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Jeff Rowland Concentra II vs Gryphon Callisto 2200

I have visited many audiophile forums, and made alot of research about, which high end brand made it up there with their integrated amplifier.

Here was my conclusion. many stated that the Jeff Rowland Concentra II is the one of the best integrateds out there to today and many others consider the Gryphon Callisto 2200 to be the best integrated amp ever built.

I'm really confused right now, as both amp are similar in their price tags. The issue is that I'm really serious about buying one of the two integrateds, and I really hate to make mistakes with any one of them. I'm sure they are all legends and sound really great. It's just that different systems require different matching amps.

I really appreciate it alot, since this is the best place to get such an information on buying any new equipments. I mean with all your support, help and valuable info. I think that I can make the best possible choice for my system.

My speakers are JMlab Mini Utopia and Audiomeca Mephisto II CD player.
fahad74
jallen
502 posts
 
The Rowland does so much right...I am still waiting to hear what it does wrong. The built in phono stage is even excellent. I sold tubes and have not gone back. Tube fans will disagree I am sure, but they should reserve comment until after they have lived with the Rowland for a while. Jallen
kirk930's avatar
kirk930
285 posts
 
the rowland is a great piece but i would think the gryphon is going to win. i have a gryphon amp on mezzo utopias right now. i am the biggist tube freak on here. i could live with the gryphon. good luck.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Jallen, I'll second your comments. I'm not familiar with the Gryphon piece but after having lived with my Concentra for almost a year and gone through several speaker changes, I can't imagine it being incompatible with anything. It's the Rolex of integrated amps. Flawless performance, expert craftsmanship, thoughtful ergonomics and good looks support the fast and musical presentation. It makes me wonder why anyone still buys separates.
brulee
564 posts
 
Hi Fahad, If at all possible try to hear both. I will not argue with those who prefer the Rowland. It has a mellow, yellow sound. You may like it's presentation over the Gryphon, although I would be very surprised. IMO the Gryphon has no competition in SS integrateds. As far as Jallen's comments, I can't help but wonder what tube amp he had. No disrespect meant Jallen. If it's music to your ears that's all that matters. Jallen brings out a very important feature that the Rowland has a phono stage. I Don't think the Gryphon does. I could be wrong. From what I heard at my friends audio store, the Gryphon made the Rowland sound like it was on tranquilizers. That was on one set of speakers, so take it for what it's worth. I did take the gryphon home for a week when my tube amps were being modified. It was very hard to find any fault with the Gryphon. I hope you can listen to both. All our opinions differ. Only you can make the right decision. Don't rule out a tube integrated. Hope what ever you choose makes the music come to life.
bigkidz
3,325 posts
 
Get the Gryphon and don't even think to look back. The Rowland equipment is one of the best built and they have great sonic characteristics but IMHO, the Gryphon just does it better.
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