Gryphon vs Swiss solid state amps and preamps. And integrateds.

caphill443 posts
12-08-2018 7:22am

But the Vitus Audio gears are also spectacular. I have heard the Vitus integrated and separates at the hifi show and was impressed.

Vitus are debuting a new Class A integrated amp (SIA-030) at Munich next year which will be the new flagship integrated in the Signature Series. Word is it will have a lot more power (incl: class A bias) and be closer to the Signature Series separates. No word on price yet, but obviously it will be more than the SIA-025Mk2 ($25.2k). That will be my next amp.

George, you may be right. I would certainly ask Gryphon if I were ready to buy. One day, I hope.

inna OP
Yes sure, I would prefer used Antillion. Most used Gryphons that I see are in Europe or Asia, different voltage.

Have a look at the double click magnified shot of the back of this one for sale, sure looks to me they are changeable, maybe inside on the transformer’s primary winding’s, if not switched from 100-120v to 200-240v otherwise this normally isn’t put on the back like that.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis987i0-gryphon-antileon-signature-stereo-amplifier-solid-state#&....

Looking at the amount of transformer wires at the back of this pic, I’d say primaries could be rewired for 110v
http://www.hifishock.org/wp-content/uploads/electronics/the-gryphon/power-amplifier/antileon-evo-gry...


But I’m sure you’ll find one eventually in the US, we’ve had two in Australia on SNA in the last 6mts for sale used, and we’ve only got 20 Mick Dundee type jackaroos 4 dogs and 50 million kangaroos, 1 billion crocks, oh did I mention White Pointers? yeah we got a few of them too.

Cheers George

I have compared the D'Agostino Momentum analog stereo integrated with the Gryphon Diablo 300 in the same setup and system and in the same room. No comparison. The D'Agostino Momentum integrated crushed the Diablo 300. A used D'Agostino Momentum integrated can be had at around $25k ish and up. 

ebm, don't bother, you can't afford them.

By the way, if you buy Gryphon from overseas, they will not service it in the US, I talked to Gryphon US office, you would have to ship it to Gryphon in Denmark. Even voltage conversion is out of the question.

Paying $45k for any integrated cannot possibly be my idea under any circumstances. I didn't compare those two that you mentioned and I don't believe in anyone's hearing and objectivity unless I know this person, so this is meaningless to me. Your language only confirms my position.
Yes sure, I would prefer used Antillion. Most used Gryphons that I see are in Europe or Asia, different voltage.
Don't know what speakers. I would want to have as much current and power as needed for total control and effortless presentation.

I compared them all ill get back to you ASAP!!!

The Dan D’Agostino Momentum analog stereo integrated amp will smoke the Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated, far better and more musical. It retails for $45k new if you can swing it. I would highly recommend it. I happen to own it for my master bedroom setup.

But the Vitus Audio gears are also spectacular. I have heard the Vitus integrated and separates at the hifi show and was impressed.

How much power are you seeking?. Watts and amps? What speaker will you be driving?  

inna OP
New Diablo 300 integrated to use as power amp..might be possible if I decided to finance this purchase.

Knowing a bit about the way Flemming Rasmussen designs his circuit, a well cared for used Antillion would be the way I'd point you, better amp user Class-A adjustable while the music is playing.
One went here in Ozz  for less than a new Diablo cost here, and what's 1 or 2 years out of the claimed 40 years of life before it's serviced?

Cheers George

Dartzeel is a great one to compare to. 

Gryphon is awesome. Yup. I totally forgot about Vitus Audio. 

Jafant, yes, I read about them. But I have faith in Gryphon, not sure why. I also watched many interviews with Flemming, he mostly sounded right to me, though his music preferences seemed to be to large extend different from mine, but not contradictory to mine. He said he generally liked large scale music.
Far be it from me to even think about buying new Gryphon power amp - that's incredible cost, no only used if I am lucky. New Diablo 300 integrated to use as power amp..might be possible if I decided to finance this purchase. I have never financed audiophile purchases before but in this case we'll see.

inna

Vitus Audio and Audia Flight are on my radar.  I would love a demo here in the U.S.A.

Happy Listening!

Very possibly. Also Lamm hybrid, Nagra, Ypsilon hybrid.
I come from a slightly different angle. Is there any reason not to get Gryphon for solid state amplification ? Cost aside. They should work very well with almost any speakers. As for phono stage and preamp I would want tubes. That’s the general idea for a completely new system that would last me.. a very long time. It would take me quite some time to build too but it would be worth it.

Don't get me wrong, the Gryphon is spectacular but so are some other high end gears. The D'Agostino Momentum is awesome too. CH Precision, Soulution, Tidal, MBL, Pass Labs, Gamut, Chord to name a few are also spectacular. 

Gryphon chief designer Flemming Rasmussen has retired this year after 33 or so years at the helm. We’ll see what happens next.

What you get on the outside is what you get on the inside.
Not like some "once" respectable named US manufacturers that now give you a million dollar glitzy chassis with $100 moded Chinese Class-D modules inside.

Cheers George

Gryphon products are designed and built to operate flawlessly for 40 years under normal conditions.

Having seen inside them, they've got a better chance than many others to get this eyebrow raising claim.

Cheers George 

Interested in top level, that's why. This includes reliability and longevity. I heard, maybe others can verify it, that Gryphon products are designed and built to operate flawlessly for 40 years under normal conditions. Of course, a few will break from time to time, as everything else.

Have you ever seen inside say a Gryphon Antillion or any of their products? not much can come close for attention to detail. And I can say my friends Antillion sounds majestic on his Wilson Alexia II’s, I would say D'Agostino's amps would come close
https://www.gzhifi.com/xinyi/goods.php?id=2845
Cheers George

Why are biased towards non Swiss products?