Anyone bought a Gryphon Diablo 333?

You have a really nice system. Given you made the move to warmer speakers, I think the makua may do the trick. I suspect it will open the soundstage and increase bass and dynamics. The Essence while neutral, definitely is not analytical sounding. So I would be optimistic about your choices!

I will be interested in following this. I’ve owned an Essence Stereo for several years, and was using a Tambaqui directly into it. I was considering getting an Antileon as the sound I was getting was overly transparent. Pretty, precise, nice depth, but weak bass, dynamics, and lacking tonal density to really feel convincing. Turns out, I just needed a pre amp. In gathering data, I noted that many in the industry feel that Gryphon amps are at the top of the heap, but the pres are not held is high esteem. Also, many feel that a tube amp is desirable with the Essence. I wound up buying a very expensive solid state pre (that has just a touch of warmth) and have the sound quality I desire. The Essence amp is pretty amazing, and is really influenced by the component feeding it. I do wonder though if a 333 would have gotten me there at a lower cost. It will bet interesting as the reviews come in on how people compare Essence separates, Essence amp with a different pre, the 333, and the 300.

@Nyev; Wow, yes, we were on parallel paths. My speakers are Rockport Atria ii's. I was always puzzled, as they should have plenty of bass. I even added a sub to my system, which now that I have my pre, is sitting turned off. 

I listened to several pre's in the system. I had listened to the Makua in the system a couple of years ago, and it didn't add the image density I was looking for. That being said, I was have issues with a Roon nuc streamer at that time, which I replaced with a Grimm Mu1, so the system is  different since I listened to the Makua. I wound up getting an Accuphase C3900. With the Essence I get a big soundstage, very punchy bass, rich textural detail, and still have some airiness (I had an Accuphase integrated years ago that was a bit too warm and rolled off. The C3900 adds a touch of warmth without a lot of consequences, to my ear).  I think the Makua might work. I did note that on some other forums, people had success adding a tube pre to the Essence. I listened to a top tube pre, and preferred the Accuphase. Please keep me posted on your results, I would be very interested. One thing I can say for sure...the Essence is a winner. It is a bit of a chameleon, and can be warm, dynamic, and punchy, or transparent and airy dependent on what it is fed. Depending on speakers and room, I think it can be end game.

Hi,

I've looked at this, but struggled with the asking price. I did get a discount on the Accuphase. I think you could probably get an amazing pre, keep the MMT, and have quite a bit left over compared to the 3100. 

This has never bothered me that much. It does sound better after warmup, but it still sounds good when switched on You also just have the option of listening (or leaving it) in Class AB if you wish. I think "Many Hours" is a bit of an exaggeration.

Thanks for the follow up. My experience with the Essence is that the 3D soundstage/depth was very impressive. So, I don't think the amp itself is the limiting factor here. Component interactions are complex and fascinating!

@nyev , glad to hear the pre is working so well for you. Not sure the exact science of it, but the MMT directly into the Essence amp suffers greatly compared to having a pre amp in the chain.