Final Retirement Amplifier-Class A-Upcoming Gryphon Essence Stereo vs Accuphase A75

With this terrible pandemic everything is slowing down. Just curious if anyone has had the opportunity to audition or own the Gryphon Essence. Your opinions are most appreciated.

Thank you eagle3333.  Look forward to your impressions on the Essence pair and enjoy!

Hi eagle3333: I’m sure you will be favorably impressed with the Gryphon pair. I liked my Diablo 300 as well, with lots of authority and headroom, although it could get just a wee bit strident at higher volumes.(IMHO). My only concern with the Gryphon Essence Stereo Amplifier is the lower power rating, although class A amplifiers seem more powerful watt for watt. All the best!

Hi eagle3333:

I’m delighted you are so happy with your new Essence amplification!  Apparently my concern about power (my KEF Reference 3’s really like power) is unwarranted.  Now I’ll have to decide between the Essence Stereo and Accuphase A-70 or 75 Stereo amplifiers.  Congratulations again, and enjoy!

Hi jetter:  
Thanks for your feedback. I certainly meant no disrespect to rshad0000 or the Diablo 300. My apologies; I own the Diablo 120 and I am looking for a slightly smoother presentation for my aging ears. Hence my interest in the Gryphon Essence or Accuphase A-75.  

Thanks rshad0000

Yes; I have heard the Diablo 300; very nice sounding integrated, if not the tiniest bit harsh. I heard the Colosseum, extremely natural. That’s why I’m looking class A. The Essence is due first couple of months 2020.
Retail will be in the $23,000 range from US distributor, still costly but
$4000 less than Accuphase A-75.

Hi rshad0000:

Thanks for your post. As we know well, our Diablos are very fine integrated amplifiers but I perceive a touch of stridency at moderate to high volumes, most notably with rock or demanding music.  Yes, I am looking forward to the release of the Gryphon Essence. Although I really enjoyed auditioning the Colosseum, it was beyond my reach. I will audition the Essence, though, as it’s power 50/100/190 is lower than I’m accustomed to, and there is a shared transformer with dual secondaries. Shouldn’t be much of a problem though as class A watts seem more potent in controlling the loudspeakers. Please share your experience when you get to hear the Gryphon Essence at a show or personal audition.

Hi Jetter: No worries; thanks for the note. BTW, If you have any experience with Gryphon or Accuphase, please weigh in at your convenience. 

Hi Soix: thanks indeed for the suggestion. I’ve owned Clayton before and liked it very much. I would like to try a non bridged class A design this time around.

Hi apdoc2004: the A-70 is a fine suggestion. I’ll consider this as a third less costly option. I must admit that having heard the class A Gryphon Colosseum, makes the Essence very attractive. (Albeit more costly)

Hi Ryan:
I’m probably gonna stick with my VAC Renaissance mkV; I’ve been using VAC preamps for 15 years with both tube and solid state amplifiers; always sound great to me.

Hi aberyclark:  Yes; the Accuphase A-75 is a most attractive option to say the least. Not to start another bipolar vs mosfet debate, I do slightly prefer the sound of Mosfets, as in the Accuphase.

By final amplifier, I do mean one that will deliver excellent sound with my VAC Ren V preamplifier and a KEF Ref 3 loudspeakers for 10 plus years.
i have not been able to audition a Gryphon Essence due to availability and have not made a class A decision. I did pick up a used GamuT D200i which I’m enjoying and am very impressed with its organic presentation and compatibility in my system.