Jeff Rowland Concentra II vs Gryphon Callisto 2200

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.

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.

A few other considerations.You have French speakers and player;why not try YBA Passion Integre to make sure it is not what you want? It is much cheaper though less powerful.Next,Rowland's service is examplary in every way,with Gryphon you may have to ship it to Denmark for repaires and pay a lot,and wait a lot.Having said that,this is an endless debate about Rowlands vs. Gryphons.You MUST hear both in your system and play with cables.My guess,but only guess that you may like the way your system sounds with Gryphon better.Many people begin with Rowlands and then switch to Gryphons seeking them out like crazy.Why? Well,there is a certain sophistication and grace;eurostyle if you wish.It's a big decision,all right.Hope it helped.

I will be different here--I owned a Concentra II for awhile, and it wasn't my cup of tea. I didn't think it was all that powerful (had to crank past 80 all the time), and that it wasn't close to tubes like everyone says (i A/Bd it to my Cary 2002/v12i separates, which retail for same price btw). In fact, I found it cold in some instances. I used it to drive Wilson Cub IIs and Dyn 1.3 SEs btw. As far as resale, don't think it does better than any others really. I do agree build quailty is exceptional, and that the piece is pure eye candy. The plastic remote needs to be canned though...come on, for 6500 list, a metal remote should be standard.

On JM Labs minis, i would look to the Cary integrated (which is half the price of the rowland), which is very synergistic with JM Labs. I would also check out the BAT integrated, and see what it can do. It looks to be a stellar piece. JM Labs really like tubes...

I like the Passion better than the Concentra. I, too, found, it (the JRDG) somewhat, cold. Not tubelike to my taste, like the Passion. Just something else for you to check out. It's certainly a lot less money, and may be a better match with your other French babies.... warren