Gryphon Audio's Diablo 333 Integrated Amp: The Good The Bad & The Ugly

Hear Adrian's The Good The Bad & The Ugly review of the new Gryphon Audio Diablo 333 Integrated Amp. Has Gryphon succeeded in surpassing its iconic integrated amp, the Diablo 300?
The Devil Made Us Do It!: Uncrating Gryphon Audio's Diablo 333 Integrated Amp
• The Devil Made Us Do I...
#highendaudio #hifi #audiophile
Book an appointment with us to listen via either email or phone:
[e-mail]
[phone]
Social Media:
linktr.ee/audi...
If you are interested in our playlists, here is how to get them:
Donate to your charity of choice and email the receipt to [e-mail], Adrian's playlist is $10.
We match and donate all the funds we receive from KZbin for the videos, so please support us by watching, subscribing and liking them. Thank you very much for your support.
As always, we would love to hear from you, so please if you have any questions about hifi/audiophile or anything audio-related, leave your comments and feedback below. If you have suggestions for future topics, please let us know.
Audio Excellence Inc. is a high-end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers and audio luminaries like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus Faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan, John Atkinson of Stereophile, Dan D'Agostino of D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs and others.
Contacts:
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
Edited by: [e-mail]

[@MichaelScheerer-jh4ti]

I am a proud Diablo 300 owner and I am very happy with it. A/B is absolutely fine. It doesn‘t get really hot, lukewarm at most. Soundwise this amp delivers a world class performance, all along the range. Well, the speakers are Marten Parker Duo. So, nothing to complain about in my system. No need for an upgrade for the foreseeable future.

[@MikeFromAudioExcellence]

mike from Audio Excellence here: The Diablo 300 had a msrp price of around 18k USD with the DAC module

[@bikemike1118]

I remember that it was about € 13.000.- about 2-3 years ago …the Diablo 300. So: DRAMATIC price increase for almost nothing more of value!

[@the_normal]

​@@bikemike1118because dollar is weaker.

[@bikemike1118]

@@the_normal yes, but not THAT much…

[@hartgemini007]

Also had the Diablo 300 which I thought was amazing and planned to buy the 333 however my dealer said it was delayed so offered me the Essence Pre power which is in another league as you would expect. So much bigger sound stage, transparency & more organic. Agree the 300 was a little grainy but still incredible , Essence is really special especially since adding a Ideon Ion DAC which replaced my MSB - completely different league in everyway to the MSB -truly spectacular.

[@shanestephenson8423]

Hi Adrian, I love the video as always. I have owned a diablo 300, and I have on three separate occasions now heard the 333. The 333 is a substantially improved product over the former amplifier. The new phono preamp option is excellent. I never heard my 300 get grainy when I pushed it, but it certainly was slightly on the dark side of neutral. This new amplifier is dead on neutral in every way.🎧😁👍

[@deanbrandon3615]

Love your videos! I’m not sure where to ask this, but this is the most recent video in which to comment. How is the best way to resell older audio equipment? I mean, if you have some great equipment, but are upgrading, or changing components, how do you get value out of your “old” stuff? E-bay? Dealer trade in? Trade magazine adds? I suppose it depends on the item. I hesitate to upgrade for fear of not being to easily sell my older items.

[@MohsinWadee]

Brothers In Arms was actually released in 1985. It was their first release on CD too, from what I remember.

[@StealthParrot]

Yes, and also the first album in history to sell over one million copies on the cd format.

[@davidbee8178]

Thank you for the review, Adrian - agree, the rubber surrounds on the binding posts are easily replaced so not really an issue. Looking forward to your 5 Integrated shoot out! Speaking of "ugly", the overall Gryphon design language while certainly not ugly, doesn't really speak to me but I can see that the build quality is there in spades. Design is a matter of opinion of what a designer thinks a product should look like so it stands to reason that not everyone will have the same aesthetic appreciation for a designer's work :-) I for one, aside from any SONIC considerations, prefer the straightforward design of the Maria . . . Cheers ! And keep those "unboxings" coming - they're FUN to watch !

[@SensoStockholm]

Thank you for a great video! The Diablo 333 is simply amazing. This integrated amplifier gives you a huge soundstage, depth and insane bass control. Beautiful tonality and it never sounds harsh. You can play crazy loud without any distorsion so please be careful with your ears. It will control any speakers with ease. It is more neutral and fresher sounding than the Diablo 300. It also has a much better bass articulation than the Diablo 300 and the bass notes are easier to follow. Much tidier overall. The Diablo 333 is always a joy to listen to and it has this very addictive boogie factor. I prefer the Diablo 333 to the Essence pre and power combination wich is also amazing. But the Essence takes much longer time to warm up and it also has a much leaner sound compared to the Diablo 333. The Essence also has much less power. The Diablo 333 is a beast with lots of ”meat on the bones” sound but with finesse, power and grace. It will respond very well to power cables. Try a Nordost V2 and be surprised! It has a built in fan but it never comes on.

[@RLCYRL]

I'm switching from MA12000 to Diablo333, both driving passive ATC SCM50s. The Mc sounded more musical and warmer, but the speed and bass of the 333 are just day and night, the control of the speaker is significantly better and I am very happy with this combination, maybe the autofromers are not a good match for ATCs

[@kenmcglown6642]

I recently got a chance to hear the Gryphon Diablo 333 extensively and, sure, it sounded, as expected, fabulous, as did the Diablo 300 before it. However, I still strongly believe that the ultra powerful and absolutely incredible sounding Hegel H600 represents a staggering value compared to the Diablo 333(at half the price of the Diablo 333). Really, the Hegel H600 is all you'll ever need in a world class integrated amp (IMHO), and arguably the one of the greatest values in ultra high end integrated amps on the planet.

[@АлександрЗябликов-щ1я]

Диабло 300 плохо звучит. А хегель н600 вообще отвратительно звучит. Вы это кому всё написали и чем слушаете?

[@vincenthoy28]

As a current user of Gryphon Essence Pre and Power, I do have a quick audition of 333 and the performance is very very close. My pre and power sound a bit warmer but 333 is more on speedy response. Since the price gap between is narrow, is a great deal to go with 333 as you will save the money on power cord and interconnector that may cost you a fortune!

[@annebokma4637]

Welcome to high end audio, where you chose to buy an integrated, because you also want to buy a car and the money saved on the interconnect and power cord will get you a nice mid range new car 😂

[@thomaswalter216]

When doing your shootout please do not forget the McIntosh 12000. Regards from Austria, Thomas

[@jesenskeho2]

I have heard this one with griphon speakers, and it was amazing, very natural. One of the best integrated I’ve ever heard. For 50k together it is a bargain

[@psyphonyxaudio]

I hope the open house event was great!!

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Sounds like you are having fun! That is the point.

[@aruth51485]

Looks pretty nice, not a fan of the fact that it has a fan inside though. Definitely a nice looking machine.

[@adrianlow2114]

There's no fan

[@ramanmanan203]

@@adrianlow2114 Think there is a fan in there, saw that right in the middle with an open equipment.. but I hear it's quiet.

[@antonyharding5360]

Hi Adrian, I have a 300 , it would appear your not deaf, you right about the 300 diablo sounding a tad dark , cracking amp still tho .. no complaints from me , it cost me 8500 £ Alot of money i know, , but a lot of amplifier Ps you nit picks were spot on .....

[@TWALBEVA]

I feel the same way; I think the Gryphon 300 sounds too dark. However, I heard that the 300 is the only Gryphon amplifier with a dark sound. (but no one ever mentioned that Gryphon sounds ultra clear and smooth) I'm not sure if the new Gryphon 333 has really changed the sound. This will be an important factor when choosing an amplifier.

[@bikemike1118]

Always „amusing“ to me that these informations …about sound a tad dark etc… only comes to public as soon as the successor is on the market! Not one reviewer ever has said that about the Diablo 300 when it was the current model … LOL. Always the same pattern …

[@swede5816]

⁠​⁠@@TWALBEVA According to Rune Skov from Gryphon the Antileon and Diablo 120 are slightly darker and warmer, and more colored, than the other more neutral amps from Gryphon. He described the D300 as very neutral; ”shit in shit out” he said. Haven’t heard the 333 yet but some people who have heard both seem to miss that ”dark character” of the predecessor 🤔

[@gerispmakris]

Agreed… I owned the 300… I never felt it was dark but rather clear, smooth, and the bass grip fantastic

[@DearSX]

I'm wondering if this would be a good upgrade over my Fosi Audio mono blocks as I don't know what the extra watts are gonna make a different at normal listening leves (75 dB).

[@Grue_ni]

I own 2 Audionet "AMP" Monos wich i bought 2017 for 10000€ Driving 2 B&W 803D from 2009....the Audionets sound awesome and price to performance you almost can't beat them...but i want more! 😂 The Diabolo 333 is the amp of interest at the moment... But i have to hear it first.. What i also dont like about it is that it has a built in Fan...but maybe that only kicks in at very high volumes...

[@adrianlow2114]

There's no fan

[@Grue_ni]

@@adrianlow2114 Yes there is... Watch the video of "Eglantier Mechelen" "unboxing the gryphon diabolo 333" at minute 1:50 you can see it... right in front of the monster transformer...

[@Grue_ni]

@@adrianlow2114 yes there is... its right in front of the huge transformer.. (KZbin doesnt allow me to link it but simply search for unboxing the gryphon diabolo 333)

[@Grue_ni]

@@adrianlow2114 @adrianlow2114 yes there is... its right in front of the huge transformer.. (KZbin doesnt allow me to link it but simply search for unboxing the gryphon diabolo 333) (Eglantier Mechelen)

[@Grue_ni]

@@adrianlow2114 yes there is!

[@jacquesmcintyre4184]

Another comparaison would be the mighty Mcintosh ma9500 which is more apples to apple than with the hybrid ma12000. Please compare or review the ma9500!

[@AudiolandCH]

Boulder 866 vs DIABLO 333 would be interessting

[@vvmaster2010]

Diablo is more relaxed and refined.

[@michaelgelfman5334]

Have you tried the Diablo 333 w/ the Acora SRC 1’s?

[@adrianlow2114]

not yet

[@henryfokkema6622]

Interesting video church in saltlake best sound system

[@MotownAudio]

Can this amp power the Sonus Faber Stradivaris ?

[@ronpi1293]

True Class A runs hot by definition. This shouldn't surprise anyone.

[@QQ-td9id]

Pure claas A? Class A to 333W will weigh a ton!

[@QQ-td9id]

Its amp is class A/B. I'm not sure how many are pure class A.

[@GentielioGaming]

Did you try the 120 against the 300? less dark. The 120 could be in my price range. I have a Rotel Michi X5 but i would like to compare it to an entry level Gryphon diablo.

[@swede5816]

I comment on this below.

[@GentielioGaming]

@@swede5816 Ok, read it. Even more darker then. Don't think this one will be for me.

[@swede5816]

⁠@@GentielioGamingI have the D300, I would not call it dark.

[@arnoldt77]

Saw it has a fan, is it audible?

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Maybe but it has a lifetime waranty...

[@adrianlow2114]

There is no fan

[@Michelenla]

Hook it up to Audio note speakers E 😊

[@harrisedgar]

Adrian, In 18:10 you mention "high bias". What do you mean? Does it work on class A and then if required changes to class AB?

[@adrianlow2114]

No, simply that some amplifiers are biased so you get a few Class A watts, then the rest are Class AB.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

I imagine the amplifier I could build when I had a budget of 25K $..........

[@xfloodcasual8124]

You can make an amp entirely out of silver and black gates for less than 25k. These amps and others like it are for consumers who want $23k worth of chassis machining.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

@@xfloodcasual8124 Indeed !

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Dual Mono Holmgren toroidal transformer Coda uses a single 3kw toroidal Keen Ocean

[@ajayr8781]

If not Gryphon Diablo 333, then which one..............?

[@peanutbutterjellyjam2179]

Imagine that an integrated amplifier is the price of a good to excellent used car.

[@143GADGETS]

I just want to know what “grainy” means… 😅

[@metatron-007]

🔈🔉🔊

[@andygrenn680]

Diablo 333 intergalactic integrated amplifier could power a NASA Space Ship…under ideal weather conditions of course…

[@roxy_xcxc6869]

😘 Gryphon 300 now on 50% off. hurry grab it now. hurry🤗 clearing out for 333 to take over.

[@aa5az423]

Very expensive, but a heck of a lot cheaper than other Gryphon offerings.

[@davewallace6291]

Forget all these Mickey Mouse amps like Hegel and Macintosh go for the big guns,333vs the new solution 331 vs progression intergrated that will be equal all in the same price bracket

[@swede5816]

@davewallace6291 Haven’t heard the Solution but I would easily take the 333 over the Prog int. Even the 300 is better imo.

[@torarnekvaly7753]

I listened to Diablo 333 with Wilson SabrinaX recently on a Hi-fi show and it made my ears bleed and I had to leave the room… it was very analytical, hard and extremely detailed, without any soul and emotion. So it puzzles me that you describe it so different than what I heard. Maybe it was something with the room, however I went to listen to SabrinaX and was very disappointed with that setup. As reference my home system has tube pre amps, pass labs class a amps and ProAc speakers.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

No video? 😮

[@davidp3096]

I find with ultra high end equipment they need more love in the setting up process. Some Hifi dealer demos give this little consideration. Results usually very bad. Go to the show to see the products in person don’t necessarily judge the sound. If you like what you see find a passionate dealer offering home trails. You will never know how good this stuff is otherwise

[@misterzero8667]

High end equipment must be listened to in the home before making decision

[@AudiolandCH]

Could be just the wrong power cables.

[@ramanmanan203]

Agree, I have had some high end setup at my local dealer made me question.. have the fortune of bring some of them home for audition and making decisions after a trial..

[@MasterofPlay7]

The amp looks very sinister

[@azar3006]

In this day and age of evil on the rise naming your products as such is neither catchy or edgy, it just shows your allegiance ! 333, lol Freemason anyone !

[@annebokma4637]

Cant stand dire straits partly because I heard it too much, partly because I dont like his voice. Hotel California.. my aunt chose that for her funeral.. havent played it since 😂

[@vincenthoy28]

As a current user of Gryphon Essence Pre and Power, I do have a quick audition of 333 and the performance is very very close. My pre and power sound a bit warmer but 333 is more on speedy response. Since the price gap between is narrow, is a great deal to go with 333 as you will save the money on power cord and interconnector that may cost you a fortune!