Gryphon Antileon Sig Mono vs Ref One Mono

Geshi,
Unfortunately I have no direct experience on the Encore. There are however several facts you should consider about the Antileon:
(1) you should pair it with a preamplifier of similar excellence (the Gryphon Sonata Allegro is wonderful, although very expensive, but so are other amplifiers in that league). The Gryphon integrated Diablo amplifier should be a very effective compromise
(2) as I told you before, the warming period is considerable and can interfere with your listening habits. Just to cope with situations like having short listening periods available, I bought a pair of Audio Valve monoblocks (¡five minutes and ready!). On the other hand, a fellow Agoner mentioned that he keeps his Antileon on the whole day, something I cannot afford in expensive Europe.
(3) You can choose between 50, 75 or 100% pure class A. The two first provide a very good SS sound, the third one approaches a (very good) valve amp. The heat dissipated by the amp is considerable and depending on room size and/or the climate you live you may need air conditioning: otherwise, you experience a sauna.
(4) the amp is heavy (two persons are needed to move it)
So, when all conditions are met you enjoy a gorgeous sound, which might be a bit on the bright side with SF speakers. If the amp has not warmed enough time, the sound might be harsh.
Hope it helps. Regards
pedro

Pedrito,
Great thoughts and thanks. As for the preamp, I am considering the new Gryphon Mirage, the Allegro and the MBL 6010D.

Hi, Kops
I am driving the Antileon directly from the (digital) preamp of the Esoteric combo P70/D70. There is a interesting thread (see Esoteric) on whether one should drive directly the amp and spare a considerable amount of money or use a high quality preamp.
Some Agoners complain of a "mechanical", "cold", etc... sound when driving directly, but frankly I would never use those words to describe what I get home (perhaps is the Antileon who makes the diference). True, the P70/D70 is on the cold side of neutrality, detail emerges on a black background and the SF Amati are very quiet (which did not happen with my former preamp Gryphon Bel Canto). If you are more on the "warm side of neutrality" a valve preamp, like the last Ear Yoshino should do wonders with the Antileon. Regards
Pedro

I had a Gryphon Elektra by the time I owned the Gryphon Anthileon Stereo, there are some good opportuinties once in a while here at AGON, something to consider.

Fernando

Hi Pedro
Which EAR you mean the 864 or the new expensive one?
I was thinking the Cary slp 05.