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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
mkwglyg
35 posts
 
I also interested in the gryphon diablo 300 but worry about the heat. Is it very hot after about 1hr use?
Hot means unable to place yr hand on it for 30sec
mkwglyg
35 posts
 
Some may say heat is not a source of concern for hi end audio . I think it is big time. My previous audio research ss d100 was hot like an iron. Freaks me out
donjr
1,335 posts
 
I'm not going to read through this entire thread but I hope you're still considering the Accuphase E-650. You can't compare it to the 470 so erase that experience from your mind. The Gryphon is good but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the difference between that and the Accuphase. Id put my own money down that you like the Accuphase better. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
greginnh
382 posts
 
@denon1 - good move on the Esoteric upgrade going from K-05X to K01X.  I did exactly the same thing earlier this year.  A few months ago, I also purchased an Aurender N10.    You will be handsomely rewarded!

Congrats!
denon1 OP
331 posts
 
Guys, my gryphon diablo 300 has about 200 hours on it and I think it fully burned in now. The overall sound is so refined but at the same time rich and textured, far from thin , cold or analytical, but at the same time I can’t say it’s warm or thick  sounding, as I said before, it’s closer to live sound more than any integrated I had and heard.

i will also put the end to some concerns about heat. Yesterday I used it non stop for about 7 hours and it became just moderatly warm to touch. The pass int-250 has been much warmer in my system.

greginnth, thanks. Looks like I follow your steps, next on the horizon is aurender n10. Also  bought stillpoints ultra ss to use on k-01x that should come in a week. 

Happy New 2018 to all. 
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