A hefty package with one of the most talked about high-end audio integrated amplifier just arrived at Mono and Stereo directly from Gryphon headquarters.
Flemming E. Rasmussen strikes again. This time with the power of the Thor fist smacking with the Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated amplifier.
The Gryphon Diablo 300, zero negative feedback, true Dual Mono configuration and microprocessor-controlled 43-step fully balanced relay volume attenuator implementing ultra-precision resistors comes in a package that is more reminiscent of the Mephisto power amplifier then the original Diablo. One quick grasp at the aesthetics unveils the ever continuing story of a living high-end audio legend, Flemming Rasmussen reveals again something that is rare in our industry. Product with aura and right DNA…
Flemming understood the importance of the stand out design from the ground up. Finally the high-end industry is slowly following up with the design orientation. Not all, but at least few brands found the right compass. For many this race might be already lost as they failed to understand the core general high-end industry principles, something that high-end watch and car business figured out decades ago. Design matter! More then any time in history aesthetics are of the key importance along with high performance. Especially now, that everything moved to the domain of the luxury realms.
High-end audio morphed into the luxurious lifestyle and without the refined design anyone not following the norms is instantly out of the game and two steps behind.
Gryphon Diablo 300 radiates with the aura and design DNA that follows the renowned and successful Gryphon story. Even more importantly, Diablo 300 stands on its own as a product. By implementing the updated larger front touch display (from upper echelon Gryphon range) and mightier size, Diablo is self sufficient and evident, capturing and captivating the sense of striking design narrative, being manifested throughout the the juncture of legendary Gryphon DNA and contemporary market demandings.
Gryphon Diablo 300 is 21st century ready via PCM/DSD DAC module with one USB, 2 x SPDIF, 1 AES and 1 optical input as well with the optional MM/MC module. All combined under the “hood” makes Diablo 300 the modern hub for multitude of sources and with the power potency capable of driving vast array of speakers. I was utterly surprised and impressed seeing the Gryphon Trident speakers being driven by it at the Portugal-Lisbon High-End Audio show. Performance still resonate with me and lingers in most positive way.
Gryphon Diablo 300 mighty size resemble more of the power amplifier proportions then your typical integrated. Packed with 2 x 300W (8 Ohm) and doubling into 2 x 600W (4 Ohm) it promises a lot from the beginning. Yes, side aluminum heatsinks are hot in operation. This most surely translates into heavily A Class biased circuit.
I’ve managed to play two, three familiar songs and Gryphon Diablo 300 lock to the music firmly and with grand authority, out of the box… I’ m really exited to hear how it follows up the path set by the original Diablo and how it level with the Gryphon Atilla integrated amplifier I’ve tested and enjoyed some time ago.
So far, hands on, this is how you present and “pack” the contemporary high-end audio integrated. Diablo 300 screams quality, class and control from the first encounter, creating a troublesome situation for many if not most high-end audio manufacturers with price, performance and aesthetics.
I’ll reserve my conclusions as its to early at this time, but it’s hard to to keep the enthusiasm bottled. Stay tuned for more impression and full blown review in due time.
Text and photos: Matej Isak
