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Luxman 509X, 590AXII, or Gryphon Diablo 300 for B&W 802d3

Hello All and Happy Holidays,

As the title states, I am exploring an integrated for my B&W's. I would like to get some insight as to your experiences with the aforementioned. I do enjoy a "tubey" midrange and also love my bass (a lot)! The top end is not as important to me. I only do digital and hope to utilize a tube DAC (maybe AudioNote). There is something magical about class A, but can the 30 watts of the Luxman do an adequate job in taming the B&W's?

As far as Gryphon, the reviews are legendary. I have heard Luxman some years ago and it was quite engaging. However, I am having struggles auditioning the Diablo. Please advise on the strengths and weaknesses. I hope to make this my last purchase for many years (at least, I hope!).

128x128jeffreyw
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,104 posts
 

I recommend Gryphon Diablo, neither of the Luxman you’re considering have the ‘grunt’ to drive power hungry speakers like 802D3.

Gryphon’s are more transparent and has that ‘silky’ smooth presentation. 

fastfreight
689 posts
 

Have you considered the Audionet Watt?

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw OP
244 posts
 

I have not considered Audionet. I am actually totally unfamiliar with the brand, unfortunately!

lucky_doggg7
115 posts
 

Happy Holidays... "Tube-y" you say... Well then, this for solid state...  This is the Int 250 by Pass Labs.  

As for power output, Stereophile reviewed the Int-150 and into 4 ohms, it belted out 284 wpc; based on this, I think it is safe to say that the Int-250 into 4 ohms would make 500 wpc.  That is not too shabby.  

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw OP
244 posts
 

I have considered the Pass Int-250, unfortunately, I can't find a dealer anywhere near me. I know it has received many accolades for performance. 

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