Gryphon vs. McIntosh

Mcintosh is midfi compared to Gryphon it's as simple as that.Gryphon can only be compared to CH Precision, Boulder, Audionet, Robert Koda, Dan d'Agostino, Pilium, Soulution, Nagra, Spectral, Technical Brain, Dartzeel and a couple of others.

Yeah I'm aware about the Gryphon cables too, but no opportunity that I'm able to try them. Also to get second hand is quite hard and also a gamble if you just buy directly and not hear them in the system.
Personally I had the best experience from about 7 years back when I tried friend's Gryphon Tabu on Canton Vento 807DC speakers, connected with Nordost cables (SuperFlatline speaker, Red Dawn IC). It is still a memory that I hold in my head until today. Music became alive and totally filled my living room from top to bottom and I submerged in the music bubble.

When I plugged my Gryphon Callisto and make I connection with SuperFlatlines, some of these memories become alive again. I now search for some Nordost ICs to plug it also in the system to see how far I can bring my system, which is becoming more and more enjoyable :).
Best regards, Davor.

Gryphon makes their own cables. Expensive. I read that people used various cables with Gryphons, including Purist, Echole, Jorma and others I have never heard of. Gryphon and Harbeth should get along very well.

Yeah you might be correct Inna. I just replaced Cardas Golden Cross with my good old Nordost SuperFlatline MKII that I had in my secondary system and first things that I noticed quite strucked me. I guess I was lazy for 2 years that I did not try that even though I had Nordost always at home.

What were first things I noticed? More attack, better transients, better defined basss, also the music picture became taller with more details. Good thing about Gryphon Callisto 2200 + Harbeth SHL5+ combo I have is that Nordost did not add any brightness as I can not stand that at all. Currently I’m quite happy with this. I have a plan that I will also put in the system also some Nordost IC to see how it is with this. Also considering to buy Heimdall 2 ICs if Nordost combination will be satisfying.

p.s. I think I read some years back, maybe even here on Audiogon about experiences that Gryphon and Nordost are quite very good combo to go with.

Best regards, D.

You could consider replacing Cardas with something with more balance and resolution.

Started this thread in 2012 and just found it again now. Just to tell all of you that in November 2015 I managed to find Gryphon Callisto 2200 in great condition and bought it without big hesitation. With just few words. This is it, I found my holy grail. Nothing more is needed until it lasts. I hope for long. Gryphon succeed to draw a big smile on my face for whatever I listen.

Associated equipment: Harbeth SHL5+, Musical Fidelity NuVista, Cardas Golden Cross (IC + speaker cables), DIY power cables Oyaide 079 + Tempoelectric.

Sorry to keep you waiting Roxy... I have never owned a piece of McIntosh gear, not that I wouldn't because it is "good" gear. I also have never owned Gryphon (it is not available in the United States), but I have listened to both on many occasions and in the same system.

I heard the McIntosh MC501 mono blocks and the Gryphon Antileon Signature Stereo amplifier in the same system driving a pair of Wilson Sasha's. In my opinion (which I am entitle to last time I checked) and the 4 others in the room - there was no comparison, the Gyphon was in another league... Just like lrsky mentioned above.... But, the Gryphon cost 3 times more than the McIntosh, so it may not be a fair comparison taking in consideration the cost difference.

If you can't hear the difference, it's not all bad. You will save a lot of money..

Everyone has their preference and you are obviously proud of McIntosh. For the money it is very good stuff, just not in the same league as Gryphon (in my opinion).

Happy Listening

...Just as I suspected.

Kwb,
Still waiting to hear how you reached your opinion concerning Gryphon vs. McIntosh. Do you have actual experience, or are you just guessing?

Kwb,
Which models of Gryphon and McIntosh do you, or have you owned?

Im not sure you can use Gryphon and McIntosh in the same sentence. They both make great products, but Gryphon is in a different league... (imo)

Greetings,
This is a very old thread. No idea if anyone is still watching.
Not big into posting, which you'll notice if you view my history.
Every 5 or so years, the audio bug bites me, and thus Im compelled...knowingly by a lack of reason...to spend a lot of money on things to pacify an inner child.
Im historically in the mid-fi price range, for the record. I have other, more expensive hobbies, but Im not wealthy...just single and employed.
This thread really embodies a lot of the thoughts I struggle with in dealing with my illnesses. Im a network engineer now, but I studied Industrial Design for 2 years in college (enough to get a minor in it.) I was lucky enough to go to a school setup by a Doctor from the Bauhaus. I ended up changing majors, as I realized I wasnt good enough to be successful (its incredibly competitive and only the best typically succeed.) But it gave me a wealth of experience in both studying and creating "fine" and "industrial" art.
Where am I going with this? Its like this...
As an engineer who deals with complex electromechanical designs all day, my brain is quite confident that my mid-fi system (halo p7 pre-amp, HCA 1500 amp, elite transport/rega DAC and paradigm studio 20 v5's with a small Hsu sub,) if placed in a good room (mine room is not,) would sound >80% as good as a system costing 10x as much. Or to paraphrase the hysterical Anchorman line "80 percent of the time, it sounds perfect."
But, another part of me knows that, in the overall scheme of things, how "good" something sounds has little to do with physical reproduction of the sound waves and pressures. Its ultimately made receivable and "enjoyable" by the intention and artistry of the person making the music, the person recording and producing the music...and...the person designing and creating the equipment reproducing it. This, coupled with your own affinity for receiving this intention, is what drives your experience of it.
Again...where and I going with this?
Ive desired to experience a Gryphon "anything" since I first saw a DM100 in an article back in the 90's, and I read an interview with Flemming about his vision for the company.
Call him what you will, but this is a man with clarity of vision like few Ive seen. And the products he sponsors are some of the most intense...in design, component selection and execution...that you will ever see.
Do you have to like it? No. Do you have to at-least acknowledge its power? Yes.
Of further misfortune, apparently Im on Flemming's wavelength in a lot of his design principles. So maybe that makes me a "jerky" also, but it makes me appreciate his designs even more.
And please be clear on this...whatever people like is great. I dont have to "like" it, and its totally fine. Diversity of experience is what makes this place fun.
On a side note, but to make a point... I remember when I was a little kid listening to Duran Duran on cassette on my Sear's all-in-one record player/radio/cassette deck system. And you know what...I enjoyed that every bit as much as I like listening to that same song on CD on my mid-fi system now. How odd that is ;)
OK, back on track here..
The main point is that my current 5 year stretch is about to end, and I think its time to go ahead and get an Atilla. Ive convinced myself I "need" a nice integrated amp for my bedroom setup, or possibly to downsize my main setup.
The problem is...I cant even find a dealer to buy it from (none the less see one.) As much as I like performance, Im pretty sure that I would enjoy it; so much so that it could probably sound terrible and Id still enjoy owning it.
But for obvious reasons, Flemming "cant" find a good dealer in the US. Does he really even want to? I dont know. Who knows. If he can sell everything he wants to make now...what reason is there to add any additional market? Perhaps he knows...as all good manufacturers do...that when you must lower standards to increase production, the quality of your product goes down. Why would you compromise your integrity for more money, if you already had "enough?" I would not. Maybe he would not either.
One last thing... Someone please help me understand why integrated amps are not more popular? Optimizing the amp/pre-amp characteristics for one-another, and removing external interconnects, are huge bonuses. With proper component isolation, it makes total sense. Personally, and in general, I prefer that analog components be separate from digital ones. But otherwise, Im all-for analog integrated amplifiers.
OK, so this is long as heck and possibly pointless, but I couldnt help passing up such a juicy thread as this. I got to vent on at least 5 pet-peeves in one post!

I would not buy the Tabu for two reasons: 1) is rather old, and 2) it is cheaper to buy a NAD Silver line S300 integrated amp (also rather old) which seems to be the same integrated as the Tabu but with a different cover.

I also know that it is rather difficult to adjust the volume level from the remote control, e.g. the slightest push of the volume buttons on the remote will make a quite large change in music volume. (I did not own this integrated, but a good friend of mine did and he complained to me about this the whole year he has own it. On the other hand, the Tabu sounded quite nice when driving the Focal Micro Utopia Be speakers of my friend.)

I am perhaps interested in buying an Gryphon Tabu.

My system consists of an Vincent SV234 integrated amp, my speaker are Infinity Renaissance 90's, i use an Revox B795 turntable with Jolida JD9 phon pre.

Streaming is done via my modified SB Touch connected to an Audio GD SA2 dac.

Will the Gryphon be an potential upgrade and will it give more current to the speakers?

My music preference is basically very broad. But has an focus on Jazz and Classical music. Looking forward to your input?

How is the reliability of this amp now?

I have spent 3-4 hours by myself with a full Gryphon system (i.e. Mirage pre-
amp, Colosseum stereo power amp, and the Trident speakers) in a room with
which I am rather familiar. The sound was good, but certainly not worth the
asking price, i.e. I have heard a few systems (some significantly cheaper
some similarly priced) sounding better in that room.

Gryphon tries to project the impression of a very pretentious company.
However, IMO they are trying too hard to get attention. Plus, there is a lot of
controversy around them. We have the story about the USA dealer/reviewer,
and we also have the story about the Tabu integrated which was sold also as a
NAD Silver line integrated (at half the price if not less than half). Furthermore,
as other have hinted already, the fact that they are "active" here on Audiogon
(i.e. an American forum for selling 2nd hand hi-fi) and talk here about their
Croatian dealers while they do not have a USA distributor is also not helping.

I find some of their products quite beautiful (e.g. the Colosseum amps).
However, some of their products are really silly (e.g. the remote of the Mirage
pre which instead of being design to be held in one’s hand has feet….).
Overall, I do not think it is a bad company, certainly not, but it would not be
my first choice.

Paul

Bossjay,
Overpriced in comparison to what? Emotiva? Outlaw? Maybe you should look at it from the other side, and compare its relative value to brands like Soulution, Burmester, Constellation etc.; and then decide just what that last 5% of performance is worth.

I second that. The Mcintosh Ma 7000 is over price and you are paying for looks and longevity. This units reminds me of Mark Levinson 383. Integrated. Dull but it's pretty. It's like looking at nice picture instead of being part of the picture. No emotion and the power is weak until it's turn up to 2 o clock.

I think the same is often true of those who "dis" McIntosh.

Those that"Dis" Gryphon have never heard it. Either that, or they're tone deaf!

Gryphon vs. MAC? Are you serious? Thats like comparing a Bentley to a Cadillac.

Gryphon Diablo is better than ANY Mcintosh ss integrated if you like sound that is true to the source...i just cant take serious companys that make new integrateds or amplifiers every 2 years...

Larry,

I will shoot you a email soon. It appears that my email isn't working right, it won't allow me to send or receive any emails! Go figure

Yep..can't get thru to anyone. Tom

Tom...need your number buddy.

Larry

This shit without emails on A'gon sucks.

Larry

The deficit increased by over 33% percent in the first quarter of 2009 because of a lack of revenue paid into the treasury from both the private and corporate sector. When and where did that run up/run down start? Larry call me some time about audio stuff. Tom

Bob, you should email me some time...we'll discuss business.

lrsky@insightbb.com

Larry

Larry,

We have alot more in common than you might think. Politically I am leery of both sides, our deficit problems did not happen over night. If I am not mistaken you live in the Kentucky area. Beautiful state btw. I live in Oregon & if we lived closer I know our audio views would also be very simular. The best we can do is try to enjoy our lives and do the right thing everyday.

Wow...my insistance on this issue, borders on and has surpassed 'Beating a dead horse'...but...
Del, if you knew what nitwits they had just 8 years ago, when I was trying, almost beseeching them to sell me their top brands, without audition, no favors nothing special...BUT COULDN'T GET THEM TO DO SO....you'd be less sure of their purity on the issue.
They have the same opportunity for distribution of high end goods as all others operating in a given financial arena.
Here's what tough for them:
What dealer has the capital to have their products on hand for demonstration?
It takes tens of thousands of dollars to put their product on your floor for demo purposes.
Having traveled the US for THIEL, back a decade ago, I'm not aware of a dealer who can easily make this financial commitment. Let's face it, every move one makes as a dealer, is an ROI (return on investment) moment.
'OK, I tie up $100K for X time, my return is Y...so what if I buy this instead?'
Given the heat up time from consumers for products of this ilk, incidence of projected sales, its a tough decision. One must be creative.
MBL, a company of similarly priced goods faces the same issues, and has had issues with distribution, recently ending one relationship and restructuring same.
This is a daunting, 'Chicken and Egg' issue...so one must be, again, creative in relationships. I won't go further, discussing that part.
As to the past, it's enough to know that the issues that have plagued them are not unique.
Every manufacturer has face some jerk reviewer who would try and gain free goods for a good review...that's dicey but can be handled.
Every high end manufacturer has the 'capital' issue to deal with, that being, 'how do we get dealers to put our products on their showroom floors?'
With Grypon, as it relates to the issues, we must look at their anti US bias, coupled with language...it's not easy, and THEY must look in the mirror to see who made the mistakes.
That last Distributor...I personally can't imagine who'd hire people of that ilk.
Their explanation, on the site by the way, is NOT sufficient.
They need to use that platform to ask for someone to step forward.
'While, we have no representation in the US, we are aggressively looking for a person OR GROUP who has the wherewithal to take our products into the US Marketplace.' Then more data on who to contact.
Right now, its lip service because their failure to be in the largest market has to be a sore spot for any investors or money people behind this endeavor. They, with this simple statement on their website show their total lack of commitment to this market.

Products A+...Distribution F.
That would NOT dissuade me from purchasing though.

Larry

Guys first thanks for even more explanation of the character of the sound from Gryphon. I read it with great interest as I combine it with the experience I had when listening to it. Helps me understand the difference and expectations when I will be able to listen to it. I think that Atilla will be placed high on the agenda for the audition. Even though it was not mentioned here so very detailed as Tabu, Callisto or Diablo. Atilla has some of the qualities and characteristics that drawled my attention.

Second thing... For me it was rather very surprising to see that Gryphon does not have a single dealer center in USA, as this is so huge market.

I read one interview with Mr. Rassmusen just recently that they want to put very high standards for dealers who wants to sell their units. It is not enough just to represent a brand. Dealers should have the units physically available for listening and not only listed in the catalogues. They should provide a high quality service for customers who are interested into their products.
But besides that I also think that Gryphon is very cautious with the USA market as they do not want to repeat the situation from the 90s which cost them almost their existence. Would be sure good for all the music lovers from USA to be closer to this marvelous Hi-Fi equipment. On the other hand I understand also Gryphon and I think that explanation on their site is sufficient for the moment to say that their presence on the USA market will be reintroduced once proper solution will be found. But I also understand the consumer side ... desire.

best, del.

And anti Obama types place the 'blame' at the feet of the man who inherited the mess.
It's almost funny, if it weren't so tragic, the length of memory that people have, as it relates to politics and world events.
I seem to remember dereg...allowing Wall Street and Banking to do what they did...the hue and cry from the 'Conservative' side to allow them to 'do what they do'...to create opportunity.
Well, it wasn't that simple. What they 'did' in this case was to serve themselves.
Greed and instant gratification stepped in the way and they only served themselves. Not surprising.
So, Obama takes office, gets the blame.
Sorta like blaming FDR for what happened under Hoover and crippled the country until the 'Guns and Butter' of WWII came along and we spent our way out of the Depression.
BTW...I'm NOT a Liberal...a realist who's voted both sides of a less than desirable street.
Politicians, lest we forget, have one goal, not benevolent or altruistic, but self serving, 'How do I get reelected?'
The debt is a problem, but a long term, not short term one IMHO. Spending desires and rebound will service us nicely over the next four years, almost no matter who's in office.
Eisenhower once said...'Managing the economy is like trying to control a garbage truck that's barreling down hill, out of control...all you can do is hold on 'til you get to the bottom.'
Right now, we have hit bottom and we're about to bounce up...just a prediction.
Would I like to make Gryphon a player? Yes.
Could I? Yes.
Do I personally have the capital...no.
Do I have the knowledge? Yes...it's been a while, but the world is still operating the same way it did a couple of years ago.

You're an interesting guy Bob.

Larry

Larry,

I 100% agree with you about the elitist European attitude. I have seen it and felt it. You are much more optimistic about the US economy. A $16 trillion budget deficit, Obama care on the horizon has this great country up against a wall. Heck our Federal Reserve owns more than $6 trillion of the US debt and I don't have to tell you where they got the that money to purchase the debt. I too have been a successful business owner with money to spend but would like to see the government stop printing money and the deficit be addressed before I will be somewhat optimistic. Look at Greece & all of Europe, if we don't get gov. spending under control (includes federal, state & local pensions) there will be roiting in the streets just like what is currently happening in Athens. Perhaps we should just get together and enjoy a few adult beverages and some great music and not worry about the world.

Bob

Bob,
We could, I could...yet one of my, if not my central point, was the dismissive attitude of the people at Gryphon, with regard to Americans.
Plain and simple, they feel superior. The elitist European attitude that rears it's ugly head in that community.
Given the breadth and depth of their product designs and execution, its hard for me to imagine such thinking...the chart, GDP, that I showed represents 'opportunity'.
The economy, in my opinion, after four years and longer with two protracted wars and unrest, is ready to super heat. The first to go in tough times, is 'luxury purchases'...the first to come back would be the same...that, and in my opinion, the amazing amount of what I perceive to be 'pent up buying frustration'. Buying, spending is egoic...I have money to spend, because I'm successful, that kind of thinking, that's been absent for several years.
With it, there will be, I believe an explosion within the audio community, the likes of which we haven't seen in many years.
This is my own philosophy...I"m not aware that anyone else sees the economy in this light.
So Bob...maybe we should.

Larry

Yes it is amazing that Gryphon can just blow off the entire US. Imagine Mercedes, BMW, Audi, ect. having that attitude. I do remember reading years ago that the head of Gryphon claimed that the US just didn't get Gryphon. No, Gryphon picked a very poor US partner that tarnished their reputation in the states. Lrsky perhaps we should form a partnership and distribute Gryphon. With your background in audio and my 30+ years in marketing we'll put Gryphon on the map. Now where's that intern of ours Monica to place the first order.

Out of curiosity, I visited the 'Faq' section of Gryphons rather impressive Website.
This is the totality of what was available.
The following is a full 'cut and paste'.

Why is Gryphon not available in USA?
Gryphon has a strong following among US audiophiles, which we highly appreciate. USA is obviously an important market to us, and Gryphon will be re-introduced once a proper solution is found securing the high level of service and support expected by our clients

Well, er uh...I'm not sure I'd call this 'addressing'.
This is much the same as President Clinton's, 'That depends on what the definition of 'is' is.'

I may seem a little rancorous toward Gryphon...well, that's because I am.
They were condescending, even at Mr. Rassmussen's level, toward me. For reasons that defy explanation.
I've never had anything but respect and admiration for the product and even shamelessly promote it's magic, without any hope of reciprocity.

They seem to exhibit some of the sanctimonious attitudes that (sorry for the ethnocentricity here) some of the Scandinavian countries give to outsiders...not unlike the 'gee, we hate Americans' French attitude.

If Gryphon had had someone like me...'he said humbly'...looking for and creating distributorship in the US...they'd be waaay down the road in being the biggest name in High End Electronics in the US, therefore the world.
Ego? Yes, True? Yes.
Here's hoping that the next time distribution is in question, that they'll actually address it.

Larry

Gryphon is actually addressing the question about distribution in USA on their faq section on www.gryphon-audio.com

Elberoth2,
That's a strong statement from someone who owns the kind of gear that you do...obviously a person of taste and a pocketbook that buys quality.

For anyone NOT familiar, there's just something right about the sound.
Organic, real...it's my absolute favorite.
I'm not saying there's not some obscure uberexpensive audio gear out there that can't match it...I just haven't been there yet.

Distribution...on the otherhand...Barney Fife could do a better job.

Larry

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.

Deflincek,
Thanks for reading and commenting.
First of all, GDP only gives one a peripheral look at the 'money' that floats through and around the people within a country, and is NOT an indicator as to whether people will spend money on any particular item.
I am sure, SURE, CERTAIN, that Croatians spend more per capita on audio goods than Americans. I even mention that in my post.
As to the 'meat and body'...
In my synopsis of the Gryphon, I mention that the Callisto out performed Krell, CJ, Ayre, Mac, hands down.
Meat, solidity, body, sense of sonic realism, all of it was there.
It is easily the most musical sounding gear I've ever heard in solid state.
Hence, my angst at their lack of a cohesive international plan, as it relates to this country.
Good luck,
Larry

Lrsky interesting thinking and comparissons. I think that something very deep exists why there is no distributer in USA and this is still going on now. I can also understand why there is a distributor in Zagreb or in Belgrade for example. These two cities has a very rich tradition for the high audiophile culture already deep in the past. There were so many trully good Hi-Fi magazines even during Yugoslavia times and also many international Hi-Fi fairs were organized so people were constantly in contact with the best in Hi-Fi also at that time. I think that GDP does not play an extensial indicator for that. People in everage are not that wealthy but I can tell you that some of true heart audiphiles are saving the money elsewhere like having Zastava 750 car, more modest appartments just to have the components that they enjoy the most. Passion and crazyness for sure if you ask me :). What is also interesting is if you read some interviews with Mr. Rasmussen you can also discover some of his passion why he likes it here.

Elberoth2: I came to some conclusions that most important what I search in audio reproduction is music with guts, meat and body. That is what I enjoy the most. Tabu gave me that. But still wonder how is that with Callisto, Atilla and Diablo? Are they really offering the same with a tad more transparency and even more dynamics which I already loved on Tabu? If that is true then they are all my kind of treat :).

best, d.

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.

It was with no small sense of irony and sadness that I read the post from Gryphonaudio.

'We have a dealer in Zagreb'...of course you do.
Below, is a list of the top GDP countries in the world...lists like this are aways questionable...so read it with some cynicism...yet, note that the US is second only to the Six Countries of the European group...and by pennies.

So why do I find this sad, or ironic.
As I mentioned early on, the Gryphon Audio Company states openly, their disdain for the United States, did so to me personally during a phone call to none other than Flemming Rasmussen, founder/designer of that auspicious company.
As I mentioned, a bad experience with a US reviewer, who it was rumored wanted free goods for his handiwork....and a subsequent series of poorly performing Distributors, led them to discount this country with, by far and away, the largest GDP on the planet.
Do we in the US Spend as much per capita on Audio Goods...no...do we spend as much on infrastructure or 'The Arts', no...are we backwoods rubes, no.

Here's the chart, that shows what Gryphon Audio is discounting, while chosing Zagreb, a Croatian city...total population of the country, in the neighborhood of 4.Million souls, earning the equivalent of $15K annually.
Marketing is a tricky thing...but not so tricky as to make this kind of tragic blunder.

I do NOT say these words to be offensive or illicit a response from the Ivory Towers of Gryphon, hell, they don't care what we think...after all, we're only the largest economic engine the world has ever known.

With a true marketing company, group behind this product/products....this company could absolutely RULE high end audio...this stuff is THAT good, sigh.
Chart
— European Union 15,878,231 2010
1 United States 15,065,736 2011
2 China, People's Republic of 11,316,000 2011
3 India 4,469,000 2011
4 Japan 4,396,000 2011
5 Germany 3,044,241 2010
6 Russia 2,812,383 2010
7 United Kingdom 2,233,883 2010
8 France 2,194,118 2010
9 Brazil 2,185,421 2010
10 Italy 1,908,569 2010
11 Mexico 1,644,449 2010
12 Spain 1,477,840 2010
13 Korea, South 1,417,549 2010
14 Canada 1,329,864 2010
15 Turkey 1,114,629 2010
16 Indonesia 1,037,499 2010
17 Australia 865,043 2009
18 Iran 846,172 2009
19 Poland 755,473 2010
20 Netherlands 701,947 2010
21 Argentina 647,064 2010
22 Saudi Arabia 623,440 2010
23 Thailand 591,256 2010
24 South Africa 528,423 2010
25 Egypt 501,326 2010
26 Pakistan 466,555 2010
27 Colombia 438,043 2010
28 Malaysia 418,373 2010
29 Belgium 409,061 2010
30 Nigeria 377,146 2010
31 Philippines 370,176 2010
32 Sweden 366,060 2010
33 Switzerland 364,507 2010
34 United Arab Emirates 354,667 2010
35 Venezuela 352,721 2010
36 Austria 335,434 2010
— Hong Kong 328,674 2010
37 Greece 314,721 2010
38 Ukraine 308,298 2010
39 Romania 306,348 2010
40 Algeria 297,373 2010
41 Singapore 294,123 2010
42 Vietnam 278,616 2010
43 Peru 277,318 2010
44 Norway 276,954 2010
45 Portugal 272,564 2010
46 Chile 269,228 2010
47 Czech Republic 266,109 2010
48 Bangladesh 246,703 2010
49 Denmark 218,933 2010
50 Israel 217,653 2010
51 Hungary 203,251 2010
52 Finland 196,629 2010
53 Kazakhstan 196,608 2010
54 Ireland 178,036 2010
55 Morocco 151,638 2010
56 Belarus 134,561 2010
57 New Zealand 130,662 2010
58 Slovakia 129,843 2010
59 Kuwait 128,895 2007
60 Qatar 128,187 2009
61 Ecuador 117,241 2010
62 Angola 115,167 2010
63 Iraq 113,238 2010
64 Syria 107,304 2010
65 Libya 105,444 2009
66 Sri Lanka 105,139 2010
67 Bulgaria 103,946 2010
68 Sudan + South Sudan 97,512 2010
69 Dominican Republic 92,129 2010
70 Tunisia 89,925 2010
71 Azerbaijan 89,292 2010
72 Uzbekistan 87,026 2010
73 Croatia 86,342 2010
74 Ethiopia 85,713 2010
75 Serbia 83,776 2010
76 Oman

Larry

PS I have a novel for sale on Amazon/Kindle..."In Plain Sight"...$2.99 and you don't have to own a Kindle! There's a free app for PC's.

Roxy, that is the easiets question to answer. Simply because i bought a nearfield monitor which is only made active.

Thanks Gryphonaudio for your answers and great privilege to have you in this thread! Yes, I'm familiar with that review as I read also serbo-croatian language without a problem. Very enthusiastic and passionately written :). I read it some time ago. It is interesting to note that some of the reviewers who had a chance to test Atilla and Scorpio together are coming to similar conclusions as I read also some other international reviews.

Thanks also for explaining on the weight for Tabu what brings this extra kgs. Atilla as Tabu is also a dual mono design. Are two toroid transformers in Atilla lying one on another or is it just one big single toroid?
I was also searching what is the diameter of the binding posts on Atilla as I could not find this info. I'm closely familiar with Gryphon Tabu which has huge binding posts for speakers and I know that not all spades are able to fit there.

thanks, best, del.

Delfincek
If you read Croatian, you may find this review useful
http://www.sound-news.net/index.php/recenzije/stereo/stereo-sustav-snova/470-gryphon-atilla-scorpio-i-mojo

Delfincek
There is a Gryphon dealer in Zagreb where you can hear the Atilla. www.gryphon-audio.com
The Tabu had a steel cabinet so weight can not be compared to the Atillas Alumminium cabinet.

Thanks guys for providing new answers which they make a total sense to me.

I've read a lot about comparison between different gear and now some of your arguments comes into place and that makes better understanding to me about the sound. I heard McIntosh MA7000 on Sonus Faber Electa Amator II but I did not made any conclusions at that time as it was to short to make them. Sound was pleasant and very listenable, but still I asked myself and told to my friend that his Gryphon Tabu might be even better sounding than this sexy MA7000. If I would be greedy I would be able to live with any of them I think :).

I also found some comments of users on other forums in regards comparison between Jeff Rowland Continuum 500 and MA7000 and there are similar conclusions than here. The only problem I had was to find comparison that we talk now here -> Gryphon vs McIntosh. Only on one Italian forum I helped myself to find some comparison comments between Diablo and MA7000. Users there were mentioning some veil in the Mac's presentation. But it was not defined as something ultimately bad but rather as a tubby sound or musical forgiveness by my interpretation :). Also MA6600 was judged as a good alternative with maybe event better balance of sound than MA7000. But this again I think is much more of a finesse and associated with the equipment used I believe. I found this last mentioned discussion on Audiokarma forums. But my preference would be to discover MA7000 prior to MA6600 more as of technical advantage of the amp.

And finally Diablo on Italian forum was mentioned again as strong, full controlled with excellent transparency and for some better sounding than McIntosh MA7000.

If I go back to my experience with Gryphon Tabu and its bass area. It was simply excellent that is how I remember it with great energy and push. Gryphon just drove my speakers like no amp before or after. Even at low volume speakers still sang so good and with a great body. The only problem as said was first hour as Gryphon Tabu was sounding good, but nothing extra special. Magic came alive after 45 minutes or something.

Coz of the age of Gryphon Tabu I'm now leaning my curiosity towards Gryphon Atilla. Atilla is an entry level Gryphon integrated with 2x100W. It is a proper dimension for my place as I don't need more power for my place. It has also HT bypass that I need and there is a word that it is also a bit more forgiving than Diablo and that maybe can work very well for my system?!? Now a challenge how to find a piece to test it and to confirm this. But Ok I'm not rushing anywhere. How much better can Atilla be in comparison to Tabu? Is it possible to be better sounding at all? Technically certainly, but still I wonder what the reality can show. If weight is the main factor for judgment of the quality then Gryphon Tabu would outperform Atilla by around 8kg. What about the sound?

Besides McIntosh what other type of amplification most
uses output transformers? Tom

Let's call it 'flabby' or 'loose'...yeah, I struggled with that.
Not well damped would probably work too.
Sorry...words escaped me.

Those comparisons, inadequate vocabulary notwithstanding, should be fairly accurate for a numbskull like me.

Larry

LoL Larry, I’m not sure that "rubbery" is legitimate Stereophile lexicon to describe the bass but I nonetheless wholeheartedly agree with your observation(s) on the McIntosh sound. On the whole I found the McIntosh "inoffensive” which is also not damning with faint praise… :-) I think....

The McIntosh can seem slow too, having no real snap to it -and somewhat behind in the resolution stakes. Still, with the right speakers the McIntosh works.