Munich HIGH END Show Report 2015
High End Society Munich Germany

Gryphon Audio Designs @ HIGH END 2015 

  Gryphon Audio Designs' Diablo 300 integrated amplifier (€12,800) helps celebrate this manufacturer's 30th anniversary. While in designing the Diablo 300, Gryphon was able to take into account their three decades of design and engineering. Taking cues from the Pandora preamplifier and Mephisto power amplifier, founder and CEO Flemming E. Rasmussen (pictured below) knew of the importance of their in-house trickle-down technology within the stereo Diablo 300 solid-state integrated amplifier. The Diablo 300 can be fitted with an optional PCM/DSD DAC module based on their widely acclaimed award-winning Gryphon Kalliope DAC I reviewed in August 2014. Gryphon is also able to offer a MM/MC phonostage based on their Legato Legacy.

Gryphon Audio Design's Diablo 300 features a fully balanced volume control derived from the Pandora preamplifier. This volume adjustment is microprocessor-controlled to offer 43 steps of attenuation. Specially selected resistors and relays ensure long life and exact level matching, with no more than two resistors within the signal path at any setting. The extreme wideband frequency response of the Diablo 300 extends from 0.5 Hz to 350 kHz, whilst a hefty 300 Watt @ 8 Ohms is enough to drive even some of the most challenging loudspeakers. Due to its high current capability, the Diablo 300 double its output to 600 Watts @ 4 Ohms and a breathtaking 950 Watts @ 2 Ohms.

Being a true dual mono balanced integrated amplifier ensure a high channel separation while the amplification section uses zero negative feedback. Gryphon knows that a short signal path is best, and thus achieved this on the circuit board whilst also making sure that all internal wiring was kept at a minimum.

On the rear of the unit are gold-plated Swiss Neutrik XLR sockets for two balanced sources, gold-plated phono sockets with Teflon insulation for three inputs and two outputs plus a fixed‐level AV throughput for surround sound and other duties. The front display is adjustable for 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, Off to suit your brightness preferences. An optional PCM/DSD DAC module includes one USB, two S/PDIF, one AES and one optical input. There is a 12V DC link input and output for home automation and the unit handles flash memory upgrades via key fob.

Gryphon Audio Designs produces everything from source components to power outlets, and here we see their PowerZone 2 AC distribution block (€1600). To match their analog, digital and power cabling, Gryphon's audiophile-grade PowerZone 2 is available in European and United States of America configuration. Because the AC supply can be contaminated with EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) and RFI (Radio Frequency Interference), audio engineers know this needs to be filtered out to achieve the best performance within downstream components.

The Gryphon PowerZone 2 takes a completely down to earth common sense approach to power distribution and the preservation of the purity of the power coming out of the walls. There is no mains filtration or conditioning because, in Gryphon's experience, "these functions are best performed in properly regulated power supplies in the audio equipment itself". Built on a heavy-duty chassis of aeronautical-grade aluminum, Gryphon PowerZone 2 rejects RFI and EMI and uses star wiring ground configuration for eliminating ground loop noise. Ultra-premium rhodium-plated pure copper conductors with minimal contact resistance ensure high current can flow to sensitive audio components. The highly precise grip of each receptacle offers more secure blade contact for a firmer, bigger contact area than many commonly available electrical outlets to prevent vibration and ensure long-term stability. The IEC input and outlets of Gryphon Audio Design's PowerZone 2 incorporate parts manufactured specifically for Gryphon by Furutech, a company that is a pioneer in the field of cryogenic and anti-magnetic treatment of metals for unstressed conductance. All internal wiring is specially developed by Gryphon for their AC power cable.

As much time as I enjoyed music within their room at HIGH END 2015 in Munich, wish I had more time to listen. Their room always produces an impressive sound. Because they can supply a complete system front to back, am awarding them Enjoy the Music.com's Excellence In Design Award. Am debating reviewing their incredible Pantheon floorstanding speakers, so don't be surprised if a review eventually appears within these web pages. Over the years my ears have nearly always agreed with the way Gryphon Audio Design products, as a system, produce music. There are very few companies who can supply a truly complete system from source to speakers, and here is where ensuring the careful, and perhaps tedious art, of system matching is key if you mix many different brands together. If you are seeking some of the very best in audio playback, I highly recommend you check them out at your local Gryphon dealer.

By the way, you can also see my review of the Gryphon Audio Designs Atilla integrated amplifier, Scorpio CD player and Mojo stand-mounted loudspeakers at this link.

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