Gryphon Diablo 300 DAC Module

Description

Overview

This is the optional internal digital-to-analogue converter module for the Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated amplifier. It draws heavily on the engineering behind Gryphon’s acclaimed standalone Kalliope DAC, bringing reference-class digital conversion inside the Diablo 300 itself — so a single chassis handles source, preamplification and power without adding another box or another set of interconnects to the system.

Design & build

The module is fully isolated inside its own independent aluminium housing with grounded panels, engineered to be impervious to high-frequency radiation so it cannot interfere with the amplifier stages or with the optional Gryphon phono module. This shielded, self-contained construction is characteristic of Gryphon’s approach: keep the sensitive digital circuitry electrically and physically separate, even when it lives inside the same case.

Sound & performance

At the heart of the module is the ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC chip, partnered with heavily regulated, fully discrete, ultra-low-noise plus/minus 22VDC supplies for low noise and minimal analogue distortion. A discrete, separate left and right ultra-low-noise supply feeds the analogue section of the DAC, in keeping with the dual-mono thinking that runs through Gryphon’s electronics, for a clean and dynamic presentation.

Key features

The module takes its digital feeds from a full set of inputs: a balanced 110-ohm AES input on a Swiss Neutrik XLR, two S/PDIF inputs on gold-plated 75-ohm BNC sockets with Teflon insulation, a TOSLINK optical input, and a single USB input. For PCM sources it offers a choice of fast or slow roll-off digital filters; for DSD, selectable 50, 60 or 70kHz bandpass filtering.

Technology

A defining feature is that the module draws no power from the connected USB source, generating its own clean supply instead. A 12.5-Farad SuperCap dedicated power supply acts as a stable, isolated virtual battery, removing the computer as a power source entirely for a very low noise floor and unrestricted dynamics — addressing one of the common weak points of USB DAC designs.

Specifications

Type: optional internal DAC module for the Gryphon Diablo 300. Converter: ESS Sabre ES9018. USB input: PCM to 32-bit / 384kHz and DSD512; other inputs to 24-bit / 192kHz PCM. Inputs: AES/EBU (110-ohm XLR), 2 × S/PDIF (75-ohm BNC), TOSLINK optical, USB. Digital filters: fast/slow roll-off for PCM; 50/60/70kHz bandpass for DSD. Power: discrete, fully isolated plus/minus 22VDC supplies; 12.5F SuperCap USB isolation; separate left/right analogue supplies. Housing: independent grounded aluminium enclosure.

Who it’s for

The DAC module suits the Diablo 300 owner who wants a single-chassis system — streamer or computer straight into the amplifier — without sacrificing the quality of a serious standalone converter. It is the natural way to make the Diablo 300 a complete digital hub.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

We can advise on specifying the Diablo 300 with its DAC and phono options, demonstrate the amplifier with suitable sources and loudspeakers, and arrange delivery and setup across the South. See our digital-to-analogue converters or speak to our team — prices are on application.