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
Thans dguitarnut, 

The Diablo 300 just arrived today.  With only two hours on the clock, it sounds amazing. 
I'm with John K. Get new  speakers instead like Wilson Sasha. I heard 30k recent model of SF with Mac monos. Yeah the sound was chocolatety  & smooth but  lack the liveliness & air. 
Hay,i have the Esoteric f-05 amplifier, Luxman sacd 06u and  the ilumnia magister speakers. ( ilumnia.be). So Natural, detailfull ,pure sound. I never heared music,all instrument, so “correct”.You can listen for hours.  You enjoy and feel the music. Beautiful high,mid and low. Speakers review: Ear magazine,hifi.nl,...
Finally, Gryphon is getting wider recognition, though in some circles especially in Europe and Asia it has been very well known.
Anyone compared more or less directly Diablo 300 and Ypsilon Phaethon ?
I own the Diablo 300 and heard the Ypsilon Phaeton a while back so I can’t really say it was a direct comparison.  I think at this level, it becomes more of a personal preference, synergy between components and cabling. The Diablo of course has much more power on hand so it probably tips the scales if difficult to drive speakers enter the equation.  

Looks like a rainy rainy weekend here in NH so I guess I will be reacquainting myself with the Diablo 300!