Gryphon Diablo & Dartzeel CTH-8550

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.

I’ve auditioned both the GamuT DI-150 and the Gryphon Diablo.

Two quite different amplifiers in my opinion.

The GamuT is characterized by stunning transparency and incredible treble extension, reproducing music with great focus, precision and impressive transient response. On the negative side of ledger – for me at least – I found the GamuT to be somewhat clinical and lean which in turn lead to an opinion that it was somewhat bass shy.

The Diablo has a highly poised, confident and unhurried view on music. Its bass is deep, powerful and solidly propulsive handling dynamic and rhythmic demands with ease. On the negative side of the ledger the Diablo does not offer class leading transparency, runs incredibly hot and in comparison to the GamuT looks butt ugly – all in my humble opinion of course.

The sound of both amplifiers will be influenced by the source as both are relatively neutral with the GamuT being neutral/cool and the Diablo neutral/warm.