Beyond Ayre Pass and Rowland

Bombaywalla, though you heard all those amps with different speakers, could you try to describe the differences between them, particular character of each? I am especially curious about Gryphon and Ypsilon. We are talking about superb amps, on the frontier of what is possible to achieve.
We could add tube amps to the discussion, but it would greatly complicate it. How do you compare Gryphon to Lamm SET Reference? I suppose, with the right speakers Lamm might have the edge but it would also probably depend on taste and choice of music.

DarTZeel, Vitus, and FMA would probably be considered the next echelon in SS gear.

Bombaywalla, though you heard all those amps with different speakers, could you try to describe the differences between them, particular character of each? I am especially curious about Gryphon and Ypsilon. We are talking about superb amps, on the frontier of what is possible to achieve.

The Gryphon Ant Sig amp is on the dark side of neutral. It's a little on the warm side & (to me) exuded a bit of a brooding character. Superb amp - doubles down all the way to 1 Ohm load but i did not find it to be totally neutral. The music rendered thru this was superb - great micro & macro dynamics & effortless delivery of music.
The Ypsilon mono-block amps were much more neutral - it has a sparkle to its music delivery which I liked. It was like water - it had no form of its own but took the form of the music played. The Lansche speakers were also something else - 7 feet tall with plasma tweeters. It was an all-out system. Once again superb micro & macro dynamics, great for orchestral music & just as good for Jazz trios & vocals. Superb build quality. Everybody in that room did a 'wow' when the demo was over - it was truly a well setup system. Now i can't say that the Ypsilon mono will sound the same thru some other speaker....

How do you compare Gryphon to Lamm SET Reference?

no idea here!! never heard the Lamm SET Reference....

Symphonic Line would certainly be in the mix as well. Not a well known brand but their Kraftwerk line is definitely something to consider as well. While not cheap it is not a King’s ransom either relative to some of the astronomical prices of the top tier players.

agree! their amps are really superb. Pricey but yet more affordable than dartzeel, FM Acoustics, Gryphon, Ypsilon, Lamm, etc.
I think i saw an ad for an used FM Acoustics Model 115 mono for $66,000!! wow!

" Like a water.." - great metaphor and probably highest compliment.
It does appear that Gryphon has enough of the dark side of Scandinavian psyche, and Ypsilon is Greek at its best.
Thank you. Which one would I choose based only on your description? After some struggle - Ypsilon.