Gryphon Diablo 333 Integrated Amplifier

(1 Review)

£24,500.00

£20,416.67 Exc. VAT |

2 x 300w Integrated Reference Amplifier

Description
Customer Reviews (1)

Gryphon Diablo 333 Integrated Amplifier

Gryphon Diablo is quite possibly the most popular High End integrated amplifier of all time. Despite sales of thousands of units, its virtual absence from the second-hand market is a reliable indicator of the extreme loyalty of Diablo owners.

Improving upon perfection and thereby surpassing the legendary Diablo 300 was no simple feat: introduced at High End Munich 2015, the Diablo 300 established a new benchmark in Integrated Amplifier performance. With unanimous praise from the High End press and thousands of units sold, Diablo 300 has maintained its “Best-in-Class” status for nearly a decade, repeatedly besting newer and more expensive competitors.

Over the past eight years, however, new component technologies and intensive engineering research have suggested areas for improvement. Circuit highlights from the new Apex and Commander, Gryphon’s flagship Amplifier and Preamplifier, have “Trickled-Down” to the Diablo 333, which boasts ten percent more output power than its legendary predecessor. New ultra fast, low-capacitance pre-driver transistors deliver both enhanced musicality and superior measured performance.

One look at the 333 and the Gryphon DNA is obvious: the triangular display panel with 4.3” TFT capacitive touch screen evokes the aesthetic created by Gryphon Founder Flemming Rasmussen for Apex and Commander, as do custom-made chassis spikes which enhance both mechanical integrity and visual harmony. Also developed for Apex, Gryphon’s bespoke binding posts are also found on the 333’s back panel. Sculpted from a block of aluminum, the remote handset from Commander replaces the “Wand” remote supplied with Diablo 300. A new, more intuitive menu structure enhances the user interface while a USB 2.0 socket on Diablo’s rear panel simplifies firmware upgrades.

As with the Diablo 300, the 333 can be outfitted with optional Phono and DAC modules which have been completely redesigned for the new amplifier. The PS-3 RIAA module features True Dual Mono Class A-coupled topology from input to output, with no global negative feedback and discrete balanced circuitry featuring matched transistor arrays. Gold-plated Neutrik XLR balanced input sockets replace the RCA sockets utilized in the previous generation. MC load impedance can be set externally with left/right rear panel switches, versus the internal jumpers

found on the PS-2S. MC/MM setting is front-panel selectable via the Diablo 333 menu. Gryphon’s new DAC-3 D/A MODULE incorporates the latest High-Performance Sabre DAC: the ES9039PRO. Seven user-selectable PCM digital roll-off filters are included, as are a full assortment of USB, AES/EBU, BNC and TOSLINK inputs. The 333’s USB input is compatible with all current Digital Audio Formats.

FEATURES

True Dual Mono configuration
Zero global negative feedback
Microprocessor-controlled 43-step true balanced relay volume attenuator for best sonic performance featuring only 1-2 resistors in series with signal at all levels.
Local Shunt regulators for best noise suppression
Ten high power output transistors each channel
Diablo 333 utilizes new ultra-fast, low-capacitance pre-driver transistors.
Polypropylene capacitors for local power supply decoupling
Optional phono stage module, PS3 MM/MC
Optional DAC3 module with one USB, 2 x SPDIF, 1 AES and 1 optical input
Ultra-short signal path
Minimal internal wiring
Four-layer printed circuit boards with 70µ copper on all layers
Dual Mono Holmgren toroidal transformer
PCB-mounted sockets eliminate wiring and shorten signal path.
Gold-plated Neutric XLR sockets for two balanced sources
Gold-plated phono sockets with Teflon insulation for two inputs and two outputs
Gold-plated Gryphon custom-built binding posts.
Fixed-level AV throughput for uncompromising integration with surround preamplifier.
Input level match
4.3” TFT capacitive touch screen with 4mm hardened glass in front
Intuitive menu structure
12Vdc link input and output
Infrared Receiver input via input on rear panel
Firmware upgradeable via USB 2.0 socket on rear panel
Non-invasive protection system
Infrared remote control
EU CE approval
Standby power consumption < 0.5W
Designed and built in Denmark
Exterior design by Flemming E. Rasmussen
Electronics design by Tom Møller

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The beast is back!

10 April 2024 | Bogdan

This is my third Gryphon. I started my journey with the Diablo 300, continued with the Essence and now I "downgraded" to the new 333. I have to start by saying that they are all end game amplifiers in their own right. The 300 has been a reference for years and for a good reason. An integrated with the performance of a amp / preamp combo, with huge power reserve, able to drive the fussiest speakers, with a beautiful transparency and soundstage but at the same time a tad chocolatey, dark voicing that was more forgiving to bad recordings / components than your average high end sound system. Essence was all about class A, with a beautiful tonal richness but, with my speakers, a tad sluggish, a more intimate presentation without the huge soundstage of the 300 before it and I would say even darker / more forgiving than the 300. I was also constantly wanting for more power with my 87dB sensitivity speakers. It was a great amp in its own right, but not the right match for my system, albeit sounding great with female vocals, small acoustic etc. Also if pushed, distortion would become apparent in the same way I experienced with an integrated Pass before my Gryphon journey. Enter 333. As memory is a fickle thing, it is more difficult now, after a couple of year, to compare it to the 300 I had three years ago but I will try. I believe the 333 is more neutral. My initial impression was one of disappointment because that velvety, chocolatey voicing is now gone. The 333 is a powerful beast. It wipes the floor with the Essence and has a grip on my speakers that I had to check repeatedly that my subwoofers were not engaged. This bass handling I believe is also superior to the 300 because with the 300 I knew I needed subwoofers from day one. I believe with the 333 you can do without. It is the most transparent of the three. It is by far the fastest. The level of detail retrieval is astonishing and definitely better than the Essence at delivering the intricacies of a complex mix. I notice now elements I hadn't noticed before in well known tracks, not necessarily because they weren't there but the 333 lays them out more coherently. I would say the sound is closer to the 300 than the Essence which might disappoint some. I don't hear the tonal richness / purity of the Essence at the 100 hour mark. But this is no soulless beast. Music, all kinds of music, is fun again because of the power on tap, the bass control, the paranoid transparency / level of detail, the wide soundstage. If you like live performances / rock / dub / electronic / rap etc on top of your typical audiophile collection of female vocals / small jazz ensembles, this 333 will really rock your boat. I am now going through some classic rap albums just because the 333 makes it so enjoyable. For tonal purity aficionados, I think the Essence still takes the crown. For everyone else the 333 is a no brainer. This is a 300 on steroids but with more than just power and bass control. The 333 puts every recording under a microscope but somehow it dials up the fun compared to a 300. For those with 30K in the pocket and on the verge between the Essence and 333, I strongly recommend an audition with your speakers and your favourite music because Essence is not a clear winner in my book and the choice will come down to matching with your system, favourite music genres etc. If your playlist includes a lot of modern pop / rap / electronic / R&B etc the 333 is in my opinion the better option. And if you think your X brand amplifier is a straight wire with gain, that all amplifiers sound the same, that class D has already beaten the "obsolete" class A, A/B etc, I strongly encourage you to audition a Gryphon. Any Gryphon. Once you hear one, any model in the range, you will be unable to un-hear it. Enjoy the music.

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