Diablo 333

The Gryphon Diablo 333 is an integrated amplifier with 10% more output power than the Diablo 300. Its circuit design incorporates developments and components from Gryphon’s Apex flagship amplifier and Commander amplifier and preamplifier. Newly developed ultra-fast pre-driver transistors support its musical and measured performance, while the 10 output devices per channel are the same type used in the Gryphon Apex.

The power supply uses an oversized Holmgren Dual-Mono Transformer and 68,000uF of filter capacitance per channel. This provides dynamic headroom and contributes to the amplifier’s 50.6 kg (112 lb) weight. The Diablo 333’s design follows Gryphon’s established visual language, including a triangular display panel with a 4.3” TFT capacitive touch screen. The display design was created for the Apex and Commander by Gryphon founder Flemming Rasmussen.

Custom-made chassis spikes, originally developed for the Apex, provide mechanical stability and match the amplifier’s design. The rear panel has bespoke binding posts and a range of connections, including dual Subwoofer Outputs, a Tape Loop, and selectable XLR or RCA “Unity Gain” Home Theatre throughput. A sculpted billet aluminium remote handset from the Commander replaces the “Wand” remote supplied with the Diablo 300. The redesigned menu structure provides a more intuitive user interface, while the rear-panel USB 2.0 socket allows firmware upgrades.

As with the Diablo 300, the Gryphon Diablo 333 can be specified with optional Phono and DAC modules. Both have been redesigned. The PS-3 Phono Module uses a True Dual Mono Class A-coupled topology from input to output, with no global negative feedback and discrete balanced circuitry based on matched transistor arrays. Gold-plated Neutrik XLR balanced input sockets replace the RCA sockets used on the previous-generation PS-2S.

MC load impedance can be adjusted externally using left and right rear-panel switches, removing the need for internal jumpers. The MC/MM setting is selectable from the Diablo 333’s front-panel menu.

Gryphon’s DAC-3 D/A module uses the ES9039PRO High-Performance Sabre DAC. It provides 7 user-selectable PCM digital roll-off filters, together with USB, AES/EBU, BNC and TOSLINK inputs. The USB input supports current digital audio formats.

Owners of the Diablo 300 can continue to use an integrated amplifier that Gryphon describes as outperforming newer and more expensive competitors. The Diablo 333 revises the predecessor’s performance, connectivity and parts specification, with changes made throughout the design wherever possible.