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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
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).
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
Congratulations @fan118 !! That looks like an outstanding amp!

Did you get the matching Essence preamp as well? Or running DAC directly to Amp? Is your DAC a Linn?
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
fan118 OP

👍 For getting the Gryphon Essence, it will serve you and and any future speakers you get for a long time to come.

Also good work doing the ground work before buying, too many just grab things mentioned here to get by "good doers" without looking at the ability of them into the loads they will see.

Cheers George  
cervantes77
3 posts
 
Congrats!  Gryphon certainly delivers the goods!

Did you find the Essence to sound significantly different than the Diablo? Or is it more about the control and grip over those woofers?  I only had an abbreviated audition of the Essence and didn't get a good feel for it.  
Did you get a chance to audition the new Dag Progression Integrated by any chance?  Got my eye on it.
fan118 OP
9 posts
 
Hi Cervantes - the sound signature in my opinion is only slightly different (ie still the Gryphon sound) especially the authority is still there which controls the bass very well. The soundstage and depth are on a different level compare to Diablo 300. I think the speaker matching is quite important for the Gryphons and for me it's either you like it or hate it (at this price point you got a lot more options).

With regards to Dag Progression, unfortunately no as I'm not sure if there's a dealer in the UK and even if there is the information is rather limited.

If I want to upgrade the amp in the future I may have a look at Aries Cerat. I saw a full set of their equipment today and absolute gorgeous.
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