Gryphon Diablo Integrated Amplifier Owners

Mr Rickz

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2019
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Southern California
I'm investigating integrated amplifiers to power my new Harbeth Monitor 30.2 Anniversary Editions.

Do we have any Diablo owners in the group? I'd appreciate your comments.

Edit: Specifically the Diablo 120.
 

Steve Williams

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I'm investigating integrated amplifiers to power my new Harbeth Monitor 30.2 Anniversary Editions.

Do we have any Diablo owners in the group? I'd appreciate your comments.

Edit: Specifically the Diablo 120.
Me Rickz

you live close to me. One of my closest friends is Philip O’Hanlon who also lives very close. Philip is the Gryphon USA NSM I just happen to be having dinner with him tomorrow night. I’ll mention your post to him. I have heard tfe Diablo’s at his house and for the price i thought it was superb.
Philip is also a member here. You can private message him
 

Mr Rickz

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2019
47
34
85
74
Southern California
Me Rickz

you live close to me. One of my closest friends is Philip O’Hanlon who also lives very close. Philip is the Gryphon USA NSM I just happen to be having dinner with him tomorrow night. I’ll mention your post to him. I have heard tfe Diablo’s at his house and for the price i thought it was superb.
Philip is also a member here. You can private message him

I guess we can discuss it in a week or so. :cool:
 

GSOphile

Well-Known Member
Sep 3, 2017
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Rick, I have a Diablo 300 that drives Magico S3 MkIIs. Dynamic, strong bass, rich tone. IMO a superb integrated for what I enjoy (mostly classical, some jazz). From what I read, the 120 shows similar characteristics in a scaled down version. Philip will be an excellent reference.
 

the sound of Tao

Well-Known Member
Jul 18, 2014
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I'm investigating integrated amplifiers to power my new Harbeth Monitor 30.2 Anniversary Editions.

Do we have any Diablo owners in the group? I'd appreciate your comments.

Edit: Specifically the Diablo 120.
Have owned (and loved) the Harbeth 30’s and now 40.2s I’d have thought a bit of the el Diablo would be a lovely choice for the Harby 30.2s.

The Harbys have a big musical heart and are very expressive (when driven appropriately). I found they are fairly forgiving in nature generally but still very much do come alive with amplification that exhibits a more expressive flow and verve.

They can do relaxed beauty easy but their expressive range is then just more extended when they can also be filled with the kind of musical enthusiasm that an amp that has some power and life in it (as well as beauty) as a partner.
 
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Mr Rickz

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2019
47
34
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Southern California
Have owned (and loved) the Harbeth 30’s and now 40.2s I’d have thought a bit of the el Diablo would be a lovely choice for the Harby 30.2s.

The Harbys have a big musical heart and are very expressive (when driven appropriately). I found they are fairly forgiving in nature generally but still very much do come alive with amplification that exhibits a more expressive flow and verve.

They can do relaxed beauty easy but their expressive range is then just more extended when they can also be filled with the kind of musical enthusiasm that an amp that has some power and life in it (as well as beauty) as a partner.

Alan Shaw recommends solid state in the range of 100wpc. I think the Harbeths will be with me a long time so I'd like to treat them properly. Use will be primarily in the near field.

Looking at the Diablo, and others.
 
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jep123

VIP/Donor
Dec 23, 2012
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Norway
I am using the original Diablo 250 and it is a superb amp. The 120 and 300 are supposed to be even better, but I am extremely happy with mine. Gryphon equipment are sensitive to cables, I can firmly recommend the Gryphon cables as well. Good luck.
 
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eagle3333

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Sep 22, 2018
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I run the 300 with Mojo S. I've no Harbeth experience, though I did own Spendors a few years back. My contribution is to mention Gryphon's VIP speaker cable which I just auditioned on the 300. (I also tried Argento Flow and Jorma Unity). The VIP is staying and is staggeringly good partnered with the Diablo 300. It allows it to perform at its absolute best - the like of which I hadn't heard previously and did not realise I was missing. I imagine it would perform as well with the 120. Worth a trial if you go with Gryphon and/or probably still worth a trial even if you don't and have the budget.. You can't go wrong with Gryphon.
 
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I have tried the Diablo 120 on the Graham LS5/9 (equivalent to Harbeth Monitor 30) as well as the Graham floor standing equivalent, the LS5/9f. The results were v impressive. "Among the best-sounding systems at the show". Read what Art Dudley had to say in his Stereophile coverage of the Montreal Show last March - here.
 

jep123

VIP/Donor
Dec 23, 2012
293
106
908
Norway
I have tried the Diablo 120 on the Graham LS5/9 (equivalent to Harbeth Monitor 30) as well as the Graham floor standing equivalent, the LS5/9f. The results were v impressive. "Among the best-sounding systems at the show". Read what Art Dudley had to say in his Stereophile coverage of the Montreal Show last March - here.
I have the Verity Amadis S speakers. 93 dB, min 3,5 Ohm. But they are not a difficult load. Although I think my Diablo 250 is exellent the new integrateds are supposed to be even better.

I have a dedicated room, not to large. I listen at normal levels. Does it make and sense to buy the 300 or is the 120 as good when large amount of power isn`t necessary? I am thinking about a possible future upgrade, the 250 is very good.

JP
 
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Thieliste

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Aug 31, 2014
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Hi guys, would like to know if some you Diablo 300 owners have the optional DAC module.
I'm likely to purchase a Diablo 300 pretty soon and wonder if i should get it with the DAC module or purchase a separate DAC from another brand.
 

GSOphile

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Sep 3, 2017
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I have a 300, which I like very much. I decided not to buy the optional DAC (which is reportedly very good). My reasoning was that DAC technology is moving much faster than amplifier technology, so separating the two would likely provide more flexibility with future upgrades. This plus my perception that Gryphon's strongest suit is their amplifier line.
 
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eagle3333

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Sep 22, 2018
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I have a 300, which I like very much. I decided not to buy the optional DAC (which is reportedly very good). My reasoning was that DAC technology is moving much faster than amplifier technology, so separating the two would likely provide more flexibility with future upgrades. This plus my perception that Gryphon's strongest suit is their amplifiers.
What GSOphile said..
 

Thieliste

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2014
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I have a 300, which I like very much. I decided not to buy the optional DAC (which is reportedly very good). My reasoning was that DAC technology is moving much faster than amplifier technology, so separating the two would likely provide more flexibility with future upgrades. This plus my perception that Gryphon's strongest suit is their amplifiers.

Thanks very good point;)
 

Thieliste

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2014
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I'm probably going to get Gryphon VIP interconnect and speaker cables also, great synergy with Gryphon amps
 

bubusia

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Dec 27, 2015
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lomianki/warsaw/poland
I'm currenty testing Gryphon 120 with Sonus Faber Electa Amator 1. It's running up against my Jadis da88s. The result:
I'm seriously thinking of doing a swap. Great amp.
 

flez007

Member Sponsor
Aug 31, 2010
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I'm currenty testing Gryphon 120 with Sonus Faber Electa Amator 1. It's running up against my Jadis da88s. The result:
I'm seriously thinking of doing a swap. Great amp.
I am familiar with both amps, great sounding units but would lean towards the Gryphon. Excellent choice of speakers, the Diablo would drive them very well.
 

LL21

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Dec 26, 2010
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I'm currenty testing Gryphon 120 with Sonus Faber Electa Amator 1. It's running up against my Jadis da88s. The result:
I'm seriously thinking of doing a swap. Great amp.
I ran the Antileon original with SF Stradivaris many years ago and really enjoyed the combination and would imagine the Gryphon 120 and SF Electa Amator is sensational! Look forward to hearing what you decide.
 

Low325

Well-Known Member
May 2, 2021
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Recent Gryphon Audio convert with a Diablo 120 and optional DAC module. My speakers are TAD ME-1 and now they are performing on a higher level than what I had previously. Highly recommended if you‘re looking for that kind of voluptuous bass, rich midrange (oh and that beautiful treble), and macro dynamics - some serious solid amplification and electronics, imo.
 
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