Have you been enjoying your Gryphon Diablo 120 integrated ?

@bluethinker thanks for the response, surely useful. Your experience is exactly what I’m looking for. Since you own both Diablo 120 and Luxman L-590AXII, that can’t get any better. It looks like I might need to proceed with the long delayed plan of getting an alternative dynamic amp.

I still love what the Luxman 590AXII does and will keep it as it’s a fine unit. The sound delivery although slightly warm is highly refined with a delicate touch, and as what you have aptly mentioned it will shine with other speakers. I may not have the plan for new speakers but I would still keep the Luxman. Apart from the 590AXII I also own the Naim 282/250DR separates and the latter produced a slightly more punchy and dynamic sound but lost in areas of refinement. Music sounded rough and smeared with slightly reduced clarity and refinement with the Naim on my Marten speakers. I appreciate the qualities of the Luxman after doing extensive comparison between the Naim and Luxman.

Back to the Gryphon, one of the concerns I have is on the dark treble of the 120 relative to the 300 mentioned several times everywhere. How does the treble of the 120 compare to the 590AXII? Eventually I might need to consider the 300 although it’s bulkier, heavier and more expensive.

I would appreciate more experiences on Diablo 120 vs 300..

@ryder I compared the Diablo 300 and a Vitus SS-101, both used. For my taste, Vitus was a winner. It’s not as muscular sounding as the Gryphon, but it had a refinement and sweetness in class A mode that I found appealing. Again, one is not better than the other, but it comes down to personal preference. Of course, I ended up buying the Vitus. Having owned a Luxman 590AXII, I can tell you that’s it’s not in the same league as Gryphon or Vitus.

Thanks @arafiq . Choices, choices.. 😅

Do you mean the RI-101 integrated? SS-101 is the power amp. I’ve earlier narrowed it down to either Vitus or Gryphon. I am aware vitus is also very good. But the price is significantly higher especially the SIA-030. I’m not sure about the 101 mk2 but it is said to be not as good as the SIA versions. The SIA-025mk2 is said to be softer in its presentation.

Anyway I’ll eventually need to pick one, will see how it goes. I need to do it right for once. Good to know either Gryphon or Vitus is a class above the Luxman L-590AXII.

@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!