Have you been enjoying your Gryphon Diablo 120 integrated ?

Essence separates should be better. There is almost always something better somewhere but you've got a great amp that should work fine for decades.

Essence separates should be better. There is almost always something better somewhere
 

+1, at least if you have fairly efficient speakers, but I have heard people who think that the D300 has better bass. Always something better, or at least different, somewhere.

@ryder - I’d be curious to hear how the Gryphon settled into your system. What was your journey like listening and discoverying what it sounded like in your system? I think it’s one of the subtle things that makes us all so intrigued by the gear and its ability to evoke a more emotional response from the music. 

@bluethinker I usually only have time to listen during the weekends so have not spent much time with the system. I also have not fully explored the potential of the amp as there are other configurations where I could connect the amp which I have not tried.

Nevertheless, I have found that the Gryphon combines the refined and delicate touch of the Luxman 590AXII with the dynamics of the Naim 282/250DR increased in twofold, and the bass is improved as well. The clarity and tone of instruments also slightly improved. I don’t know what else to report, basically music just sounds right. Previously with the Luxman, although it’s refined and detailed, the overall presentation is soft and lacking in dynamics which contributes to a lack of engagement. The punch and slam are missing. On the other hand, the Naim sounds quite dynamic but less detailed and rough, and I find it to be inferior to the Luxman. The Gryphon just connects all the pieces and sounds complete. 

I’ve swapped DACs but need more time to come to a conclusion. So far the Chord DAC is ahead of the Luxman DAC. The built-in DAC in the Gryphon is not bad but I’ll need more time to ascertain the quality of all DACs and to determine if the Chord sounds best or otherwise. 

As for interconnects, I now hear a bigger difference between two pairs of XLR interconnects that go between the Gryphon and DAC. I may be tempted to acquire the top-of-the-range IC of the better sounding pair in due time.