I just found this in Gryphon’s FAQ section which is quite interesting, and the last paragraph rather amusing. I am sure not many will agree, but I have had this philosophy for many years before I became a Gryphon owner earlier this year.
Compared to most other brands, Gryphon amplifiers are very big and heavy for the same power ratings?
The heart -or motor- of any amplifier is the power supply. The stiffness or “torque” of the power supply defines its ability to deliver power (voltage times current) into loads below 8 ohms, which is the standard static test load for power specifications. Unfortunately, speakers are never a simple 8 ohm load. (Life would be simpler, if they were.)
A stiff, high-current power supply means heavy transformers, large heatsinks, lots of heat, lots of electricity, expensive parts and costly assembly. This is why Gryphon products are larger and heavier than other products with comparable nominal power ratings.
Some consumers may be impressed by a manufacturer’s claim of high power ratings in 8 ohms, but in reality an amplifier with a somewhat lower 8 ohm rating, but designed with a high current power supply, will subjectively be experienced as much more powerful and give the user a wider choice of speakers.
Many times the “sound” of a speaker is really defined by the amplifier’s ability (or inability) to drive a real-world dynamic load.
Seriously, the weight of an amplifier is probably a more useful guide to its performance than its nominal power rating, assuming that it is well designed and not filled with bricks.
Not a factor I had ever considered! I just know my amp sits unmoving..l
Interestingly, my MF A370 power amp apparently weighs 40kg. It is not filled with bricks. The Gryphon Diablo 300 apparently weighs 38kg. The MF is 185WPC into 8Ω, the Gryphon 300W. So mine is 70% greater grams per watt than the Diablo… But perhaps when they say theirs are heavier than others of comparable power they only mean their power amps, which I note are rather heavier.
I can understand why Gryphon have added the point to their FAQ as if you compare similar design philosophies their points are reasonable and they are unquestionably at the top end of performance, built with quality components.
The Pilium Leonidas is a bit of a beast in every respect, no doubt. It might be 100kg and have seven transformers, but it stands with the absolute best when the music is flowing.
MF A370 was closer to 220W per channel and up to 18W class A. Designed as a competitor to Krell apparently. I still have my 21 year old A308 int - they deserve better components as MF did cheapen some of the capacitors, clarity and drive improve considerably.
I have wonky knees and cataracts , if I move my next amplifier (I am splitting my system into a TV and a headphone system) will most likely be a Naim CI 102, very light , and with sufficient power to drive my Harbeths
So yes, weight will be a factor , and yes it is Class D
My amp sits at the bottom level in a cabinet, and I have a dolly (platform on wheels) that’s the same height, so I can slide the amp out, whether needed for access to connections at back, or to move it. Moving it any mire than within the room would then transfer onto a sack truck, and if it any point needs to be lifted – which I have done alone but really is a two person job – it is fitted with handles for that purpose. Of course once in place it needs never be moved unless I wish to change cables for any reason.
I wish my speakers had handles! They weigh half as much again as my amp, have nicely polished veneer sides and back with nowhere to get a grip, yet they sit atop 50 cm tall stand to which they do not attach. Challenges moving then even while I am reasonably fit and healthy made me not buy them despite the fact they were the best speakers I’d ever heard. But in time it dawned on me that once in place they need never move again until or less I move home, when I would simply have to seek whatever degree of assistance would be needed: very small price to pay for having wonderful sound!
[Edited because original iPhone “autocorrection” of sack truck gave sex truck!]
I am somewhat traditional about which factors determine my amp choices, SQ would be top of the list, functionality and then how it looks. Weight is more of a concern for my rack than me, I feel.
SQ, cost & ability to drive speakers are the primary considerations for me- I suppose what Gryphon are suggesting is that weight might be at least as good and maybe a simple way of assessing ability to drive speakers than looking at test data or specs to find power output and how it varies with impedance, maximum current, slew rate etc.
Any info on build quality, manufacturer reliability are probably next for me, appearance rather irrelevant as I don’t put on display.
