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Integrated decision - dartzeel or gryphon

Hi all, I'm looking at buying a integrated and was hoping to hear people impressions of the dartzeel cth8550 and gryphon Diablo 300.
the Cth has been around for a while now and seems to get a mixed response, any long term owners that can share experiences would be much appreciated.
diablo 300 is the flavour of the month and seems to be gathering universal praise so far.
ill mainly be using a TAD dac and Wilson speakers. I listen to a very wide array of music, it's all on the table for me.
thanks for reading

128x128lobwah
theothergreg
222 posts
 
I have not had a chance to hear the Gryphon, but I did audition the Dartzeel.  My impression is that it's a good integrated, but you pay a huge premium for the name and craftsmanship in areas which do not necessarily translate into better sound. 

If you are looking for a piece of audio jewelry, the Dartzeel is a fine choice, but I think there are better overall integrateds when you get to that level.
lobwah's avatar
lobwah OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for the response theothergreg.
Which other integrated are you aware of? 
The Diablo and Dart are going for the same money where I am so the Huge premium isn't applicable with these 2 units for me.
theothergreg
222 posts
 
I’ve heard great integrated amps from Simaudio, MBL, Jeff Rowland, Vitus and Audia Flight. This is by no means a complete list of great integrateds, but they are worth a listen if you are looking to buy a Dartzeel. I’d love to hear a Gryphon, but they are not available near me.
whipsaw
758 posts
 
This may not be terribly helpful, as I have not heard either of those that you mention. However, while I have heard newer and more expensive amps in the interim, I have felt absolutely no desire to "upgrade" from my Jeff Rowland Concentra for the 10+ years that I have owned it. 


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