Diablo 333 Integrated Amplifier

The Gryphon Diablo 333 is an integrated amplifier with 10% more output power than the Diablo 300. Its design incorporates technology developed for Gryphon’s Apex and Commander amplifiers, including ultra-fast pre-driver transistors intended to improve transparency, speed and musicality.

The output stage uses the same devices as the Apex, with 10 output transistors per channel. Power comes from an upgraded supply with an oversized Holmgren dual-mono transformer and 68,000µF of filter capacitance per channel. These changes contribute to the amplifier’s power delivery and control, as well as its substantial 50.6kg chassis.

The triangular front-panel display contains a 4.3-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen. This design follows the visual language developed by Gryphon founder Flemming Rasmussen for the Apex and Commander series. Custom-developed chassis spikes, first engineered for the Apex, provide mechanical grounding.

Connectivity includes dual subwoofer outputs, a tape loop and selectable XLR or RCA Unity Gain home theatre bypass. The rear panel also carries bespoke binding posts and a USB 2.0 connection for firmware updates. A redesigned menu structure provides access to the amplifier’s functions, while the billet aluminium remote control from the Commander replaces the handset supplied with the Diablo 300.

The Gryphon Diablo 333 can be fitted with optional Phono and DAC modules. Both are redesigned versions of the modules available for the Diablo 300.

The optional PS-3 Phono Module uses a true dual-mono, fully balanced Class A topology from input to output. Its discrete circuitry includes matched transistor arrays and no global negative feedback. The module supports moving coil and moving magnet cartridges, with gold-plated Neutrik balanced XLR inputs replacing the RCA connections used on the PS-2S.

Moving coil loading is adjusted externally using dedicated left and right switches on the rear panel, so there is no need to access internal jumpers. Cartridge type is selected between MC and MM through the Diablo 333’s menu system.

The optional DAC-3 module is based on the ESS ES9039PRO High-Performance Sabre DAC chipset. It provides 7 user-selectable PCM digital filters, allowing the filter setting to be chosen to suit personal preference. Digital inputs include USB, AES/EBU, BNC and TOSLINK, and the USB input supports current high-resolution audio formats.

The Diablo 333 retains the features of the Diablo 300 while introducing changes to power delivery, sound quality, connectivity, usability and component specification. Technology from the Apex and Commander series is applied throughout the amplifier, with the design reviewed and revised across its main circuits and functions.