Gryphon Diablo & Dartzeel CTH-8550

Personally, I would be leary of solid-state charactarized as "dark". To me, this suggests a lack of transparency, palpability, dimensionality. Reviewers often confuse "dark" and "tube-like", which to me, are opposites. If I detected any haze, noise, restricted top end, flatness, or emphasis on the lower midrange/upper bass, I would walk away.

Dartzeel has a crytstal clear and extended top end, which has an extremely desirable sweetness. However, I personally find the Dart flawed in that the midrange is thin and non-organic. I do think the Dart can work with certain speakers and cable combinations, but it would take work and experimentation to make that happen. I'm sure others will counter my comments and come to its defense, but that is what I hear.

Luckily, you have the Diablo in your system, but I would give it at least 200 hours before passing judgment.

Hi Rtn1
I have heard the CTH recently and I really liked it. Well, there is no perfect amp, and for both the shortcomings and strenghts of both the Dartzeel and Gryphon, I prefer the Dartzeel.

However, I do not think the CTH is worth the price it is asking for, no doubt a very good amp. And I understand what you meant by "that the midrange is thin and non-organic". It lacks a certain body to the sound; you hear the sound but you don't sense there is a musician there producing the sound.

Anyway, back to my drawing board and search for other candidates other than the Diablo and CTH.
Cheers

I think I will be

Try the Gamut Di150 if you can. It sounds very much like it will work for you, based on my own comparison with the Diablo.

Hi Mike60...interesting. any chance you could elaborate? Have heard good things about Gamut but never heard myself. OTOH, i am pretty familiar with Gryphon. thanks for any insights!

Gamut is more transparent and delicate with great detail. Gryphon is more muscular and powerful, but also a little rounded and perhaps richer. If you want huge bass I would guess Gryphon might do better. Its a question of taste.