The legendary Danish company Gryphon Audio Designs presented a new Diablo 333 integrated amplifier at the High End Show 2023 that opened yesterday in Munich , which will replace the Diablo 300 model , which appeared eight years ago, in the company’s nomenclature. The predecessor has become the unanimous performance benchmark of its time, as confirmed by the thousands of Diablo 300 units sold, despite the refreshing price tag. And it will be very difficult to surpass the predecessor of the novelty.
However, over the course of eight years, component manufacturing techniques and intensive engineering research at Gryphon Audio Designs have identified areas for improvement. Diablo 333 implements the core solutions developed during the creation of the Commander pre-amp and Apex assistant. The power output of the novelty is ten percent more than that of its legendary predecessor. New ultra-fast pre-amplifier transistors deliver both better musicality and superior performance.
The design of the Diablo 333 follows the traditional Gryphon style – the triangular glossy front bezel with 4.3-inch capacitive TFT touchscreen is reminiscent of the aesthetic created by Gryphon founder Flemming Rasmussen for the Commander and Apex models, as are the custom-made support spikes, bringing not only visual harmony, but also providing reliable vibration decoupling from the installation surface.
As with the Diablo 300, the functionality of the Gryphon Diablo 333 amplifier can be expanded with optional phono stage and DAC modules, which can be connected via two expansion slots on the back of the device. The modules have been completely redesigned for the new model. Gryphon PS -3 phono stage uses a True Dual Mono Class A topology from input to output, with no global negative feedback. Its circuit is made on discrete elements. Gold-plated, balanced Neutrik XLR input jacks replace the RCA jacks used in the phono stage module for the previous generation PS-2S amplifier. The load resistance for the MS head can be set externally using switches, unlike the internal jumpers on the PS-2S module. The MM/MC cartridge type is selected via the Diablo 333 system menu.
The new Gryphon DAC – 3 digital-to-analogue module is based on the Saber ES9039PRO DAC chip from ESS Technology. There are seven user-selectable PCM digital filters, as well as a full range of digital inputs – USB-B, AES/EBU, coaxial BNC and optical Toslink.
Wrapped in a machined aluminum bar, the Commander remote replaces the Wand that came with the Diablo 300. It also features a more intuitive system menu structure with an improved user interface, and a USB-A connector on the back of the Diablo 333 makes it easy to update firmware.
The new Gryphon Diablo 333 integrated amplifier will go on sale in October 2023. The suggested retail price of the novelty is $24,900 . The optional Gryphon DAC -3 DAC module will cost an additional $7,000 , while the Gryphon PS -3 phono stage module is priced at $5,600 .