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Gryphon Diablo vs. McIntosh C2700/MC611

I know similar questions have been asked, but I was looking for input regarding the Gryphon Diablo and the current Mac separates.  I currently have Harbeth Super HL5+ XD speakers. I listen through a Technics turntable and will be getting an Aurender N200.  I will likely change speakers down the road.  
 

I am replacing my Peachtree Nova 500.   I have narrowed my pre-amp/amp choices down to a slightly used Gryphon Diablo with DAC and a McIntosh C2700/MC611 combo.   I will be able to audition the Mac combo this week but am not able to audition the Gryphon Diablo. The non-audio pluses and minuses are:

 

Mac - dealer close by, I prefer its traditional layout

Gryphon - less expensive, one box. 

Does anyone have any experience with the Diablo and the current Mac separates?  Most threads that I read were before the C2700 with its DAC 2.  Also, if I upgrade speakers, it would likely be to the Harbeth 40.3 or the Sonus Faber Amati, Serarino or Guarneri Traditions.

 

TIA

Lew

 

lewl28
erik_squires
15,690 posts
 

Mc is a unique sound.  I think you 100% need to listen to them.

The 4 amps I suggest people listen to and compare are usually:

  • Pass
  • Mc
  • Ayre
  • Luxman

because I think most audiophiles will come out of those auditions with very strong preferences.

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
909 posts
 

Dealers that carry McIntosh gears , also carry Sonus Faber.

Stricly , on money stand point , you would have better deals if you buy both brands

from the same dealer.

And may be , Sonus Faber pairs very well with McIntosh.

Just my 2 cents.

 

lewl28 OP
27 posts
 

Thanks.  I have heard Macs with SF’s before and I like the sound.  On Tuesday I will be able to demo the Max C2700/MC611 with the Harbeths that I have.  There is no place to demo the Gryphon, so that would be a leap of faith and only if the Mac/Harbeth combo sounded really off. The Mac combo is about $10k more than the Gryphon Diablo but I can get comfortable with that. 

bulldogger
262 posts
 

@lewl28 Although the Mcintosh Como is more expensive, nothing holds it's value better than Mcintosh if  you ever decide to sell.

ghdprentice
6,382 posts
 

MacIntosh is a very unique sound. I think it is great for rock music… and “heavy” stuff. There is a huge group that love them. Great resale value. A real American icon… like Harley Davidson… well except reliable.

I love the look… I have repeatedly gone in over the years to reconsider and like the sound and within seconds decided the sound is not for me. It is midrange heavy… good… and bass heavy… but really light on details… probably why it is often matched with B&W speakers.

I am not trying to discourage you, but listen to it before you commit. 

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