"Entry Level" Gryphon The Diablo 120 Integrated HiFi Amplifier REVIEW

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

SOUND DEMO Video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3naqq2Hf5VqqNk

[@bigblueocean]

Love your self deprecating sense of humour Tel. Your intros always make me smile and whet my appetite for more.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks Man, if you cant laugh at yourself ... :)

[@1968krug]

Great review. At 13 minutes you managed to sum it all for me (us!) out there with your comparison of this amp being either an entry level vs end game piece of hardware. Personally, without having listened to this amp, I can’t help but feel if you can fill a room with warm powerful and decisive sound, I imagine most audiophiles would be super happy.

[@henriksrensen3220]

Great review 👍 The 120 plays with finesse and subtlety too. Audiovector is a great match too

[@bocolis88]

Very interesting and enjoyable review. From what you say it seems that it could work with Focal speakers as well

[@willt1771]

Hi there and thanks for the review- if I was on the same side of the pond as you, I'd be purchasing the 120 from you!!!!! Sale this week

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks Will, I am not a hifi dealer but I appreciate the sentiment :)

[@supabayes3284]

Enjoyed this review. I chuckled at how many times you kept referring to ballsy bass from Gryphon Diablo300 and 120. Having owned the 300, I concur. I am using Manley Snappers monoblocks now and boy do they match the 300 in terms of ballsy bass! Hope that you will review the Manley tube amps in future.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Pure coincidence I have a Manley here now

[@supabayes3284]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem That’s so cool! 👍👍👍Guessing it’s the Stingray2? Which is a very nice el84 tube integrated amp with unique RF remote. Looking forward to your review. Hope that you will get to review the Snappers, they are el34 tubes monoblocks like on steroid. 100watt but matching the gryphon Diablo300 in driving my Tekton Encores.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

@@supabayes3284 how did you know it was the stingray haha ??

[@Ali_ReBORN]

How would you compare the Diablo 120 vs Hegel H390 or H590?

[@riggleswade1080]

Loved the big and ballsy and gutsy review. 😁😁😁

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I was going to put up pictures of massive testicle on animals but I feared the video might get shut down which in a way took the edge me keep using the words - glad you spotted it :)

[@riggleswade1080]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem in a way, I wish you had 🤣🤣🤣

[@MT-fw6zp]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Yep, it is difficult to give words to the impact that Gryphon units can deliver .. a fine review.. Terry, blessings to your balls., and best wishes to you.

[@stevenkoski228]

In this price range of solid state integrated amps of Class A rating, both Pass Labs & Jeff Rowland Design Group (JRDG) models offer full XLR balanced inputs, which most audiophiles demand. Even Naim’s line uses XLR/DIN inputs. You might want to audition them sometime.

[@Daniel-t3u9m]

Naim is great. I listened to it a few months ago. I think it was the Atom with the Referece R5 Meta. However, "Class A" is not "superior". This is a myth, typical snakeoil just like fancy speaker cables. I.e. Primare switched from Class A or A/B to Class D. I think it is because Class D is cheaper but also takes less space. Less space means more space for audio components that actually do make difference. So, I think if a "high end" company like choose to use Class A just for the sake of reputation or to satisfy tinhats (sorry) I think it MIGHT be a good reason to be cautious. However, there are a lot of good products at almost any price range. Right now I consider the Ferrum Wandla (Goldensound Edition) that is the EISA award winner with a decent power amplifier for KEF Reference 3 Meta. My main problem is that I do not find any store (here in Sweden) that offers me to listen at it. Because they cannot get their hands on it for some reason. I found a store that offers Reference 1 Meta but Ferrum Wandla (not Goldensound Edition) has just one dedicated store. However, it would be very nice to compare Ferrum Wandla (Goldensound Edition) + a good poweramp for Reference 3 Meta with Gryphon 120 with Reference 3 Meta. Does Gryphon really sound for thousands of dollar extra? It SHOULD but question is if it really WILL. I doubt, but I could be wrong. So, you are right. There are plenty of decent alternatives on the market. No matter if you are up for Class A or not. In the end it is up to you, what you want and what you like. Even placebo actually does make difference for the listening experience, tin hat or not. So I do not really looking down on you, but personally I would not get that.

[@steverees1936]

Hi Terry. Interesting review in the sense that you matched a lower level of speaker with a more expensive amp. I think back to the time when you tested sub £600 stand mount speakers and had an expensive system to demonstrate them with. Is it possible there is a method to this what would seem as madness? I'm starting to think that it makes more sense to have more expensive sources to get the best out of more affordable speakers and upgrading amps, DAC and cd players before speaker's is a better idea. What's your thoughts based on your experiences? Also what's your thoughts on the MF nu vista 800 in comparison? Always enjoy your videos Terry and thanks.

[@richardzedman1160]

i have the old attilla this 120 is the amp that replaced it And its been best amp ive had The music just flows like water running out of a tap totally fluid and musical

[@henriksrensen3220]

Yes. It's a wonderfull amplifier

[@labalo5]

Thats what I’m getting with my diablo 120. Past 100 hours and this amp is a keeper, the diablo 300 is THE better amp in many ways, but for fluidity , engaging midrange with extended/composed top end...its hard to ask more from it.

[@jonassmitt-amundsen1995]

I have a Gryphon Atilla. Is there a significant improvement from the Atilla to the Diablo 120? Is it worth the upgrade?

[@mrpositronia]

The Hegel H590 is in the same price range, and is the top of the range integrated for Hegel, so this would be an interesting comparison.

[@labalo5]

Hegels are reknown for the grippyness on the woofer. Some might say they sound lean and if you have a slow or warm sounding speaker like a dynaudio then a Hegel will match nicely. I have a Hegel and a 120 coming to me. Willl evaluate soon.

[@labalo5]

@@henriksrensen3220 I think Hegel had Gryphon in their sights when they decided to develop the the H590. Even in some of the marketing they talk about ‘another integrated’ that also did 300x2...well this is likely why they wanted 301x2 in the H590. It’s a little interesting when you see the internal look, the bottom switch, and the way the amp powers up. It’s somewhat similar. I think competition is great as the consumer wins. But the silent killer and real gem in the Hegel line up is the H390.

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@labalo5 yes I agree with you.👍 The 390 is the sweet spot in the Hegel range. Very competitive amplifier.

[@DaveSHarris]

@@labalo5 will be interested to hear this evaluation. I have a H390 and I’m wondering what the next move is.

[@labalo5]

@@DaveSHarris I’ve moved on from the brilliant H390 and am extremely happy with the Diablo 120. I feel they are a better match for my speakers, TAD ME-1.

[@DBTAudio]

Excellent review Terry! I own the Luxman L-509x and was curious how the Diablo 120 compared? You gave a brief impression of the two and I better sit tight with my Luxman for now. I have Spatial Audio X5 open baffle speakers which tend to do well with tube gear, but I wanted to try Luxman and it’s been a nice pairing with my speakers. I’d like to see you review a pair of Spatial Audio speakers. Thanks!

[@rainerstier3131]

ever tested a asr audio emitter ? you should give it a go, beautiful amp with the sound of the tube and the power of a transistor.

[@hkgoodman888]

I have B&W805D3, planning to upgrade the amplifier. I mostly listen to pop music. Which of the following amplifier would be suggested? 1.) Gryphon Diablo 120 2.) Hegel H390 3.) Used Classe CP-500/CP-800 Pre Amplifier + CA-2200 Amplifiers Appreciate any opinions

[@ChrisMag100]

That amp looks like a game console. If I were in that market for an integrated in that price range, I’d be looking at the top-end Simaudio or perhaps a nice Luxman.

[@LizGarcorz]

Ive tried those amps and i can tell you the Gryphon smokes them

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Great review as usual! Thanks for this. Do you happen to remember Audio Analogue's Maestro amplifier's sound signature by any chance... Vs Diablo 120. Any gut feel reaction? Cheers.

[@kaybhee6]

got martin logan esl.... diablo 120.. or pass labs int 60,, etc... or sugden,, what u think...,,,most important need max resolving,,,, and if availabke.. 3d space... in future ,, pls review constellation amps too

[@goldfishmichael95]

Hi everyone, I'm seeking some unbiased opinions. I currently own Sonus Faber Amator III speakers and have two options available to me. The first is a Gryphon Diablo with a built-in DAC, priced at 100k NOK from the dealer, which I'm considering. The second option, from another dealer, is an older Diablo 250 with RIAA but no internal DAC. However, it comes with an AURALIC ALTAIR G1.1 streamer/DAC and Nordost XLR cable for 70k NOK, making it the cheaper option. My question is: in terms of pure sonic performance and synergy with my Amator III speakers, which amplifier would be better? Would the older but more powerful Diablo 250 outperform the newer technology Diablo 120, or vice versa? I understand that in terms of pure synergy, the Gryphon Diablo with the built-in DAC might be superior, but it comes at a 30k higher price tag.

[@ochome1990]

As a Diablo 120 user, I totally love its characteristic as you mentioned. Always wondered what's the difference b/w 300, and you gave it! Thanks for a great review :)

[@henriksrensen3220]

I love mine too. The best I ever heard

[@alvinng7699]

The Diablo 300 sound signature is clean, transparent and neutral with a powerful low end. The 120 is a warm sounding amp. After auditioning both, I went for the 120 as it is less fatigue on the treble. The mid is tube like, thick and warmer. Bass is big and deep. Love it. It is exactly how it sounded in the review.

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@alvinng7699 I love my 120 too. Roy Gregory from the online magazine "the audio beat" actually prefer the 120 over the 300 also. He thinks the 300 is "less adept when it comes to the subtleties of tonality and dimensionality" He says the 120 "delivers more of Gryphon’s traditional virtues, with a warm, fluid and engaging sound"

[@alvinng7699]

@@henriksrensen3220 yes, it still retains the original gryphon warm signature sound. Somehow the 300 shifted away from that.

[@labalo5]

I’ve got a 120 w/dac picking up today. Redoing my system and decided gryphon will be at the heart of it all.

[@my_wood]

can you try accuphase preamp and power amp, thanks

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I would love to of course, I don't have the contacts at the moment

[@praditkhaoropmaitri6796]

I am still have a question how different between Diablo 120 vs Hegel H 190 in term of dollar value?

[@jeffcwc]

Is it powerful for B&W 804D3 or should I directly go for 300🤔 And does DAC good? Coz I am targeted AURALiC Aries g2.1 and Vega g2.1🤔🤔 Also…compare with Plinius Kaitaki and P10…is the 300 better option🤔🤭🤭

[@imosolar]

Great review but how does it compare to the NAGRA CLASSIC AMP. Please review audionet preamps

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Its a very different amp to the nagra classic, I reviewed the nagra a year or so ago

[@DDSRacer01]

Nice review, ty! 👍

[@martindevon3204]

It seems a bit cheap to use with the new Wilson's 🤔

[@milkman100001]

i have the ps audio bhk 250 tube amp. sounds fantastic..

[@henriksrensen3220]

I know there are many who prefer the Diablo 120 over the 300. The 300 can sound a little constipated compared to the Diablo 120.

[@nuttyl283]

Try 60watts DC servo mosfet J49 K134 +/-56VDC , you will love it. Easy to build , very cheap and very good sound you can even make 115watts too

[@johnshaw359]

TBH I would like an explanation @13:50 of where the £9000 has been spent, not even a separate preamp transformer for the money as far as I can see. Great amp for a wealthy audiophile who wants a simpler 2nd system, but I wouldn't go for this If I had to loan the money or "had to work" for a living.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Maybe check out all the information for a better idea of whats in the amp etc gryphon-audio.dk/shop/integrated-amplifiers/diablo-120/

[@johnshaw359]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Yep it does have some good engineering. Good preamp using only discrete resistors rather than a volume "pot". Many Thanks.

[@fizywig]

Perhaps the 120, with uts more organic sound pairs wel, with atc to placate its overly analytic signature

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

@@fizywig atc are not analytical they are just bass light which tips the balance up. Think like that and you can balance them easy

[@anthonyhopkin]

A really interesting review PPS, Thanks. I would love to have some details on how you best use your power conditioning systems with your review items. I see several pieces of Isotek kit. What is your preferred method to supply the streamer, (Upscaler), DAC, Amplifier? I can imagine that the Gryphon needs a 'fat' power supply ... ;¬) Thanks for your kindly attention. Greetings to one and All.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

They dont call it a Frankenstein system for nothing :) - I am using the EVO 3 Titan to power amplifiers this is separate. I am using the EVO3 NOVA to power the computer source and a few other bits like the linear power supplies but I am also daisy chaining off one NOVA high current outlet to an Isotek Genesis One from that I am using an Isoktek 2 way filter (think called Gemini) to power both the Chord DAC products so the crucial digital gets regenerated power. 2 Genesis One would be better but I am doing the next best thing I think :) Just need some bolts on my neck but I look more like Fester haha

[@bigblueocean]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem if you were Fester..... You could power the whole thing yourself :)

[@cchsiao817]

dear sir, how does Gryphon Diablo 120 power Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III speakers?

[@darrenbarugh9218]

I recently had a demo at Nintronics with both the 120 & 300 with the Sonus Faber Olympia Nova III speakers. The synergy is superb and they’re a great combination. I’d auctioned quite a few amps with the Olympia Nova III including the Hegel H390 and nothing came close to either of the Diablo’s. My preference was the 300 but both sounded great!

[@labalo5]

The best part is the tight fist and then loosens up and tells you fisters not to get too excited lol

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Glad someone gets my humour :)

[@labalo5]

You getting a subby Terry!

[@RealHIFIHelp]

A good brand.

[@henriksrensen3220]

One of the very best

[@billywindsock9597]

Interesting review as always. A nine grand amp with the same matrix display as a two hundred quid Denon all in one box. Not convinced. Seen the Gato range on the march lately, I’m going to give them a try when this lockdown malarkey is over.

[@henriksrensen3220]

You can't compare gato with gryphon. If you got the money, go for gryphon. Gryphon is in another league.

[@Pasquale-jm8mc]

I sottotitoli in Italiano mai?

[@5Antvin]

company claims dual mono topology in their products , but this amp has 1 transformer ?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Its 2 stacked

[@schizza1980]

Man, thats a nice review, thank you. When we will see Avanti review? :)

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

They was only here for a very short time and maybe they will come back again sometime but I am not sure at the minute

[@schizza1980]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem do u like that holographic stage of them ? Never heard them i have tons of hours on Virgos and they are pretty close musically i think.

[@Csnumber1]

Yeah I bit on the click bait too..."Entry Level".....for low end "millionaires"!! LOL!!!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

It does say entry level gryphon but noone reads that far haha :)

[@javierdediegocandela2768]

Hello Terry! Did you ever listen the new Krell K300i? How is it in comparison with Diablo 120?! Thank you!!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Hi Javier, I dont think I have ever listened to any Krell amplifiers to be honest, I cant think of a time when I have.. big hole there sadly

[@labalo5]

Diablo 120 and the 300i will be an interesting match up, the k300i seems to be picking up in popularity. I went with the diablo 120 w/dac and not looking back. Outstanding amp and like Terry’s review indicates, f’in ballsy!

[@johnsweda2999]

Hi I'm looking for an amplifier around 4 grand any suggestions I don't mind second-hand I saw a vtl going for £2700 they make some good amps any experience! I was looking possibly gato... any experience! Got any Gear not just amps money waiting you want to get rid of or maybe your clients ask around let me know cheers I think the Yamaha better than the luxman a-s1100 or 1200. Any good Hi-Fi shops you recommend Physical buy

[@hclandscapes]

Hegel H390 or if you want to save some money look at the Hegel H190. Contact Lee at strictlystereo highly recommend!

[@gergelykiss1142]

Naim supernait 3 the best you could get for that price. Also you can upgrade that later on.

[@nelsta77u.k53]

Gergely Kiss I agree S/nait3 look know further in that price bracket, Hegal is up there in performance for sure.

[@johnsweda2999]

Thanks for the input where is strictly stereo based what part of the country! have been tempted to go for the audionote signature just for vinyl all i play that's what I want it for don't think the hegel's very good for vinyl or driving Maggie's

[@johnsweda2999]

@@gergelykiss1142 what's the phono stage like on it just playing vinyl has one?

[@jamesperlow8616]

I'M GOING TO CHOOSE NOT TO BE RUDE THIS TIME I THINK THE CHAP IS ACTUALLY PRETTY ENTERTAINING LOL HIP HIP CHEERIO BRO

[@Roof_Pizza]

If a '120' watt amplifier puts out 135 clean watts is it a 120 watt amplifier or a 135 watt amplifier? I'm only saying that because manufacturers love to show on the spec sheet that their amp 'can put out double into 4 ohms' when in reality they don't contributing to the delusion that our watts are stronger than your watts (120 Gryphon watts). Show me a spec sheet that shows exactly double into 4 ohms and I'll show you a manufacturer that has fibbed on one or more of their claims ( 8 and/or 4 ohms). In this case a completely different reviewer has measured this device and got 133.3 and 241.3 respectively. Admirable numbers for sure but not the magical 'doubling down' that is often touted including on this video. Other manufacturers may claim that their amp puts out 'only' 50 watts when the amp is clearly a 100 watt design. I'm not singling out this manufacturer as other high end manufacturers do the same thing, Krell for one. The doubling down is just a marketing ploy and reviewers should at least mention that the specs are claimed by the manufacturer and not verified not just read off of a spec sheet. Nice piece of gear anyways and certainly not in my budget range.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Well that covers the spec of 120 and double down to 240? I am confused why this is bothering you

[@peronnikbeijer213]

You should test the Hegel 590 at the same price range

[@henriksrensen3220]

It's not same price range

[@paylnyles]

I WANT! x

[@guillermoreyes6070]

👏👏👏👍👍

[@Klyystron]

9500 Pounds with shitty touch screen buttons instead of metal is a NO NO , those buttons will act up if not in 1/2 but for sure in 4/5 years . Even an entry level amp like First Watt would run without maintenance for years. That's what the difference is between class and pretenders.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I think that's a huge speculation on your part based on how many people reporting problems. I havent seen anyone and normally someone would have said something to me by now. I think calling Gryphon a pretender hifi company is from someone who has had no experience with their products - there is nothing pretend about any of them

[@willbrink]

For myself, something that ugly for that $, would not be in my system. There's just too many great options for that kinda $.

[@fredfungalspore]

Very high end When are these very high end companies Going to accommodate the majority of Users with an a affordable product..We don't all ware a Rolex.. What about the Seiko buyers?????

[@riccitone]

That’s...entry....level...? Ouch.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Its a tongue in check comment

[@labalo5]

This or the L-509x? Lol

[@henriksrensen3220]

The Gryphon

[@steven2809]

‘A lot of amp for your money’..? Give me a break!

[@henriksrensen3220]

Actually it is great amp for the money ☺

[@steven2809]

@@henriksrensen3220 For that money I would expect more than great.....! 😁

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@steven2809 it's one of the very best amplifiers for the money

[@jsmctch]

Are you familiar with the Gryphon brand?

[@rfbead321]

Ridiculous pricing...

[@henriksrensen3220]

Not ridiculous. You get what you pay for

[@Demonator27]

What's ridiculous about it?

[@mrpositronia]

@@Demonator27 It helps to justify other people's smaller budgets.

[@Demonator27]

@@mrpositronia 😂😂😂 Right

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@mrpositronia exactly 👍😊