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  1. #1
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    I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Well wouldn't you know it? It's been confirmed.....I'll give ya a hint..... I'm a chocoholic!! I thought I already knew that. But, auditioning a certain amp just confirmed it.

    After spending about 5-6 hours listening and listening and listening and listening and auditioning amps at Mike Bovaird's excellent high end audio store (Suncoast Audio)...and we have a winner! We started about 9:00 AM and finished around 3:30 PM. Can't remember the name of the restaurant, but for lunch, Mike took me to eat at a quaint little sea food place and fed me a blackened scallops salad. It was delicious +++++.

    Back to the store for more auditions. After auditioning pretty much all the integrated amps in the store and making a final decision on my amp, Mike took me to the $500,000+ (maybe even $1,000,000) room and played a $200,000 Constellation/Magico M3 system and an awesome beyond description, $200,000+ MBL system.

    So, can you tell which amp I decided on, based on my hint? This should be easy for most guys here. The first AudioShark to guess the amp gets lunch at the same restaurant Mike took me to. And the meal is on Mike B, Mike M, and Joe ("joeinid") LOL!!! The only catch is you have to go to the Florida audio show in order to collect your reward.

    Yes, I got to meet the infamous Joe over Mike's cell phone. Great guy and a very bad influence on me. Joe probably knew what amp I was going to decide on before I decided. Joe, it was sooooooo much fun meeting and talking to you on Mike's phone Saturday. One mistake I've made during my amp search is not talking with you more about how to make such decisions. But once I had a chance to thoroughly audition all the amps I wanted to listen to, one amp kept tugging on my "ear strings".

    OK, so I was just kidding about having to wait until the Florida audio show to know my choice. Although you do have the opportunity to hit Mike or Joe up for a meal.

    I know most of you probably couldn't care less about my choice. In that case you can move along, nothing to see here.

    But for those who genuinely want to know.....drum roll please.....and the winner is................the Bose Lifestyle..............OK, OK, just joshin' ya. BTW, I used to own one of those in the '90s. Yes, the truth slips out! Don't tell anyone I said that. But that's a whole other thread.....that no one will want to read. Sort of like this one.

    Oh, yeah, the audition.....and the winner is (another drum roll).....The Gryphon Diablo 300!!!!!!!! Cricket noise, cricket noise, cricket noise. Uh.....the Gryphon Diablo 300!!!!!!! Anybody out there?

    Seriously, I am so grateful to both Mikes and to Joe for all their help. Mike Bovaird in particular. He was sooooooooo patient and helpful. I can't say enough great things about Mike. Such a good guy and dead honest. I'm so pumped about my choice.

    Yes, it was incredibly fun. But it was not an easy task. The ice cream flavors analogy holds very true here. They were ALL delicious. But, chocoholic that I am, I kept coming back to that creamy, chocolate, sound of the Gryphon D300. I've seen that term used before to describe the D300. Mike even stated he's seen those terms used to describe the D300. But I would use those terms sparingly as the vocals, the mids, upper mids, and top end are actually very open sounding and somewhat air-y to my ears. Not what my ears would call dark or chocolate-y. Just very balanced.

    And the bass/bottom end are just so nice and tight and clean and focused...also just the right amount of bass. To my ears the top end is perfect...not too rolled off, not too dark, not too bright.

    There just are not enough superlatives to describe the D300. Mike will tell you I came back to the D300 every time after auditioning each of the other amps. There is just something about the D300 that really pleases my ears. Great, huge, sound staging, big dynamic range, very accurate, reproduces everything you want to hear and nothing you don't. Did I say very balanced? I don't know what else to say about it.

    We auditioned the following integrated amps using the same speakers I have at home (Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary Models):

    Simaudio 340xi, Naim Supernait 3, VAC 170i, Luxman 509x, Hegel H390, Pass Labs int 60, and Gryphon D300. Pretty impressive line up. I now understand what an audiophile is saying when after he auditions several amps, he says he could be totally satisfied with any one of them. That was my situation last Saturday. I can, with complete confidence, say I could be very, very, happy with any one of the amps that I listened to. It was extremely difficult to narrow my choice down to just one amp after auditioning all those incredible sounding precision instruments. We were careful to match volume levels and we used the same room for all amps.

    We also auditioned some of the finest DACs and streaming gear money can buy. I'm looking at MSB and Lumin T2 DAC/streamers for the D300. My ears like the MSB slightly, and I mean slightly, better than the D300 internal DAC. The difference between the MSB and Gryphon's internal DAC are very subtle but they are there.

    Well, there ya have it. My personal pick of some extremely great sounding integrated amps. But this was not a runaway pick. As you might expect there was another amp, in particular, that really surprised me and made my choice that much more difficult. It sort of sneaked up on me because I didn't think I'd be that interested in it. I was much more interested in it's big brother.

    But, was I in for a surprise? The int 60 blew my socks off. Not sure what I was expecting but that amp just really surprised me. Very smooth and, like the D300, very well balanced. Like the D300, it had superb sound staging, dynamics, and balance. I was simply caught off guard with the int 60 and how good it sounded. Like the D300, it was all these things but in a different way...a different flavor. So, if for what ever reason you can't have a D300...maybe because your budget won't allow it, maybe it's just not your flavor. Whatever your reason. Check out the int 60. It will make you smile...big. I highly recommend it. And then there was the NAIM Supernait 3. Huge, open sound. Forget it's "only 80 watts." It's irrelevant. And, there's the VAC. Extremely clean and very discrete across the entire sound stage. I would like to audition the VAC after 30 to 45 minutes of tube warm up. Same with all the amps really. The Simaudio 340ix was surprisingly similar to the VAC even though it was a SS vs tubes comparison. The Luxman 509x is a very "safe" amp. It has just about the right amount of everything. It's an amp that might appeal to the widest population of listeners. Wonderfully built and great sounding. If you're concerned about resale this might be the amp to consider.

    The Gryphon Diablo 300. It just checked ALL the boxes and it elicited the most consistent, most positive response to my ears. So sweet sounding all across the frequency spectrum with just the right amount of everything for my ears. I just couldn't be happier with my choice. Thanks once again, Mike. This whole experience will be a lifetime memory. And I don't want to wish my life away, but come on January, LOL!!


    Tom
    Amplifier: Pass Labs INT 250 integrated.

    DAC/Streamer: MSB Discrete Dual Power Supply.

    Server: Roon Nucleus with lifetime subscription.

    Speakers: Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary
    Model.

    Headphones/Amp: Focal Stellia phones, NAIM Uniti Atom Headphone Edition headphone amp/music player/server/streamer.

    Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 speaker cables,
    Mackenzie interconnects.

    Speaker Stands: HiFi Man.

  2. #2
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Tom!!!!

    I’m so happy for you. You, my friend, are golden. I knew you were excited to finally get some ear time in on some great gear. What Mike does and did for you is invaluable. I didn’t get to where I’m at easily. I’ve made lots of mistakes, mistakes that, thank goodness, you’ve avoided.

    I’m absolutely sure you are making the right decisions and choices. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with you and Mike. I’m excited for you to finally assemble your system and sit down for your first listen.

    Well done my friend!
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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  3. #3
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    I know your plans for getting back into audio were pushed back. And sometimes that's what is needed to make good decisions. If I were to replace my Bryston amp and NAD preamp. The Gryphon D300 seems to check all the boxes. I think you will be a happy listener for many years. Congratulations.
    Speakers: Magico S3 (23')
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  4. #4

    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Great choice! I have the D120 and wish I had the room and the budget for the D300. I was afraid that you were going to choose the Luxman, which some like with Harbeth speakers. However, when I was listening with Mike the Gryphon integrateds were so much more powerful and the music so better defined, even with the Harbeth speakers. Enjoy....

  5. #5
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Hope you enjoy yours as much as I've enjoyed mine. Great choice!

  6. #6
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Congrats. Sure, we are interested, it's like we all went along for the ride. I just wish I was at the audition I think you made an excellent choice.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
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  7. #7
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Joe, thank you for the kind words, buddy. I really couldn't be happier with my final choice. That amp (Gryphon D300) is just a killer. My ears are absolutely in love with it. And you are so very right...Mike saved me a lot of potentially very expensive experimenting. But I do wish I could afford to bring all those amps home. They are all just so well designed and built. And, they ALL sound incredible. The differences between the D300 and my runner up choice was sooooooo minute, soooooooo subtle.

    My second choice was the Pass Labs int 60. An amp I really didn't think I'd be very interested in, mainly because of the 60 wpc x 2, at 8 ohms output level. I wasn't sure if there would be enough juice to power my Harbeths. Take it from me. It's more than enough. It sounded so good I decided to write a short review on it.

    I'll just say it really, really, really, sneaked up on me. I was much more interested in it's big brother int 250, mostly because I thought I'd need the headroom. But after the first song I knew the int 60 was a very special amp. And the warmer it got the better it sounded. It could get very loud and was really clean at high volume. But it really specializes in outstanding tone in the low to medium volume levels. And it has outstanding tone all year long. That "class A up to 30 watts" sound is just so juicy and rich sounding. How two amps can be so different yet sound so awesome in their own right, blows me away. I'll just say the int 60 is one HECK of an amp and my choice as a very close runner up to the D300. I was very impressed by the int 60. I've read that the int 60 has a sweeter top end vs the int 250. I don't really know as I haven't heard the int 250 yet. I knew there are those who prefer the int 60 to the int 250. But I've also read some highly positive reviews regarding the int 250. One even said the int 250 was perhaps the best integrated amp in the world.

    But, now I get what the int 60 love fest is all about. IMHO, it's a wonderful sounding, superbly built amp. If something happened and the D300 was no longer available I'd head straight for an int 60, hands down.

    And if you really want some serious tone boost, run your int 60 through an MSB DAC. A match made in heaven. Same with the Gryphon D300. The int 60 is definitely not the same amp as the D300. And I don't mean to suggest that in any way. They are two very different amps. But the int 60 also projects a great sound stage, it is also a well balanced amp, there's a certain sweetness to it, like the D300. It doesn't sound like the D300, but it sounds almost as good to my ears, in a different way.....the D300 is chocolate ice cream with strawberries and the int 60 is butterscotch with pecans. Which do you like most? I can't speak for others but the int 60 I auditioned sounded superb. I could definitely see me purchasing a Pass Labs int 60 as an amp for our upstairs living room system. Something that sounds a little different from my D300 driven downstairs listening room system. Joe, don't be encouraging me now!

  8. #8
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Love the excitement, so what’s the entire setup now?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
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  9. #9

    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Big congrats are in order. Don’t you love it when a plan comes together!

    Can’t say I’m surprised I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota. Knew it from the get go. Once you hear it, no other integrated comes close except maybe one or two (T+A integrated comes to mind).

    And it goes without saying, Diablo 300 is like Mike. It’s so versatile and spooky good.

  10. #10
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Ha!

    Don’t listen to me. At one point I had 12 different amps in house. As it is now, I still have too much.

    Tom, you are starting out on the right foot. Less wasted experimentation means more for the right gear.

    I’m dying to get an MSB dac. I think it is the final piece of the puzzle for me.

    Please keep the updates coming. We love your enthusiasm, it’s contagious.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

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  11. #11
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    wow - congrats on the new amp. i am sure you will love it and given your deliberate, methodical selection process there will be no second guessing -- enjoy !!

    if i ever were to forget how much i love SET amps, the diablo is now the first amp i would listen to -- also, very interesting to hear your thoughts on the pass 60.

    did you decide on a DAC - internal, MSB or something else? maybe you will have to make another trip to suncoast just for DACs !!
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  12. #12
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Congrats Tom, I had a feeling you would stretch your budget for the 300, I sure would if it was in my range. Wonderful choice for sure. Enjoy it for a long time thru retirement.
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

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  13. #13
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Congrats on the amp. You went there to listen to the VAC 170i right? Sure is convenient to go to one dealer who carries such a wide range of products instead of having to drive around to a bunch of different ones and then try to remember what all the amps sounded like.

    But 6+ hours with Mike? You poor guy, he must have tied you down to the chair.
    Doug



  14. #14
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Enjoy !
    2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)

  15. #15
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by UltraFast69 View Post
    Love the excitement, so what’s the entire setup now?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    The setup, as of early January, will be the D300 integrated, Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary Model speakers (I already have those). Which ever DAC/streaming gear I settle on (with Roon Nucleus). I might get into analog in the future but, right now, my system will be pretty simple. Just for streaming.

    You might recall since I'm funding my new audio system with some pension money. I've purchased part of my system this year (speakers, cables and connects, and stands) and will purchase the remainder (Gryphon D300, streaming gear) at the very beginning of the new year, all for tax purposes. So, I'll have to be a little patient. I know it will be well worth the wait. But, I've waited this long. I can wait just a little longer.

  16. #16
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Ha, ha...I'd LOVE to make another trip down to Suncoast Audio but I'd better save that money for more audio toys in the future...maybe a TT??? Who knows?

    I am going to have to make a final decision on a DAC. The MSB and internal D300 DAC both sound awesome. I have a very slight preference for the MSB. Not sure if I can swing it or not. If not, it'll be between the D300 internal DAC or maybe the Lumin T2. I really want the MSB. I'll just have to see how everything shakes out financially on paper, then decide whether I can afford the MSB.

  17. #17
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Tom.......What a great post. It is evident the entire day with Mike was over the top fun. Your enthusiasm for the new Diablo 300 came through loud and clear. I feel confident that were I looking for an integrated amplifier, I would most likely select the Gryphon Diablo 300. Congratulations, and here's to many wonderful years of great listening.


    Dan

    STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital coax,
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  18. #18

    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    DIABOLO 300. Great amp. Congrats!

  19. #19
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Thanks Joe, Dan, and everyone for the very kind words. It really has been tremendously exciting. I've gone all the way from...there's no way I can afford to take a trip to Florida just to audition audio amps...out of the question...to actually booking the weekend flight to Sarasota. And it was worth every single penny of it.

    Although she stayed in her room and read her Kindle during the auditions my wife really enjoyed herself too. She LOVES to curl up and read a book. Even if it is just in a motel room.

    I'm now ready for the last and most fun leg on this journey...watching for that freight truck in January, the unpacking, setup, and first listen. Gives me goose bumps just thinking about it. Thanks again, guys. But don't let the discussion stop here. Keep it going. In the meantime, gotta head to the gym. Then it's back home and the AS forum with my friends. And, once again, thanks for this whole, wonderful experience, Mike. Just might see ya again in the Spring. We'll see.


    Tom

  20. #20
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Hi Tom thank you for a well written post reflecting a great day you had listening to all those different amps.
    and congratulations on the Diablo 300
    Flemming

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  21. #21
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    How was the Luxman?
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  22. #22
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Congratulations. I have not heard that specific Gryphon product but the ones I have heard were very impressive. You should be pleased with your purchase.

    As others have noted it helps when you have a dealer who offers several options and makes them easy to audition.
    Jim

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  23. #23

    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Congratulations are in order, great choice? I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    You really cannot go wrong with the Diablo 300, such a great amp.

    It’s difficult to imagine a better place to make such a choice than Suncoast Audio. Mike has a very impressive range of gear and speakers on demo.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

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  24. #24
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by bluegrassphile View Post
    Well wouldn't you know it? It's been confirmed.....I'll give ya a hint..... I'm a chocoholic!! I thought I already knew that. But, auditioning a certain amp just confirmed it.

    After spending about 5-6 hours listening and listening and listening and listening and auditioning amps at Mike Bovaird's excellent high end audio store (Suncoast Audio)...and we have a winner! We started about 9:00 AM and finished around 3:30 PM. Can't remember the name of the restaurant, but for lunch, Mike took me to eat at a quaint little sea food place and fed me a blackened scallops salad. It was delicious +++++.

    Back to the store for more auditions. After auditioning pretty much all the integrated amps in the store and making a final decision on my amp, Mike took me to the $500,000+ (maybe even $1,000,000) room and played a $200,000 Constellation/Magico M3 system and an awesome beyond description, $200,000+ MBL system.

    So, can you tell which amp I decided on, based on my hint? This should be easy for most guys here. The first AudioShark to guess the amp gets lunch at the same restaurant Mike took me to. And the meal is on Mike B, Mike M, and Joe ("joeinid") LOL!!! The only catch is you have to go to the Florida audio show in order to collect your reward.

    Yes, I got to meet the infamous Joe over Mike's cell phone. Great guy and a very bad influence on me. Joe probably knew what amp I was going to decide on before I decided. Joe, it was sooooooo much fun meeting and talking to you on Mike's phone Saturday. One mistake I've made during my amp search is not talking with you more about how to make such decisions. But once I had a chance to thoroughly audition all the amps I wanted to listen to, one amp kept tugging on my "ear strings".

    OK, so I was just kidding about having to wait until the Florida audio show to know my choice. Although you do have the opportunity to hit Mike or Joe up for a meal.

    I know most of you probably couldn't care less about my choice. In that case you can move along, nothing to see here.

    But for those who genuinely want to know.....drum roll please.....and the winner is................the Bose Lifestyle..............OK, OK, just joshin' ya. BTW, I used to own one of those in the '90s. Yes, the truth slips out! Don't tell anyone I said that. But that's a whole other thread.....that no one will want to read. Sort of like this one.

    Oh, yeah, the audition.....and the winner is (another drum roll).....The Gryphon Diablo 300!!!!!!!! Cricket noise, cricket noise, cricket noise. Uh.....the Gryphon Diablo 300!!!!!!! Anybody out there?

    Seriously, I am so grateful to both Mikes and to Joe for all their help. Mike Bovaird in particular. He was sooooooooo patient and helpful. I can't say enough great things about Mike. Such a good guy and dead honest. I'm so pumped about my choice.

    Yes, it was incredibly fun. But it was not an easy task. The ice cream flavors analogy holds very true here. They were ALL delicious. But, chocoholic that I am, I kept coming back to that creamy, chocolate, sound of the Gryphon D300. I've seen that term used before to describe the D300. Mike even stated he's seen those terms used to describe the D300. But I would use those terms sparingly as the vocals, the mids, upper mids, and top end are actually very open sounding and somewhat air-y to my ears. Not what my ears would call dark or chocolate-y. Just very balanced.

    And the bass/bottom end are just so nice and tight and clean and focused...also just the right amount of bass. To my ears the top end is perfect...not too rolled off, not too dark, not too bright.

    There just are not enough superlatives to describe the D300. Mike will tell you I came back to the D300 every time after auditioning each of the other amps. There is just something about the D300 that really pleases my ears. Great, huge, sound staging, big dynamic range, very accurate, reproduces everything you want to hear and nothing you don't. Did I say very balanced? I don't know what else to say about it.

    We auditioned the following integrated amps using the same speakers I have at home (Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary Models):

    Simaudio 340xi, Naim Supernait 3, VAC 170i, Luxman 509x, Hegel H390, Pass Labs int 60, and Gryphon D300. Pretty impressive line up. I now understand what an audiophile is saying when after he auditions several amps, he says he could be totally satisfied with any one of them. That was my situation last Saturday. I can, with complete confidence, say I could be very, very, happy with any one of the amps that I listened to. It was extremely difficult to narrow my choice down to just one amp after auditioning all those incredible sounding precision instruments. We were careful to match volume levels and we used the same room for all amps.

    We also auditioned some of the finest DACs and streaming gear money can buy. I'm looking at MSB and Lumin T2 DAC/streamers for the D300. My ears like the MSB slightly, and I mean slightly, better than the D300 internal DAC. The difference between the MSB and Gryphon's internal DAC are very subtle but they are there.

    Well, there ya have it. My personal pick of some extremely great sounding integrated amps. But this was not a runaway pick. As you might expect there was another amp, in particular, that really surprised me and made my choice that much more difficult. It sort of sneaked up on me because I didn't think I'd be that interested in it. I was much more interested in it's big brother.

    But, was I in for a surprise? The int 60 blew my socks off. Not sure what I was expecting but that amp just really surprised me. Very smooth and, like the D300, very well balanced. Like the D300, it had superb sound staging, dynamics, and balance. I was simply caught off guard with the int 60 and how good it sounded. Like the D300, it was all these things but in a different way...a different flavor. So, if for what ever reason you can't have a D300...maybe because your budget won't allow it, maybe it's just not your flavor. Whatever your reason. Check out the int 60. It will make you smile...big. I highly recommend it. And then there was the NAIM Supernait 3. Huge, open sound. Forget it's "only 80 watts." It's irrelevant. And, there's the VAC. Extremely clean and very discrete across the entire sound stage. I would like to audition the VAC after 30 to 45 minutes of tube warm up. Same with all the amps really. The Simaudio 340ix was surprisingly similar to the VAC even though it was a SS vs tubes comparison. The Luxman 509x is a very "safe" amp. It has just about the right amount of everything. It's an amp that might appeal to the widest population of listeners. Wonderfully built and great sounding. If you're concerned about resale this might be the amp to consider.

    The Gryphon Diablo 300. It just checked ALL the boxes and it elicited the most consistent, most positive response to my ears. So sweet sounding all across the frequency spectrum with just the right amount of everything for my ears. I just couldn't be happier with my choice. Thanks once again, Mike. This whole experience will be a lifetime memory. And I don't want to wish my life away, but come on January, LOL!!


    Tom
    Still catching up on AS. Is this one of the greatest posts?
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by Shadowfax View Post
    How was the Luxman?

    Like all the other amps, I could be very happy with the Luxman. To me it was kind of a middle of the road sound. No real weaknesses that I could detect. Very neutral, accurate, and clean. Good sound staging but maybe not as wide or deep as some. The build quality was as good as it gets. Over all I liked it but it didn't reach out and grab me like the Gryphon or int 60 or Supernait 3. BTW, I also really liked the SN3. The Hegel H390 was kind of like the 509x on steroids. And I mean that in a very good way. It almost sounds like I didn't like the Luxman but I really did. It just is a little more laid back than some of the other amps. The VAC struck me somewhat similarly, but what a beautiful sounding piece. I just hope we did the VAC justice. You really need to get those tubes cookin' to really appreciate it. But it sounded superb.

    I think to be fair, a caveat.....we did allow all the amps to warm up before auditioning, but definitely not as much as we should. The reason being time restrictions. It already took the better part of a full "work day" to audition and assess all these amps. So we had to sacrifice some warm up time for auditioning time. We could actually hear the amps sound improve as they warmed up. By the time the amps were cooking, 20 to 30 minutes, we had to go on to the next amp. However, we did go back and audition them again. Some of the amps were auditioned 3 times as we started the narrowing down process. Then once more for all the amps before making the final cuts. Now that some time has passed I'm very confident in my final choice...the D300.

    But if I had the means I'd own at least one of every single amp I auditioned. Those amps were ALL that good. Not a dud in the whole bunch. My respect and admiration goes out to the amp designers and builders. They pour their hearts and minds into what they do and the competition is very fierce. Sincere thanks to them all for their sacrifices and for giving us such incredible choices. And the same thanks to the dealers on the front lines of the audio wars. Now if I could just add that Pass int 60 to my collection.....??? And, maybe the SN3. Oh yeah, and that gorgeous VAC.....and.....

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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    What a GREAT writeup! And congrats! Having had the Diablo 300 for more than a year now, I too could not be happier with it. And yes, the internal DAC is very, very good. I will be validating that against the MSB Premier soon

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    I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Congratulations Tom! It's outstanding that you found the right match for your ears. Good times ahead....I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Love your comments and story above!
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    What a fabulous story. And a great testament to the tremendous value in having a wonderful dealer like Mike guide you through the process and assist you in finding your dream amp. Congrats to you and to Mike for being such a caring and astute dealer and aficionado! Congrats on your Diablo 300. I hope you have many happy years of soulful listening!!!

  29. #29

    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by bluegrassphile View Post
    I am going to have to make a final decision on a DAC. The MSB and internal D300 DAC both sound awesome. I have a very slight preference for the MSB. Not sure if I can swing it or not. If not, it'll be between the D300 internal DAC or maybe the Lumin T2. I really want the MSB. I'll just have to see how everything shakes out financially on paper, then decide whether I can afford the MSB.
    Not having heard Diablo internal DAC, if you could swing it, MSB is a sure bet for long term satisfaction. Especially since you’ll be getting Nucleus, MSB ethernet connection + Roon subscription + a Gagafoil should put you over in the cloud.

  30. #30
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Agree 100% with everything you said. That MSB sounded soooooooo sweet. The Diablo internal DAC sounded very, very, good. The MSB sounded very, very, very, good. Very subtle differences between the two. Some might even prefer the D300 internal DAC. To my ears, the MSB DAC added just a slight touch more meat and fullness...all in just the right places. However, if you walk into a room with the D300 (with internal DAC) playing and you don't have another D300 with an MSB playing You'll LOVE the D300 with internal DAC. I guarantee it. The MSB and internal DAC are that close.

  31. #31
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    BTW, now that my feeble memory is working a little better after a hectic weekend of travel and auditioning amps, I want to make some comments on the NAIM Supernait 3 and the other amps. The SN3 was just as sweet sounding as the int 60. And if you only considered the robustness and BIG sound of the SN3 it could very easily rival the Pass int 60 for a very close second place to the Gryphon D300.

    If a person had to trim the budget a little and couldn't afford the D300, choosing between the int 60 and SN3 would not be easy. They're different sounding amps for sure, the int 60 having that class A sweetness with a little butter and the SN3 being a little more open sounding with a tight, controlled bass. As mentioned earlier, the SN3 has a big, robust sound.

    Then there's that Hegel H390 little beast and little brother to the H590. It sure as heck doesn't sound little. I've not heard the H590 but Mike stated they're very similar sounding and the H590 has a slight bit more control in the lower bass and has a tight, polished, sonic personality. Just a little more boisterous personality than, say, the Luxman 509x. Good bass control and strong mids. Great sounding amp.

    I kind of wish I had a little more time with the VAC, to allow the tubes a little more warm up time. It sounded better with as each minute that passed but we were starting to run out of time. We did get to audition it twice. Very clear, clean, open, and accurate. The bass was very well controlled and focused. But, for my personal taste, I would like to have slightly more bass. Not a lot. Just a little more. In retrospect, that's why I would like to have warmed the tubes for maybe 45 minutes before auditioning. But I was so excited just to be there I wanted to sample all the candy in one gulp, LOL!!

    Back to the Gryphon, back to the Gryphon, back to the Gryphon... That's why I'm confident of my choice. I kept choosing the Gryphon. Kept coming back. The choice to my ears was clear.

    It was so clear I knew I had to somehow make room in my budget. I've already purchased my speakers, cables, connects, and shelves. I thought I'd be budgeting just a little more for the second phase of my investment (amp, DAC, and streaming gear) vs the first phase. Turns out I'll be budgeting quite a bit more for the second and final phase. But that's OK. I've come to realize this is a long term investment. My pension will take a little more of a hit. But at least I won't be wondering "what if"? That's my rationalization anyway, LOL!! Now if there is anyone that wants to make a combined Christmas/birthday contribution...???

  32. #32
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by bluegrassphile View Post
    ...Turns out I'll be budgeting quite a bit more for the second and final phase. But that's OK. I've come to realize this is a long term investment...
    well, it is an investment... but an investment in the enjoyment of your time on this planet and in consuming mankind's greatest contribution to itself -- art.

    i, at least, am not expecting a financial return... but then i think we all know that by now!
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  33. #33
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Mike must have known you wouldn't go for the tubes otherwise I'm sure he would have turned it on at 9:00 when you got there to allow it to properly warm up.
    Doug



  34. #34

    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by walesi View Post
    What a GREAT writeup! And congrats! Having had the Diablo 300 for more than a year now, I too could not be happier with it. And yes, the internal DAC is very, very good. I will be validating that against the MSB Premier soon
    That will be an interesting comparison. Please keep us in the loop.


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    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

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  35. #35
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by aKnyght View Post
    well, it is an investment... but an investment in the enjoyment of your time on this planet and in consuming mankind's greatest contribution to itself -- art.

    i, at least, am not expecting a financial return... but then i think we all know that by now!

    Yup, I agree. But if there was ever a need to get rid of anything some of the amps I auditioned would likely be easier to sell than others. However, that thought wasn't even a factor for me. Completely irrelevant. My top priority was sonic quality based on what my ears liked. Build quality was second in priority. But resale wasn't a consideration for me. Maybe it will be in the future. But it wasn't a factor in my decision.

  36. #36

    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    I read this venture into the rabbit hole, I was so very happy to read your progress through the days descriptive... ohhh, the memories. Congrats on your choices & the tones of your quest because we all hear things differently & your preferences are definitely relatable . First time I heard Gryphon was an int. 300 with Summit X speakers that I bought after that.
    The only way you can fast forward & land on your feet & feel the love is from an audio dealer like Mike that has some very terrific gear & is able to let you hear it all in the same day. No matter where in the world you are, that is very special for anyone's audio journey to experience what you did in that time.
    It is neat to read your post & experience as the memories that you will one day look back on in the same tense as your post has triggered those memories for some of us here & now, to back when we decided to allocate more funds to our hobby/love. Good for you for following your ears. Congrats & enjoy

  37. #37
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Thank you, sharkmouth, and everyone else for all the kind words. This has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life...learning about and taking on a whole new hobby at almost 70 years old. But it goes right along with my lifetime hobby/profession as a musician. A natural fit. Now I need to be just a little more patient and another dream will soon come true.

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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by UltraFast69 View Post
    Love the excitement, so what’s the entire setup now?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

    Hey, UltraFast69!! Sorry I'm about a week late responding to your post. My set up as of early January will be the D300 and Lumin T2 streamer/DAC, a Roon Nucleus, and my Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary Model speakers. Fairly simple and straight forward. Someday I'd really like to have an MSB ADC V streamer/DAC. But that's about it.

  39. #39
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    That’ll be wonderful Tom.

    While I had fun swapping gear and playing around, I did waste some money. I’ve had several systems (gear combos) that in hindsight I truly loved. But for some grass is greener ideal and some audiophile angst, blew up my system only to regret it now.

    I’m excited to see that you are making well informed and targeted decisions. Smart. We should never lose sight of the fact that it’s the music that brings us joy, not the gear swapping or shiny new boxes.

    Thank you so much for bringing new excitement to the forum.
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  40. #40

    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by bluegrassphile View Post
    Thank you, sharkmouth, and everyone else for all the kind words. This has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life...learning about and taking on a whole new hobby at almost 70 years old. But it goes right along with my lifetime hobby/profession as a musician. A natural fit. Now I need to be just a little more patient and another dream will soon come true.
    Way to go Tom, never too late. Was a good idea to go check out a number of equally capable sets with different flavors at Mike’s. That way you are making a well informed decision.


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    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

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  41. #41
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    That’ll be wonderful Tom.

    While I had fun swapping gear and playing around, I did waste some money. I’ve had several systems (gear combos) that in hindsight I truly loved. But for some grass is greener ideal and some audiophile angst, blew up my system only to regret it now.

    I’m excited to see that you are making well informed and targeted decisions. Smart. We should never lose sight of the fact that it’s the music that brings us joy, not the gear swapping or shiny new boxes.

    Thank you so much for bringing new excitement to the forum.
    Yes, problem is a lot of can’t help ourselves, and we stop and look back, it’s easy to shake your head!

    Discipline wins the race! I like many others are a distant painful finish I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota


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  42. #42
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    "[...We should never lose sight of the fact that it’s the music that brings us joy, not the gear swapping or shiny new boxes....]"


    This is so easy to lose sight of but it is so true. Although the auditioning part sure was fun.


  43. #43

    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    That musta been a fun day. But how is a 300w vs a 60w integrated anything close to an apples-to-apples? I'd want to hear an INT-250 if in that power league.

    Regardless...the real question now....when do you swap the Harbeths for Magicos?

  44. #44
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    Quote Originally Posted by aardvarkbark View Post
    That musta been a fun day. But how is a 300w vs a 60w integrated anything close to an apples-to-apples? I'd want to hear an INT-250 if in that power league.

    Regardless...the real question now....when do you swap the Harbeths for Magicos?

    Wasn't intended to be an apples to apples comparison. It almost wasn't any comparison at all as I had no plan to include the int 60 in the audition. The int 250, yes. But Mike didn't have one in stock. So I thought I'd try to get some idea of what a Pass Labs amp sounds like. Glad I got to hear the int 60 even though I settled on the D300 as my top pick. My ears really liked the int 60. I could be very happy with one. And I might have one in the future powering a system in my secondary listening room. But I liked the D300 slightly better.

    Why would I want to swap the Harbeths for the Magicos? I LOVED the sound of the Harbeths with every amp I auditioned at Suncoast Audio. The D300 and Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary Model speakers had superb synergy. It's the same speaker I have at home. I can't think of anything better for my particular application and budget. My ears really like the Harbeths.

    Mike did play his big Constellation system for me through tower speakers...they might have been Magico MK IIs. I'm thinking they were but I'm not sure. Through that system those speakers sounded spectacular. But that is definitely an apples to oranges comparison to the Harbeths.

    The music I listen to is almost exclusively acoustic...bluegrass (90+% of my listening), acoustic country, small combo jazz and some big band. The Harbeth speakers sound killer with acoustic music. I will admit I've not listened to large numbers of speakers and I suppose if I listened to several brands of speakers I might find something I like as well, perhaps even better. But that's gonna take some doin' because I really like my Harbeths. And paired with the D300 amp...they sound heavenly together.

  45. #45
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    Re: I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

    aardvarkbark, have you had the opportunity to audition the int 60 and compare it to the int 250? If so, how do they compare at, say, medium volume levels? Similar? Not very similar? Int 250 has stronger bass, etc? Just curious how they compare?

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

I'm Baaaaaack.........From Suncoast Audio Sarasota

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