Gryphon gets no press, but is great.


Gryphon, a product I sold back in the early '90's is magical sounding gear. But according to the Owner Principal designer, he can't get arrested in the U. S. Press. I have emailed an acquaintence (Robert Harley) from my days as Director of Sales for THIEL Audio, about this and he was vaguely aware of some of this, even to the point of saying that he had a memory a negative review. That seems impossible if you read the Worldwide rave press they receive. Plus as an owner of the Callisto integrated, I can verifiy that it runs away from virtually all things (even some separates costing multiples) comparable. Why is it that a product that is so good, from their integrateds, to their separates, doesn't get a better shake in the our country? Marketing has been, in my evaluation poor, and I have shared this with Mr. Rasmussen, but even so, sometimes ground swells of interest have overcome this. Flemming Rasmussen, who is the owner, says, that the U.S. is not a large enough market for "his kind of product", and that Americans may lack the "sophistocation" to appreciate it. He was not being condescendig or vitriolic, just sadly stating his perspective. Of course, seeing all the two channel (brother) audiophiles out there, I can't believe that. What is up, other than poor marketing choices?
Any ideas and thoughts from current or previous owners would be good input. Frankly, while traveling all over the U. S. I never saw it in stores. That is sad given its performance.
lrsky
Hi Lrsky,

Thanks!
Wasn't trying to showy or any such thing; rather, called it like I heard it. I was truely moved by its refined sound.
Budrew: If you liked Callisto 2100, you should listen to Callisto 2200 - you will like it even more.

Personally, I do not like Callisto 2100 (I have had it on loan for over a month) that much - I found it a bit to lean sounding.

Callisto 2200 is much better in this regard, it has much more full bodied sound.

I would rate Callisto on par with other quality integrates like Rowland Concentra (had one for over a year). Not neceserly better, just different "in flavour".

BTW - I visited Gryphon headquaters in Danemark personally :-)
A guy named Evan Trent from Symphony Sound in Chicago told me about Griffin a couple of years ago. The name never registered. So, I never looked into them. I should give him a call.
Brooks,
I don't know if you are showing us why you couldn't find them by misspelling, or if you still are confused. Either way I should tell you that the name is Gryphon.
Best,
Larry
PS. I think that the case of the 2100 versus the 2200 is overstated. They sound much more alike than different, unless the speakers were so complex that they highlighted the power/current difference.
PPS/ My 2100 is for sale. I just replaced it with Halcro separates.
I have the Gryphon Encore amp (500 watts per channel). I love it. Other recent amps in my system have been PassX-350 and Electrocompaniet AW220 monos. I met and talked to Rasmussen at this past CES and he is in the process of setting up dealers in the U.S. One of the featured dealers here on agon has been selling Gryphon for soom months now. I believe Gregg Petan is reviewing the Encore amp and Prelude pre for stereotimes. (not posted yet). So it looks like Gryphon is about to "arrive" in the U.S.
BTW I believe it's pronounced Griffin.
Frank