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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
jafant
18,804 posts
 
denon1
Much Thanks! for the update. Good to read that you solved the Cabling issue.  Now, kick back and enjoy the Music!
Happy Listening!
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,589 posts
 
Good on you for your persistence in putting together a system that does all the right things.It's not always easy.Enjoy:)
russellrcncom
305 posts
 

denon1:  Keep us informed of the progress of your search.  Perhaps you could take a step (funds permitting of course) up to an "uber integrated" the likes of

Ypsilon, Absolare, Vitus (SIA-30), Soulution, Dartzeel, and of course, T&A. 


br3098
969 posts
 
Sorry, chiming in late.  It's your speakers, not your amp.  Speakers are where the main difference in sound occurs, not at the amp.  I'm not saying that all amps sound the same, but the effects you specifically mention (explosiveness and drum kicks) can more effectively be managed by a change in speakers.  All the integrated amps you mentioned your amp as "overall better" than are top notch amps.

But maybe it's not the speakers.  Maybe it's your room.  Any speaker is limited by speaker placement and room interaction.  I would consider getting a good room analysis before spending any additional money on gear.  You can do it yourself, but IMO a good room wizard will work magic (sorry for the pun).
denon1 OP
329 posts
 
br3098,  yes speakers are very important component, but I disagree that its all about speakers. With a lot of trials and errors for the last 15 years, I now understand that before signal gets to the speakers it has to go thru the whole chain of components called system - were everything is critically important to make the speakers sound to their best. 
If one does not have the 20 amp dedicated line it will affect the signal. Outlets, power conditioning, power cables, audio stands,  isolation devices and of cause room acoustics. After that front end, ICs, amplification, speakers cables and finally speakers and your listening position. Another important thing is the synergy between all components. Great cables like Nordost V2  will sound great with  speakers like Sonus Faber, but may be too much for speakers like Magico that is great with Shunyata or Audioquest cables. The same with amplifier and everything else.
But if integrated or pre/amplifier  combo does not have enough current to drive medium /lower efficient speakers - even if those speakers are great ones and cost like a good car, one will never hear proper drum kicks,  3d soundstage, bass  and other important things. If amplifier does have a lot of current but speaker cables unable to deliver it to the speakers - again you will never hear full potential of your amplifier and speakers.
I can go on. For the last 15 years, I spent well above $100k to have sound that I think gets me closer to jazz live music, but my whole system costs around $65k retail. Were did other $100k went - trials end errors and lack of understanding that everything is very important in the system. And another very important thing - no matter how good your dealers are, no matter how great reviews and users opinions on specific components  - one have to trust his own eras only. 
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