Gryphon Diablo 333 Integrated Amplifier

Description

The Gryphon Diablo 333 is a house favorite at Hidden Home Technology,  it is the centerpiece of our showroom in Bath and is also our favorite cost no object integrated amplifier of all time.  See out review on youtube – The Gryphon Diablo 333 Review

Our new Integrated boasts ten percent more output power than its legendary predecessor, but there’s more to 333’s performance than wattage alone. Circuit advancements and parts from the new Apex and Commander, Gryphon’s flagship Amplifier and Preamplifier, have “Trickled-Down” to the Diablo 333. New, ultra-fast, pre-driver transistors deliver both enhanced musicality and superior measured performance while output devices—ten per channel—are identical to those found in our State-of-the-Art Apex. A massively augmented power supply distinguished by an oversized Holmgren Dual-Mono Transformer and 68,000uF per channel filter capacitance provide enormous dynamic headroom and explain the 333’s 50.6 Kg (112 lb) mass.

One look at the 333 and the Gryphon DNA is obvious: the triangular display panel with 4.3” TFT capacitive touch screen evokes the aesthetic created for Apex and Commander by Gryphon Founder Flemming Rasmussen, as do custom-made chassis spikes which enhance both mechanical stability and visual harmony. Also developed for Apex, Gryphon’s bespoke binding posts adorn the 333’s back panel, which also reveals a generous connector complement, including dual Subwoofer Outputs, a Tape Loop and the ability to select an XLR or RCA “Unity Gain” Home Theater throughput. Sculpted from billet aluminum, the remote handset from Commander replaces the “Wand” remote supplied with Diablo 300. A new, more intuitive menu structure enhances the user interface while a USB 2.0 socket on Diablo’s rear panel simplifies firmware upgrades.

As with the Diablo 300, the 333’s capabilities can be expanded with optional Phono and DAC modules. As befits an all-new amplifier, these modules have also been completely redesigned and their performance elevated. The PS-3 Phono Module features True Dual Mono Class A-coupled topology from input to output, with no global negative feedback and discrete balanced circuitry featuring matched transistor arrays. Gold-plated Neutrik XLR balanced input sockets replace the RCA sockets utilized in the previous generation PS-2S. MC load impedance can be set externally with left/right rear panel switches, versus the less convenient internal jumpers found on the PS-2S . MC/MM setting is front-panel selectable via the Diablo 333 menu. Gryphon’s new DAC-3 D/A MODULE incorporates the latest High-Performance Sabre DAC: the ES9039PRO. Seven user-selectable PCM digital roll-off filters are included, as are a full assortment of USB, AES/EBU, BNC and TOSLINK inputs. The 333’s USB input is compatible with all current Digital Audio Formats.

See our guide to the Top 5 Integrated amplifiers – Top 5 Integrated Amplifiers | Hidden Home Technology

HHT buying advice: configure the Diablo 333 around your sources

The DAC3 and PS3 MM/MC phono are optional internal modules. Keep an existing external DAC or phono stage if it already suits your system; compare quotations with the same functions included. A DAC does not itself provide network streaming.

Fidelity reports the first eight watts into eight ohms in true Class A, with Class AB operation above that region. That is not full-power Class A. Dan’s description of a focused, high-impact presentation is a listening impression, not a promise for every speaker or room. Read McIntosh versus Gryphon: MA12000 or Diablo 333? for the practical and subjective distinctions.