I think it will be a worthy successor to Diablo 300, new preamp section, Toshiba output transistors are the same as in Apex, one pair more than in 300 per channel, new DAC with newest ESS Sabre chipset, also new MC/MM phono module.That is one serious integrated amp! I'm sure it is one killer piece of gear.
Based on Mono & Stereo: https://www.monoandstereo.com/2023/05/new-gryphon-diablo-333-integrated.htmlWow, that’s a serious piece of kit.
Price? Weight? Power? Class A?
Thanks, I have not had the chance to compare the 300 and 333 side by side yet. I’ve been afraid that the 333 could be a bit too controlled and less warm than the 300. I think my D300 has all the control my Magnepans need and more analytical/less warm would be a downgrade for my systemI have at 333 at home at the moment with about 20 hours on it and I have my 300 to compare.
Does anyone know if or how long the break in period is?
My initial listening tells me that the 333 has thunderous tight bass. It extracts more detail than the 300 and it has a wider and deeper soundstage. But.. it lacks the warmth of the 300 in the midrange and treble but this could be down to being new. So a string quartet isn't as enjoyable to listen to when compared to the 300. It is definitely trickle down technology from Apex rather than an upgraded 300. And it is heavy although has more or less the same dimensions as the 300. It hardly warms up either. The 300 is gets hotter. It also has a 20amp IEC (UK) instead of the normal three pin IEC we are used to which is also a pain. But the operation of thing is nicer and they have done away with the stupid 300 remote control which didn't in my case work properly.
I have the amp for a few more days. I expected to be blown away but have not been (yet). Some tracks are great but others leave me wondering - is this worth the upgrade over the 300. Will add a few more hours and see if it changes.
I would go directly to the Antileon to get a significant upgrade. Some people actually prefer the D300 over the Essence combo. Different sound character but not necessarily better.I can't really believe that the 333 will deliver a quantum leap in soundquality vs. the 300. My intention to replace my 300 would go to a significant upgrade, i.e. essence combination or similar.
Please let us know if you upgrade to the Commander and what your observations are. You and I both have the Pandora/Mephisto. From speaking with Rune Skov and few others, done incrementally Apex/Commander. The Commander will make a bigger impact vs Pandora/Apex. I tried the Essence pre with the Mephisto, the Pandora is a much better combination...Interesting comments redwick, please do post up more when you've had it for a few more days. I'd really like to hear the 333 as it seems to get positive press from what I've heard. I would expect the 333 to be a significant jump from the 300, as it should given the large price increase.
I had a 300, then changed to an Essence pre/power, then to a Pandora pre/Essence power, then to a Pandora pre/Mephisto power combination. For me, the sweet spot of cost vs value is the Essence combo (although I am already planning a Commander), and it would be interesting to read views of anyone who has an Essence pre/power and a 333 to listen to back-to-back.
Gryphon must be using more efficient technology, as the Apex runs a lot cooler than the Mephisto (and presumably the Essence and Antileon).