2. amps-preamps
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Boulder 866 vs Gryphon Diablo 300

I’m looking for some input on an upgrade to my current system. First I’ll list below my current components:

Datasat LS10

Roon Nucleus Plus

ATI 3305 (330 watts x5)

ATI 3004 (300 watts x4)

Kef Reference 3’s with matching center. Kef R3 rears and Kef 8a Atmos speakers.

For those not familiar with the ATI 3300 amps, these are an incredible value. I used to have three PS Audio BHK 300 mono blocks from my front sound stage. I originally bought the ATI 3305 for my rear speakers. I did a pretty exhaustive A/B comparison between the ATI and the BHK and for 90% of the music they were indistinguishable from each other. The other 10% of the tracks the ATI would ever so slightly edge out the BHKs. So needless to say, I sold the BHKs.

To get back to my question. I’m perfectly happy with the HT side of things, but I would like better 2 channel performance. What I would like to add is either the Boulder 866 or the Gryphon Diablo 300. Both have HT bypass, The Gryphon has sub outs, the Boulder doesn’t. The Boulder is Roon Ready, the Gryphon isn’t. The Gryphon has more power and will match my ATI amps better when using everything for HT, but will I notice the difference in power when everything is level matched?

So outside of the obvious differences I’ve mentioned, what are the sound quality differences? For those of you that have auditioned both, what were your impressions on overall sound quality between the two?

 

 

wheelndeal1099
chrispb1
3 posts
 

I had the Bolder on home loan and I really wanted it to be great sounding but sadly it was just OK.  Of course that might be system dependant, or relative to what one’s reference is.  At the time I was comparing to Luxman 595 which was better but still no cigar.  Not listened to Gryphon or BHK but I’d be surprised if the Bolder was better than the BHK monos.  Maybe a better pre amp is the way to go, I’ve a Levinson 523 which is expensive and probably why the integrated amps couldn’t compete. 

wheelndeal1099 OP
39 posts
 

That is one thing that has been on my mind.  Is the Datasat holding me back so much that the amps themselves cannot really shine?  When I had the Mc207 and compared it to the BHK monos, there was a noticeable improvement in the bass.  With the BHK amps having better bottom end.   I was honestly shocked when the ATI 3305 was on par with the BHK!  

nasaman's avatar
nasaman
459 posts
 

Does Gryphon have repair/service center in US?

wheelndeal1099 OP
39 posts
 

I auditioned the Boulder 866, McIntosh MA12000 and a Accuphase E-380 today.  The Boulder while very revealing, I found it very fatiguing!  I didn't like it at all.

Next I went tot he Accuphase.  I really liked this amp!  It was more laidback, I could listen to this amp all day.  As soon as I played the first song I relaxed and actually enjoyed the music. I was no longer analyzing it!   The only issue for me was no HT bypass, that is a must for me.  

The McIntosh was the last amp I listed too.  This is the new hybrid integrated.  Tube preamp with sold state 350 watt amp.  I really liked this amp as well.  Liquid vocals, tight bass slam and detailed highs but in no way fatiguing.  I may have walked out the door with this amp, but its on a 6 month +/- back order.  

I've trying to listen to the Gryphon, but the retailer that has it will never respond to messages, emails, texts or phone calls. No wonder his products are listed for years for sale. I may be writing that amp off. 

So so far I really like the McIntosh and that may be what I end up going with. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,575 posts
 

You should check out the KRELL K-300i integrated amp. Stereophile compares it with the Boulder 866 on the Boulder review. My take away was that the reviewer considered it the best one. I think he also compared the MAC.

 

 

 

My old K-300i unit is being sold on USAAudiomart by the guy who bought from me. It is a killer sounding unit. Smooth, non-fatiguing, and powerful. I am all in on KRELL XD lineup these days. I sold the K-300i to fund the KRELL Duo 175XD and I was going to trade that in for the upcoming KRELL KSA i400 super amp.

However, I decided that I am not trading it in. I am keeping it to use as my headphone amp. I will have to work a bit longer to buy the KSA i400 for my future big system.

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