Thanks Iain, very interesting. I was musing on the power thinking to myself who needs this much power (Gryphon 333).. Listening to a review on the 333 Terry Ellis speculated that the huge power made speaker selection simpler and potentially enhanced the life of the amp (and certainly SQ) given that the amp is rarely straining. I imagine this also applies to the 300.
Couldn’t agree more on the cables and boxes… Certainly less of them but I saw a pair of interconnects from Gryphon at 15k 
I have no idea. Similarly like IainW I feel the Diablo 300 is truly my endgame although there may be no end to this game. 
Eventually we have to stop somewhere although the desire to try something new will always be there.
The remark on the exemplary bass of the Diablo 300 is something that is very true. Of all the good amps amps which I own, the bass of the Diablo 300 is a clear standout which made all other amps sound lightweight and inadequate in the bass. There are other strengths and differences such as clarity, tonality of percussion, soundstage etc. but the bass of the Gryphon remains one of its greatest forte.
I feel the same way about the bass on the 120 (although I expect to a lesser extent). I also had a fair amount of messing about with the gain on the Chord Dave. I arrived at a position where it sounded best when the signal strength was up around the max 0dB. No clipping and no issues, so I run it Dac only mode (-3dB). With other amps I’d been running the Dave in Preamp mode at around -12dB. I have no idea what this means, except to say it sounds great!
@ryder @IainW A couple of questions if I may. Have either of you experienced technical problems or reliability issues? Also, do you have thoughts on the 333 versus the 300.
Hi Johnny, no reliability issues at all. They are built solid and provided you give them plenty of space around, I can’t see any issues at all.
I haven’t listened to the Diablo 333. With the DAC module it’s over £30k and significantly more than the 300. I’m led to believe the Diablo 333 sounds a little different to the Diablo 300 and has a bit more grunt, but the Diablo 300 isn’t lacking in any way.
Thanks Iain, good to hear. I could see as a 300 owner the 333 would be hard to justify. As one idly surveying the market, I don’t see many 300s up for sale (more on mainland Europe). A good sign of satisfaction perhaps. I note that warranty is not transferable so that would give pause for thought….
I would have thought the DAC module might have been compatible which is a shame. Still pros and cons..
Mine had an issue with the volume control where the db jump from 22 to 23 is slightly larger than normal range, and the steps from 23 to 26 are erratic and not smooth. I suspect it’s the amp but am not entirely sure though it has been sent to the dealer for a diagnosis/repair. I bought the Diablo 300 used.
Similarly I don’t have experience with the 333 though most people who have compared the 300 and 333 seem to prefer the latter. If cost and size/weight of the 333 are not an issue I suppose it would be better choice. The 333 is said to sound closer to the separates with a more effortless and mature sound. Having said that the 300 is still high quality and great value to me, and I don’t see myself moving away from it. I just hope the issue I am currently experiencing with the amp is minor.
That’s a shame. Nevertheless, it will be good to see how the problem is dealt with. I assume it may have to go back to Denmark?
I was talking to a 300 owner who reckoned the upgrade path for him was Gryphon pre and power, rather than the 333. I can’t imagine needing more than a 300/333. In between I have plenty of time to enjoy the 120.
Reggie
The service is through the authorised Gryphon dealer and there is no need to send it to Denmark.
As for Diablo 333 vs Essence separates, I presume it will depend on individual preference. If money is no object and one can accommodate additional boxes, or more importantly the sound quality of the Essence is more appealing than the 333 to the user, the choice is clear. If it was me looking for an upgrade, I would likely pick the 333 without listening to the Essence as the separates are just too expensive. It may be very good but there is a need to draw the line.
I have read few comments on the Diablo 120 sounding a bit like the current Gryphon amps (333 or Essence) but I’m not too sure about that, and some actually prefer the 120 to 300. Anyway I’m more or less done with the amp, no more upgrades or changes before I reach retirement. I will also need to sell rather than buy as the surplus equipment are adding up.
Oh ok so the dealers have repair capability. That’s good news. The separates are indeed eye wateringly expensive… and then it would be speakers next!
A clear out should be therapeutic but it’s not easy. The kit can rack up alarmingly quickly…my kids have taken some of my gear which means I can “loan out”.
I like the 120, I’ve read mixed reviews on it. My early impression is that it’s sensitive to pairing and I’m not sure I have it 100% right. It’s good with the Oscars but I’ll only know when I’m in the proper room. I do like its size and its character.
I got the 120 at an attractive price so it was a good way to put a toe in the water and see what Gryphon is all about, but I’m repeating myself now.
I’m slightly perturbed by the size of the 333 in particular. Hitherto, I’ve moved my kit around a fair amount so I’d have to be relatively settled in the location to even consider such a move.
Good luck and thanks for the input.
Someone on another forum who compared the Diablo 300 and 333 in his system reported on a significant difference with the latter sounding a lot of better. He will post more impressions once he spent more time with the 333 having just swapped from the 300. It’s not what that was described by my dealer but I guess he was just trying to sell the 300 to me.
I was hoping to stay put with the 300 but the 333 will now be in the shortlist. Anyway it won’t be anytime too soon since retirement is still a long way to go.
That’s not what I’ve heard. A bit better all round but certainly not night and day. That came from the dealer.
Looking down the road there could also be a replacement for the 120. It’s probably due soon.
I found a big difference vs both. Didn’t wanted to post before, to not spoil your enjoyment. The sound signature is not the same too.
No problem. I don’t take things too seriously on forums so it won’t spoil anything even though someone says the 300 sounds awful. 
It appears that I need to listen for myself as it’s all contradictory as expected, though there are more people who found the difference to be significant.
I won’t be trying the 333 anyway as I need to find a bigger room if I were to consider it which essentially means a new home.
I haven’t listened to either yet so my comments are from dealer and owners.
I will be having a listen in the near future. I couldn’t contemplate the big boy 333 even if I wanted to. When I consider my situation, the sheer physical size and lack of portability compared to say the 120 or even the 300 would be problematic for me at the moment. That’s even before I get to the money!
I wonder if I had a 300 would I even be looking or thing of a 333. I suppose that’s the question.