Feeling rich on the budget: Gryphon Tabu Century speaker amplifier clone review!

[@mddawson1]

There is another Polish HiFi reviewer, 'VirtualHiFi', who has some of the best sounding audio test recordings I have heard on yt. No idea what gear he uses but it certainly sounds good in his videos.

[@k4syx]

That guy owns two brands manufacturing high quality speakers, he describes the gear he uses in his channel. The mics alone are 3.000 USD, not mentioning the rest of the gear and the room treatments. I suppose they are using that setup for calibrated speaker measurements

[@mddawson1]

@@k4syx He had one video, now removed, where he compared a cheap Class-D amp against a $3000 amp. The Class-D amp didn't sound as good but I immediately noticed that he had accidently wired the speakers out-of-phase. Once I corrected the phase on my PC, it sounded good. It is an easy mistake to make, even PS Audio has done it at the 2024 Montreal audio show. What was puzzling for me were the number of comments where people preferred the out-of-phase audio?

[@k4syx]

@@mddawson1 Out of phase will not allow you to pinpoint sound locations but it sounds unnaturally wide - you can locate the sounds, but they are all around you. Some people may prefer that especially when listening to YT on headphones :)

[@kenlane3001]

My round.......Thanks for your time doing these. Cheers.

[@k4syx]

Thank you! Cheers! :)

[@jasonshud2636]

i am waiting on the FM trans amp review also! your channel is going to blow up! good job!

[@k4syx]

I had to postpone it for a few days as I had not enough free time to do listening sessions for both. I need to spend some time on weekends with my family too :D

[@Rocker6969]

Another excellent review. Thank you. I hope your channel grows !!

[@k4syx]

Thank you! :)

[@sevmiros7016]

Your reviews are greatly appreciated, I am awaiting the arrival of my D5 Pro...yes, as per your review! Pozdrowienia z Australji!

[@k4syx]

Thanks! Pozdrowienia!

[@user-dapeng661]

Thank you for a very detailed review ! Much appreciatef ❤❤❤

[@k4syx]

Thanks!

[@rontoolsie]

If this amp was sold through a conventional distributor/dealer, it would cost every bit of $2500. Factory direct is the new marketing model

[@k4syx]

Yes I am always amazed seeing sale price differences (clearances too) as its disturbing how big margin distributors have. For example ML XT B100 that I got recently are 1600USD (base price) in US. And local distributor has them listed for almost 3000USD!

[@Anatoly_Panchenko]

@@k4syx lol))) the charger usb cable, that costs $2 retail on Ali, costs $12-15 in our local outlets. And some prices, say for orthopedic gear, multiply by 8-10 times.

[@matytinman]

MAYBE a winning combination, especially for a second system: * Cary SLP-90 clone tube preamplifier - 321€ * Burmester 933 speaker amplifier clone - 351€ 👉For 672 € at home (Spain/EU)

[@k4syx]

@@matytinman I dont think at the moment Id like to pair 933 with any preamp. It has ver raw and wild sound, probably by some happy accident (definetely not because of cheap components) I wouldnt like to add any tube sweetness and polish to it. At some point in time I will experiments with caps: I would like to make it better but retaining overall signature if possible So for like a second system I would just go with 933 and source - and thats it

[@RobWhittlestone]

Hi Greg! Great video. Nice quality construction! I'm still very happy with my Transaudio D5 Pro that can finally drive my KEF reference Three Two's like they want. Now running daily for six months. Have you seen - there is now a Transaudio D9 Pro (like the D5 Pro) with XLR inputs. The JC 2 preamplifier saga is still ongoing - I sent it back to Sheng Teng Electronics Store and am now awaiting a replacement. All the best, Rob in Switzerland

[@richardlui8914]

How do you like the sound d5 pro and jc2 combo?

[@RobWhittlestone]

@richardlui8914 Hi Richard - to be honest - not a lot because the JC-2 has a weakness regarding earthing and produces audible hum with the Transaudio D5 Pro. This is well recognised in the comments sections of relevant (German language) videos. Meanwhile some owners have 1) added extra earthing to the chassis from the power supply and 2) re-soldered some of the questionable quality solder joints. Some of those who have done this are VERY happy with the result (not necessarily combined with the D5 Pro). BTW did you know that the JC-2 apparently has a menu accessed by a long press on the volume control for eg. Limiting the volume, setting display brightness, setting turn-on statuses, etc. TBH the brightness was a nuisance, far exceeding anything in my listening room, so I will check this as soon as I receive my new JC-2 clone. I am in the process of providing an English language manual for the Sengterbelle JC-2 clone (because it comes with nothing). In it I will I will give as much info as possible about the earthing fix (do at your own risk). All the best, Rob in Switzerland

[@richardlui8914]

@@RobWhittlestone thank you for the information .. I received the jc2 and d5 pro, just received SPL90.. exact same chassis as jc2 just different circuit ..all the good stuff .. may be a separated power separated may make it better ... But still busy in the burn in process of my old new speakers with the fm255 and 300a..plus some new power cables, speaker cables and RCA cables and vibration isolators .. everyday I may be able to have one or two hours to listen.. my wife is doing an online master degree course and she is sensitive to sound even good sounds so .. After fm255 +300a combo My first plan is to play the SPL90 + d5 pro combo Then Jc2 + two TPA class d monoblocks ( A70 or za3) Combo .. And each combo will have three different speakers to match .. Plus coming the power conditioners and linear power supply So much stuff to play with .. I do not have a reference set up so far .. now try to find out one or two reference systems just based on the limited budget .. still all those toys total sum is cheaper than my previous speakers and integrated amp 15 years ago By the way .. ordered a lot of used cd. .. too cheap to neglect .. just $2 each .. after having a lowfi acceptable system get to remember the scope .. it is a tool to enjoy the music !

[@richardlui8914]

@@RobWhittlestone by the way .. I just got a pair of coaxial speakers Tannoy like medium box with 8 " coaxial driver how do you KEF r32 match with d5pro ?

[@richardlui8914]

@RobWhittlestone just opened the SPL90.. surprise they come with a 3 pages operation manual... The look is handsome ..Craftsmanship is good ..just the feeling to adjust the volume control is not the best Did you note about that the gold plated RCA plug. The color of the gold is different .. may be poor craftsmanship or they do electroplating twice ..

[@christophergaus3996]

Was the faster amp you were remembering maybe the Brumester 933? I was also wondering if you've enjoyed the FM255 preamp. The first look was intriguing, does it pair well with these various amps? Excellent videos man, really enjoyable 😊

[@k4syx]

Thanks! I think you might be right, that probably was 933. FM255 is patiently waiting in line to be reviewed: I bought some stuff on every sale during summer to have a line ready for autumn and winter as shipping gets longer closer to xmas time.

[@christophergaus3996]

@k4syx I also bought in every sale, just not as fancy as your purchases 😉 I did get the JC2 preamp you reviewed, really excited to hear about the rest! The FM 255 and bigger Accuphase clone in particular ✨

[@neosystas]

Thanks for the review. The 12 big, green filter capacitors are from the south korean samwha capacitor group. I don't think that they are really bad. Greetings from Germany, Michael

[@k4syx]

Yes Samhwas are not bad, they are very often found in PC power supplies - for example. But I do have very good experiences with nichicons and mundorfs, though the mundorfs are terribly expensive.

[@maudifi]

The blue with gold -ve stripe capacitors you point out are Panasonic FC s.

[@k4syx]

Thanks! I knew I recognize the M letter!

[@Zeppstermeister]

Thanks for your grat reviews, and keep up the good work! Greetings from Norway! 😃✌

[@k4syx]

Thank you! Now I will have to look for a proper beer from Norway! :)

[@Zeppstermeister]

@@k4syx You're welcome, and I suggest Rignes pilsner! Bentzen 👍

[@singaporehifiblog]

The small dark blue capacitors are from Panasonic. FC range - good quality.

[@k4syx]

thanks! I knew that I've seen that markings before :)

[@Jil8840]

I am interested in this amp. Will you make a group sound test comparison of all those amps???

[@k4syx]

Yes thats the idea after I finish single reviews for all of them

[@Jil8840]

@k4syx that will be fantastic. I can't wait.

[@themountain59]

Construction looks ace but the transformator a bit lost/undersized in there. Keep up the good work👌👍

[@k4syx]

Yes that one could be bigger, definetely

[@roa5359]

Nice build but don't they realise that by including a remote operated pot they would likely double sales? Who is using an integrated amplifier without R/C these days? In addition, this amplifier looks NOTHING (again, I've mentioned this before with clones) like it's genuine name sake, the Gryphon Taboo. This seems a common theme with all these clones. If anyone is in any doubt just google the real article and see for yourself. In fact, many of these clones seem to follow/have similar internal construction/layout to each other. I don't want to diminish the value one is (probably) getting with one of these but I wished they would stop using the genuine brand's name and nomenclature in association. These have little to do with the real thing/s. Thanks for the review

[@k4syx]

Yes, thats not simple 1:1 copy :) Some of the clones have PCBs retraced for new layouts in new chassis, thay are also very ofther stacked like here because they are prepared for DiY builds and need to be able to fit many different generic cases. So basically you get the schematic od the device and then redesign the boards with slightly different goals in mind: simpllicity, easy access to connectors and elements for replacements etc. In some cases new pcbs will also include fixes for known problems with the originals. And some other clones are just blunt 1:1 copies down do pcb colour. As for remotes - I guess Its about the price limit. Most of the cloned preamps include some kind of remote (often something very cheap but still!)

[@roa5359]

@ The issue I have is with the word ‘clone’ which implies a copy. These are not, far from it. It misleads some folks into thinking they get something equal which is of course nonsense at this price point. We all want something for nothing but it just doesn’t work like that. These amps may be decent value but you forgo back up, history and research not to mention pride of having the real deal. Additionally, come re-sale, you will get little back. Other than that I have no issue with competition from china snd I enjoy your vlogs.

[@wdsoft]

Nice review. How does it compare with the fm300?

[@k4syx]

FM300a has better midrange, this one has almost everything slighlty better or on the same level. What kind of music are you listening to?

[@ChicagoRob2]

Beautiful construction

[@bourru6321]

Thanks for the review but the most important on KZbin is a sound demo !!! If you don't want to be demonetised, you can create two speparate videos. ;)

[@jarkos6019]

I don't agree. KZbin sound quality might not confirm his observations moreover it might bring misleading conclusions for some of us.😮

[@k4syx]

Theres a problem with sound quality in sound demos. Im working on a mic setup and repeatable procedure for demos so they wont sound as sh*tty as 99% of yt demos :D Thats something I definetely want to have here and I will find something thats not so heavily copyrighted (and these will be separate videos for more reasons than this one)

[@cobar5342]

It is a tempting amp!

[@ilanspiro1645]

Here we gooooo ❤

[@phillipmorris9847]

sounds like you found a winner

[@k4syx]

Yes that one is good and has potential for being even better after simple recap :)

[@chinmeysway]

so do you do any actual testing on distortion, wattage, damping factor etc on things? thanks for any insights

[@k4syx]

Not really. I decided to let go any AP ideas because of the expenses (I do these in my free time after getting home from my regular job). But also for other reasons: some sellers actually do have AP benchmark results attached to the offers (I've shown them a couple of times in my videos) and as for stuff like power output I only care if they can drive my selection of speakers properly - and my electrostats are heavy and troublesome load. For my dynamic speakers like ML XT B100 anything above 100W is an overkill (and that 100W is also very generous here :))

[@Linkmat97]

It would be nice if you set up a table or something where you can compare all of the amplifiers you have reviewed. They are a lot and it could ease up the buying process

[@k4syx]

Yes I want to have something like that, preferably on some external website, to have running top tens. But first I need: 1. finish all single reviews 2. do comparisions with scoring 3 find time to setup hosting server. I do all of these reviews in my free time as I have regular job that pays the bills for that amp extravaganza ;)

[@Anatoly_Panchenko]

The original amp, has 0.07% THD, while this 0.0014%. Such number, very difficult to get even with NFB. Then, that amp runs cool, so this is not a class A, not a regular class A at least. So how that .0014% THD possible? Or there is a circuit, with NFB, and this is not exactly Gryphon Century, or the seller made a mistake with the numbers. And here, we coming to interesting moment: there are unique measurements of amplifier, like temperature, power draw, output voltage at idle, that I never saw before, but amplifier, is a bit more, than just heater, or battery charger. There is interesting to see, the real THD vs power and frequency, noise floor, IMD. Really, the gear, to perform these measurements costs half of the price of the reviewed clone. And this is not all. I saw very interesting approach of one guy, that reviewed audio gear also: in addition to objective measurements of amp, he just left the precision ADC connected to the loudspeaker terminal, while playing music. Then he shared a links, to the audio files, captured just from the amplifier output, giving possibility to watchers listen not only subjective thoughts of the reviewer, but the actual voice of the gear.

[@k4syx]

Transaudio guys are giving AP measurements and you can actually see the amps in measurement rigs and output data. But I think they are the only ones doing that. You have to bear in mind that many of these designs are rather old and now you can get better quality, higher precision parts so its not impossible to beat original specs (which doesnt necessarily translate to better than original sound quality). I'm measuring what I can with the equipement I have: temperature is important, because some of us have limited spaces for equipement and its important to know how much heat will have to be dissipated. I dont own AP: Im not a youtube reviewer, just a regular guy with weird hobby and day job that pays the bills for all these amps. I'm very open for any donations towards AP though, even more for anyone that would own AP and would be willing to buy these amps as I do for measurements ;) Having said that, if the ad income will allow, I may get AP. Now its like 200USD per month so its ridicolous. Using ADC at speaker taps is not a good idea for sound quality assesment as it will never provide real dynamic load for the amp with frequency dependent impedance. And amps are highly tied to load from speakers and can sound completely different with different loads. Im working on a ADC with mics setup, but that far from being at the quality level I need it to be. But we're get there :)

[@Anatoly_Panchenko]

@@k4syx why to spend $200 for rent AP each month, while possible to pay once only. Absolutely no problem connecting ADC to amp output; while ADC below clipping, it’s THD level at -120-130dB, so where is quality loss? Just use correct ADC, capable acquire wide bandwidth of the signal levels. You can load amp just with resistor, or either easy to drive loudspeaker. Then new parts, and new designs. - there is good video on this subject here, one guy tested best amp output circuits on modern semiconductors. 0.004% without NFB, is the best result ON SIMULATION!!! So I still sceptic about 0.0014%

[@k4syx]

@Anatoly_Panchenko I was saying that KZbin generates 200usd income per month, not that I'm renting AP for 200usd per month :) I don't have a use for AP home, so getting it only for yt reviews I do as a hobby in my free time is not really an reasonable expense. Resistor load will still be linear, it will be better with it than without it though it will still be an approximation of the real sound with real load. I would rather get ADC input parallel to the speaker taps of the real speaker. ADC shouldn't be a load, with high input Z it would work more like a voltage converter. So I would like to have a real speaker there to work as real load and I ADC would record real, frequency dependent, audio signal. I wasn't talking about quality loss from ADC. I was taking about the signal that would be recorded being different from real thing as the amp would be working without load so I'd expect for it to behave differently, probably for worse. That's my guesstimate. That's theory, it's interesting exercise to try to plan it. I may try it some day out of curiosity, for now I'll stick to mic setup that I'm building as this will be useful for speakers too. As for THD my 851Ws are specced to have 0.005%, and these are power monsters so I guess it's easier to reach lower levels with simpler setups. Though I might be wrong here, the last time I was actually designing discrete amp was like 20y ago :D But I

[@Anatoly_Panchenko]

@ it is not a problem load good amp with either resistor or speaker. The speaker, as a complex, reactive load, will unleash flaws of stability, and ability to drive real load, of the amp. Take a look at E1DA Cosmos ADC ISO. Sold on ali, reviewed on the audiosienese. I personally purchased an older model, with no USB isolation. In short- I just happy with it

[@richardlui8914]

One silly out of the topic question.. let say the system has two monoblocks power amp.. i can move the monoblock position to adjust the distance of speaker cables and intercinneciton cables Do you want to have a shorter speaker cables or shorter xlr balanced interconnection cables..simply does speaker cables or the xlr balanced intercommection has more interference to the signal?

[@k4syx]

If you can do that its always adviseable to have longer interconnects and shorter speaker cables. Why? Because the load the speaker creates for the amp may become comparable with speaker cable impedance for longer cable runs and thats bad. Notice that in audio fairs they usually have amps on the floor right by the speakers, and thats no coincidence.

[@richardlui8914]

@k4syx the a70 monoblocks come to my mind , then active speakers.. The design of active speakers should be good in theory but the amp quality is another issue .. good at producing speakers may not be good at producing amp.. We are talking about digital crossover .. if we can separate high and low frequency .. then we can separate left high, left low and then right high and right low ... Totally four power amp .. no preamp no crossover .. I can move the little monoblocks A70 behind the speakers shorten the distance of speaker cable ... Simple way 12" full range speakers + super tweeter or tweeter ( only add one resistance at the signal path) on top of the full range speaker box No crossover but need a preamp .. and do not need digital volume control

[@richardlui8914]

The electrostatic panel may work .. almost full range down to 400hz just a special subwoofer can compensate that 400hz and below.. but it is very complicated may be dangerous because the high voltage of it is not a professional design , so no ..

[@k4syx]

@@richardlui8914 There is one guy locally that I was speaking to last year, he was buying ZA3 (3 pieces) to use as open baffle drivers, separately, with DSP crossover. He said he had great results with test builds and simpler amps

[@k4syx]

@@richardlui8914 Exactly, simple and clean setup. I got two A70 monos last month, bought them on sale for a review - first look vid will be up soon, and then full review with audio quality will follow

[@IvicaMarusevic]

That yellow mkp caps would be my first choice for upgrading ...

[@k4syx]

yes, its simpler and faster than power caps. And cheaper, as you need only two 1uF units.

[@IvicaMarusevic]

@k4syx And as those elkos are not great brand they are new and imho I would use them as is for couple of years and then change them for something better

[@k4syx]

@@IvicaMarusevic Yes, that would be the plan, choose something better, get it for the good price, no hurry and then do the upgrade

[@stefanthuering6456]

You talk about volume up by remote... so with preamp, or dac volume?

[@k4syx]

It was straight from the DAC, so nothing else (just RCA IC) in the way of the audio signal. As pure as I can, so I can judge amp on its own

[@blacksheep.079]

Whene the naim integrated review? Thx

[@k4syx]

Waiting in line for me to have the time for listening session :)

[@chinmeysway]

oh… those chips. hmm so what class is this considered? sorry if i missed that detail!

[@k4syx]

AB, I think I might have missed that myself for the video :)

[@rontoolsie]

Thanks!

[@k4syx]

Thank you!

[@EricEs-f6o]

Any idea on DarTZeel 108 with MBL pre circuit?

[@k4syx]

I've heard from a few sellers that I've asked about that that it has slight hiss, supposedly not the best combination

[@EricEs-f6o]

​@@k4syx Thank for this info. To be honest I have just ordered Gryphon. Something tells me this what I need for my speakers. I actually need to narrow down scene and bring back midrange in my Elac Unifi Reference ubr62. This may do the trick. If not it will be perfect amplifier for my bedroom setup with old cheap Dali Zensor 3.

[@olivierleroy6983]

@@k4syx Thanks a lot for your reviews. I have the integrated MBL/ Dartzeel D5PRO clone and didn't notice any hiss, it is dead black in the background. However, perhaps it is a question of burn In, It is a bit on the dark side, meaning the treeble are not over emphasized, Did you notice that on the Dartzeel clone only PowerAmp ? And if yes, did it open in the treeble after burn IN ? I use mine to drive Harbeth 7 es3 XD speakers, bought it at SUQIYA seller, very good packaging and timeline respected.

[@marksobotkin6141]

Do you feel all of these clones sound better than your Cambridge Audio amps so far?

[@k4syx]

Good question. FM300a and MFA1 have better mids. Dartzeel has better 3d and detail on par, less bass. Burmester is wild thing with better rhytm, but less details. So all in all they are trading blows as equals, and then you look at the prices and see that twin 851W will set you back today for (second hand) like 3000USD

[@EricEs-f6o]

They all made in China anyway. CA 851W with 851E sounds terrible. This combo lasted one weak in my household. Fortunately I found buyer and got rid with it quickly. Literally I would prefer listen to screaming baby more than any CA gear.

[@k4syx]

@@EricEs-f6o Thats interesting, what was the rest of your setup? what was so bad in 851W in your opinion?

[@EricEs-f6o]

@k4syx I was running it with Fyne Audio F501 and topping D90. To be clear technically everything was fine,but I could not listen to it for a long time . Very fatiguing in the middle range and vocals. My ears hated the CA sound signature. Everything was clinically clean,but lacked the soul. Probably coaxial drivers didn't work well with CA. Another factor is that I was comparing it to my daily setup that time Pass Aleph 5 ,1.7 pre amp clones which sounded much more musical. I was hoping that CA would give me a big jump compared to Chinese clones. I was wrong. I didn't like it and sold it quickly. This is only my opinion. I know 851W is probably the best they ever made. The guy who bought it from me was extremely happy. It's only me that didn't like it.

[@roberthart9886]

Did the original have XLRs

[@k4syx]

One set of xlrs and 4 sets of RCAs.

[@roberthart9886]

but not this one

[@chinmeysway]

i don’t understand why caps on left side are different (looking) than on right side…?

[@k4syx]

They are the same, but the amps being the same boards (not mirrored!) are mounted in different positions so one of them is rotated. So if you look from above you see top of one channel and bottom of the second one if that makes sense.

[@blacksheep.079]

Bello! Se solo avessero un telecomando 😅

[@k4syx]

They usually do for preamplifiers, not so much for regular amps

[@blacksheep.079]

@@k4syx yes but for integrated amp (also this Is) need r/c 😁

[@mytglg6uh]

Transformer is way too small for the rated power. Primary filter capacitors are very poor quality, (non audiophile grade) and not even 105 C rated. Point to point wiring looks sloppy.

[@k4syx]

Yes trafo could be bigger and caps are first mod path. Wiring is not that bad though - I actually liked it. Still, for the price its excellent. Better transformer = bigger price, better caps= even more expensive.

[@absoluteaudio0028]

Nothing like Gryphon Tabu......blah blah blah......

[@tothemax324]

I would be comfortable paying extra 2000$ for the real deal.

[@k4syx]

These are not that rare across the EU and you can get some between 2600 and 3000$ for pristine units (at least on the photos). They were not that expensive back in the day as new Gryphons are now.