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Gryphon vs. McIntosh

I just try to get as much information as I can for my next upgrade, so I'm turning here for help from you. With a lot's of reading and also hearing some I came to the selection of a couple of very fine integrated amplifier which are in close line up for my upgrade. But as you all know that auditions are sometimes hard to get I'm also opening this with which I want to get also voice from users that have some of the components mentioned here.

My system consists from main speakers that are Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 and source mostly used is Musical Fidelity NuVista 3D CDP connected with Cardas Golden Cross ICs.

Here are the amps on the shortlist:

- McIntosh MA7000 (heared on SF Electa Amator II)
- Gryphon Atilla (not heard yet)
- Gryphon Diablo (not heard yet)
- Gryphon Tabu (a bit old but so good; I tested it on my previous system)

So here are some questions for those who maybe have a bit more experiences and chances to some of these amplifiers.

1. Did anybody hear McIntosh MA7000 and compare to any of these above mentioned amplifiers or also maybe other amplifiers that you heard during your time of selection? Why you choose MA7000 or why did you not go for it?

2. For those who have McIntosh MA7000, how do you find the equalizer controls on this fine amp? Do you use it to achieve your likeable sound or you completely disable it? I know that some will strongly support that best is not to use it, but I think that if equalizer controls are constructed the right way they can be in some circumstances also positive.

3. Did anybody audiotion new series of Gryphon amps (Diablo or Atilla) and compare it to older gryphons e.g. Gryphon Tabu? Just to tell you Gryphon Tabu went deeply under my skin when i heard it on my previous speakers, but I'm a bit scared to buy it as it is coming into ages now so you newer know what you can get if you go for the second hand.

4. If you had a chance to compare McIntosh MA7000 or also other McIntosh amps with Grpyhon please come forward with your thoughts.

What I'm looking for, full bodied sound, good control and music with guts :), absolutely should not be bright, sound can be a bit on a dark or warm side.

Many questions I know, but I sure you will make a great help to me and maybe also some other ppl who are also in the doubts where to look for more details.

thanks, del.
delfincek

Showing 4 responses by elberoth2

elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I second Inpieces opinion regarding Tabu. Gryphon Callisto 2100/2200 sounds much better, not to mention the latest Atilla.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Delfincek,

First of all, I'm surprised you found the Tabu as 'dark', and even more surprised that Gryphonaudio called it 'romantic', as it is not how I remember the Tabu. It probably much depends on what do you compare the amp to.

Compared to Callisto, I found the tabu to be a bit dry sounding. Callisto, especially the 2200 which is much better and a bit warmer sounding, has much more organic presentation than Tabu. The sound is more lush, more fluid, has more texture. At the same time, Callisto has more resolution, its faster, and more articulate. It is just much more transparent than the Tabu, without sounding etched or analytical in anyway.

This is really an outstanding stuff. I have written a review of 2100 vs Mac6900 for a Polish magazine, but also had at home the 2200 and Tabu, both the big one and Tabu AT.

I cannot stop wondering, why this stuff isn't distributed in the US !
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Dellfincek - I have never heard Callisto and Diablo side by side, but my understanding is that the Diablo is more upfront than the Callisto, and indeed requires more careful system matching. I would go with Callisto if I were you.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Meat, solidity, body, sense of sonic realism, all of it was there.

I can only echo Lrsky words. I think - no I'm certain - you will not belive your ears.
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