Have you been enjoying your Gryphon Diablo 120 integrated ?

Keep in mind that SS101 was Hans Vitus’ original designs with few compromises. Another advantage of SS-101 is that it can be used as an integrated amp due to a built in volume control, or you can use a dedicated preamp with it.

I have no doubt that the SIA-030 might be better, but the SS101 is miles better than the SIA-025 or any of the RI models.

I seems that one of the main ideas is to get great dynamics. And for that it would be Gryphon not Vitus, I suppose.

It depends on what you mean by dynamics. Both have excellent dynamics IMO but the Gryphon has ‘more’  bass control for sure. However, it also contributes to a slightly darker character that I didnt care for. Vitus, on the other hand, doesn’t have as much bass control, but only in comparison to the Gryphon. It has a lot more bass than any Luxman for example. But what the Vitus brings to the table is the signature class A sweetness and liveliness (not to be confused with brightness) that is quite addictive.

Having said that, in the end it’s a matter of taste and not outright superiority between the two.

arafiq, far be it from me to suggest that Gryphon is overall a better amp.

As you say, they are different, and of course both are in a different league than Luxman.

It is also about match to the speakers.

@bluethinker thanks again for the useful response, much appreciated. From your description it appears that the Diablo 120 may be voiced slightly to warm or soft in the high frequencies since it matches well with speakers which have a dominant or hot treble. I won’t be able to live with an amp that has a warmer or softer treble than the already warm, soft and delicate Luxman 590AXII.

As I’m buying used, I won’t be able to try but will likely go with either 300 or 120. Another available option recommended to me is the Audionet Watt but I’ll pass.