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Integrated Amp (Gryphon, T+A, etc) or DAC + Stereo Amp for B&W 802d3

Hi everyone,

First post here on Audiogon as I’m seeking advice to upgrade my current amps for B&W 802d3. The speakers have been driven by Devialet Expert Pro 440 CI over the last years and I can’t really say Devialet  is my cup of tea, although it’s extremely convenient. Appreciate if someone can share his/her experience.

The following amps are currently in my shortlist and I’m really close to pulling the trigger to one of the amps -

Streaming DAC (w or w/o preamp) + Integrated Amp: Gryphon Diablo 300, T+A PA 3100 HV, Accuphase E-800,
OR
Streaming DAC (w or w/o preamp) straight into Stereo/Power Amp: Gryphon Essence, Accuphase A-75, Luxman M-900u

All my listening sources are Digital (Roon + TIDAL, AirPlay, Apple TV, TV) so I’m leaning towards a good quality Streaming DAC + Stereo amp unless a pre-amp is really necessary to add ’colouration’ or some sort.

Any thoughts/advice?

Additional info:
1. I listen mostly to Jazz, vocals, classical (especially piano and violin). Music 75%, 25% films via Apple TV
2. I have T+A PA 3100 HV loaner/home audition at the minute. Great amp, very neutral, balanced, great bass control and impressive soundstage. But, I feel like it’s an ’upgraded’ version of Devialet...it’s a bit analytical and doesn’t have the warmth for midrange at least to my ears
3. I’m looking for an amp that a) great soundstage b) details c) control the 802D3 bass well d) warmer than Devialet or T+A (go for pure Class A perhaps?)

fan118
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I’m going to audition both Essence and Diablo 300 paring with the 802 D3s over the weekend!
This is getting done at your place I hope?
As you know the sound of your room and setup

Looking at the differences, the Essence should be even sweeter using the same preamp, being higher Class-A biased, (the Diablo preamp I think can be done with programming to make the two sub outs to be pre outs?) If I remember right when it was here.
Depends on how loud you like to go but the Essence should be the better so long as it’s not near it’s 50w-8ohm limit, in the bass it’s good for 200w being down to around 2ohm 

Cheers George
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
Hi George, actually is at the dealer's place. I'm indeed aware of the differences, just want to  compare the Essence (pre/power combo and streaming DAC straight into power amp) vs Diablo 300 if that makes sense. 

My listening room is approx. 17' x 15' ft and listening volume is low - medium so 50w into 8ohm should be fine.

I'd also need to factor in my longer term plan for upgrade (or not!) and 'approval' by partner for the 'look' of the amp. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I’d also need to factor in my longer term plan for upgrade (or not!) and ’approval’ by partner for the ’look’ of the amp.
Gryphon’s look awesome in an "Art Deco" sort of way, very WAF (wife acceptance factor) friendly.

It's been a while now but I think for memory the 2 x sub outs on the Diablo can not only be configured to be L&R "pre outs", but for L&R "main in" also, to turn it into a poweramp as well.

Cheers George
cervantes77
3 posts
 
Hi,

New here and would like to chime in.  :-)

The Diablo and T+A PA3100 are two of my favourite integrateds, in fact I own the T+A.  I ran it with the B&W 805D3 for a few months and the synergy was pretty fine though not spectacular in any particular way.  Certainly not overly  bright, dry, or analytical though, the amp is too naturally warm for that.  The T+A is actually known for it's liquidity and smoothness in the midrange and I would characterise it's overall sound signature as being at the other end of the spectrum from Devialet.  Full and solid soundstage, wonderful transparency, a gorgeously textured mid bass, and sweets singing highs.  And tons of unforced detail and dynamics.  Not everyones cup of tea but certainly impressive.  The Diablo 300 is an extraordinary music-making machine.  I must say I now run my T+A with my Wilson Sabrinas and I very much prefer that combination than the B&W.  Perhaps it's the speaker and it's interface with your room that is not jiving with you.   

Cheers - Jay
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
Hi Jay, thanks for the feedback. Indeed T+A is extremely smooth, neutral and balanced! I liked the amp a lot.

I just came back from the audition (Diablo 300 and Essence). The Diablo 300, like many have already said the 'authority' is def. one of the best ways to describe the characteristic of amp and it's warmer (Class A for first 10W) than T+A. However, the Diablo 300 can be a bit harsh for the treble and it wasn't able to tame the diamond tweeter in contrast to T+A. The room at the dealer's place is ideal so I don't think it's the problem of the interface with the room.

In summary it's really down to personal preferences, either Diablo 300 or T+A PA 3100 HV. Personally I would choose T+A PA 3100 HV over Diablo 300 to pair with B&W 8 series including an important factor - the 'look' (like George said Wife Acceptance Factor).

I've put a deposit on the Essence power amp. The dealer unboxed a brand new power amp for me to audition, paired with Linn streaming DAC. Without burn-in and warming up, the Essence is just on another level...it is way better than Diablo 300 and T+A PA 3100 HV in every single aspect I can think of and it was able to drive the B&W 802d3 easily (I cranked up the volume on purpose to test how the amp can drive very dynamic classical music).
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