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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
ghdprentice
6,381 posts
 

Overture is great. I have dropped by a couple times (I live on the west coast)… they are really good at listening and helping you achiever the sound you are looking for.

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
237 posts
 

Lew,

I recently auditioned a Diablo 300 non-DAC being fed by a DCS Bartok. The Diablo is a great integrated; as crazy as this sounds, the Bartok ruined the presentation; too clinical of a source. Diablo's bass is incredible! The mids and highs were slightly bright to me, thanks to the Bartok. Over the years, I have auditioned various Mac products, but none ever wowed me. The C2700 and MC611's are a great combo, but I do not think better than $10K. The DAC in the Diablo is dated; there are much better DACs out there. Go the Gryphon route and purchase a Lumin X1 used; you can stream directly to the Gryphon and have a little fun by utilizing the X1 DAC. If this was your system, I am confident it would outperform the Mac system on all parameters. 

swede58's avatar
swede58
108 posts
 

Has anyone compared the Diablo300 to Pass? (Like 250int or XP22/X350.8)

craig
83 posts
 

The staff at Overture are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.  Strongly recommended.  

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,502 posts
 

I think many people here are relating to the older Mac sound, the new McIntosh sound is not rolled off, I have a C2700 and 275 amp, running into Spendor D9.2's and they are not rolled off. they are very neutral and detailed IMO. Id say you can adjust the sound somewhat with tubes as well. The new Mac is not the same as the older mac. and the C2700 just does everything well, has a ton of inputs, can integrate with a TV if needed (ARC), has tone controls if needed etc etc. not many preamps on the market that have the features of the C2700. 

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