Have you been enjoying your Gryphon Diablo 120 integrated ?

@inna - I bought a demo Gryphon 120 from Sounds By Singer as they were closing down. I've found it pairs perfectly with the Dynaudio Heritage Speakers I also own. 

I also run a tube based system in my main room that I switch back-and-forth every few months. The tube system is a Conrad Johnson Classic 120 EL34 amp with an Linear Tube Audio Microzotl preamp with QLN Prestige Three speakers.

Each system has it's virtures. I love the Gryphon 120 with the Dynaudio speakers because the sound is full, propulsive and dynamic, but with an underlying warmth which is almost tube like. The Gryphon 120 does have a dark character to the treble, so speaker pairing is critical. It did not pair well with the QLN Prestige Three speakers which are fantastic with the Conrad Johnson 120 or Audio Hungary power amps I've driven it with. 

Am I happy with the Gryphon 120?

Absolutely. I think it would be an end-game amp for many people. It's hard not to be impressed with it. It sounds great with all genres of music, btw.

Feel free to hit me up with any questions. 

@ryder - It so happens I actually also own the Luxman 590axii. I currently run it occasionally in my office system, but it’s no longer in rotation in my main living room system. It’s also a beautiful sounding amp, but I feel it also requires the ideal dancing partner in a speaker. 

I’m familiar with the sound you describe with the Luxman 590axii. It’s not the most dynamic amp and compared to the Gryphon 120 lacks a sense of powerful dynamics and propulsion to the music. To your question, the Gryphon 120 absolutely brings out the guitar and bass compared to the Luxman 590axii. The music sounds more immediate and palpable with the Gryphon. The Luxman 590axii sounds soft and a little ethereal in comparison. 
 

I would not say the Gryphon 120 sounds bright or overly forward, however. I demoed the Luxman 509 (a class A-B) amp in my house and found it to be nearly shrill in my room. 

@ryder - My pleasure. It’s a rare occasion when I can attest to qualities of multiple amps in one thread. Regarding the differences between Luxman and Gryphon models under discussion, the treble on the Luxman 590axii seems to fall in line with the general refined sound of the mids and bass. Nothing really is overly prominent - just a somewhat soft and refined sound.

The treble with the Gryphon 120 on the other hand can, with the wrong speaker, sound incredibly recessed. With the QLN Prestige Three, the treble on the Grypon rather disappeared, much to my dismay. Luckily, I had the Dynaudio Heritage Speakers around to try out. For the record, my critique of the Dynaudio Heritage speaker had been that the treble was too dominant. 
 

Alas, once I drove them with the Gryphon 120 amp, the Dynaudio Heritage’s forward sounding treble sounded incredibly balanced and perfect. I suspect Gryphon voiced the Gryphon 120 with a “treble-forward” speaker. That is my singular critique of the Gryphon 120. From my experience, it won’t sound great with every speaker. But if you pair it with the right one you are in for years of pleasure! 
 

@ryder - I completely understand. Which speakers are you planning on using with the new amp (purchased used, as you mentioned)? 

ive been intrigued by the AudioNet equipment. The AudioNet Watt has intrigued me. Any particular reason you’d pass on it? I have not heard it, but would like to. 

@ryder - Congratulations! Very exciting! 

I’m listening to my Gryphon 120 as I write this… I hope you like your new amp. As I wrote before, it’s a more muscular sounding amp compared to the Luxman 590axii. I would imagine the Gryphon 300 will really take it up another level. 

Please share your observations once it is playing music in your home. 

@ryder - Thanks for sharing the update! Wish I could have been there to witness the unveiling and to see your first impressions of the new amp first hand. In my mind, it is a step up from the Luxman 590axii. I’m stoked you are finding joy with it. 
 

I bought my Luxman without auditioning very many amps. I now find I’m trying to find a way to justify keeping it by trying to make it work in my office system. This might be harsh, but I almost feel the Luxman is best suited for a bedroom system where you want something intentionally without much of an edge…

Are you planning on selling the Luxman? Or possibly moving it to a different room?