I noticed the OP has moved from the Pass INT-250 to the Gryphon Diablo 300, touted as one of the best integrated amps money can buy. Interestingly the OP has abandoned the Gryphon after using it for about a year and moved to the Luxman L-509X before settling down with the Pass INT-250 again. This sort of thing is unexpected but I guess anything can happen in this hobby. It is interesting to note that the OP found the Gryphon to be poor at low volumes with reduced micro-detail, presumably when compared to the Pass Labs.

The outcome suggests that the grass is not always greener on the other side. If we have found something that works well in the system, it may be prudent to just stay put and enjoy the music instead of constantly looking for the Holy grail. Having said that, I’m still curious about the sound of the Pass Labs INT-60 or how it will compare to the INT-250. Well, it will never end isn’t it?
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riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook
981 posts
 
Ryder......now your going to want to try the NEW Luxman Integrated thats coming out soon.  It looks like a Retro Integrated Pioneer Receiver....no meters...Just knobs/buttons with wood sides
audiosgp1
12 posts
 
2 years ago I was still considering how to match my Focal Sopra 2. After several auditions i jumped with Pass INT-250 (with Cerious Graphen Matrix cables)
Exactly what i was looking for. Actually after 18 months of heavy listening,  I would even say that it is better than what I was expecting. I still rediscover my music. 
Not trying to convince anyone or advertise for anything. Everyone enjoys in a different way. But selfishly my very own pleasure .
peppar1
20 posts
 
@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. ;)
protegimus
9 posts
 

For all Pass Labs INT-250 owners (likely all Pass integrateds and possibly pre-amps) there is even more to be had.
Replace the monolithic regulators on the INT_8_MB_R1 Pre-amp board with discrete regulators from SparkoS Labs., Inc.
The points denon1 identified are fully addressed, dynamics, micro-details and improved sound stage depth is also realised. This is a relatively inexpensive modification and the rewards are dramatic - from what is already an outstanding amp.
I’m listening with Magico S5 speakers.

@ryder I’d highly recommend you audition the INT-60. I’d expect the 30W of class A would benefit your Marten Duke 2’s more than the additional reserve of the INT-250.
Listen to both if you have the opportunity of course.

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