Here is the second part of ongoing review/preview of the Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated amplifier. I've asked Flemming Erik Rasmussen to answer few question regarding the new Diablo and about the high-end audio workings in general. Very insightful and interesting reading...
DIABLO
Original Gryphon Diablo integrated amplifier was very popular and its probably one of the most sold high-end audio integrated amplifiers. First ones were released to the market in June 2005. That’s quite an upgrade interval telling its own story about what Gryphon stands for. People surely can easily decipher that Gryphon as a brand is doing their homework and protect customers investment.
Integrated amplifier as a concept is very appealing, especially if you do not mix a preamplifier and power amplifier one the same PCB and same compartments as many does. Diablo 300 volume control is truly and fully balanced where almost all others are converting the balanced input to single ended before it even reaches the volume control.
Q & A
I wanted to heard the Flemming inspirational cue and the logics behind the new Diablo 300 integrated. Here is the sum up of the interesting questionnaire…
Gryphon is well known for the integrated amplifiers. I guess was uber important to create something in the line of heritage?
The first Diablo is most likely the best selling integrated amplifier in that price class ever in High End. Despite that it was still going strong we found that we now had enough material to improve on it and the option of a internal DAC based on our flagship Kalliope could make it to an even stronger card.
What was the inspiration and goals behind the Diablo 300, is the Diablo 300 continuation of original Diablo circuit design or completely new platform and a derivate reflecting more to the Mephisto?
Diablo 300 runs quite hot. Heavily biased in Class A? What was the performance goal with the new Diablo?

Is the integrated amplifier still important in current market? How far do you think integrated amplifier can be pushed in performance vs the separate preamplifier and power amplifier system combination?

Diablo 300 can host a trickled down Kalliope DAC module. What kind of level one can expect from this combination compared to the stand alone flagship DAC? Can you tell us more about the optional installment?
Naturally the DAC module is not a Kalliope, it had to be smaller to be hosted by the Diablo, but as the specs are telling we managed to get so much Kalliope performance into it that people are more than happy.
MM/MC module?
The Phonomodule is the same as we used on the previous Diablo, it’s a really great performer with a all discrete topology, no IC or op amps.
Front control, touch screen panel seems to be the same as on your flagship models?
Its identical.
You strive hard to keep the Gryphon brand alive, focused and strong. What would you say is the secret of your continuing success?
A Brand name is a promise, by being consistent in 30 years people expect a certain quality in craftsmanship and performance. That is the promise we expect to keep. And we are committed to do that. We do not sway from side to side trying to make all happy, we make products that are meeting our own standards and we are grateful that there are enough people sharing our preferences. Thank you all.
High-End Audio clearly moved to the luxury market where all aspects matters. You’ve always a strong advocate for the design perfection. How do you see the connection of state of the art sonic performance and perfectly sculptured high-end audio products?

There is a troubling tendency in newer high end products, where perhaps 80% of the money are spend on cosmetics and the rest on performance. Today, great finish and design is not as rare as it used to be, so you see really exotic speakers that from a acoustic point are not making any sense and the drivers are off the shelf and the choice are somewhat based on fashion of the month and there fashionable drivers are beaten to omission to play together against their will.
But the end result looks fantastic. Often performance is average and after the honeymoon comes truth and the products moves on to the next owner.
Is High-End audio industry and market going through the positive transformation? Is it possible to blend the expectations of both audiophiles and music lover under one product? How do you see the future of high-end audio and Gryphon Audio role in it? Any last thoughts…

In the end people buy High End audio for many different reasons and I believe that they have the right to, its their money, but naturally it makes our days when we are complimented for the virtues that are important to us.
Continuing in part three. Stay tuned...
Text: Matej Isak