Speakers for Gryphon Diablo 120

@ullogu1

You are not a disappointing person at all. But your words "dark" probably means something different than what I might have thought. This thread asks for speakers for a "dark amplifier". Does it mean that the designer did not want a neutral sound and instead designed a "dark amplifier"? Strange.

In any case, I spent about 20 minutes with a Focal Electra bookshelves in 2016 and they had tons of top end. Might be that would be a choice to bring some light to your darkness. I think  @arnoldo is indicating the same.

@bluethinker,

I am not sure I would want a dark sounding amplifier in my system. I generally like neutral. Please explain me "dark sounding". Any Youtube video link that might make me understand the difference? I know if would not be hifi sound from Youtube, but might give me a bit of an idea.

Monitor audio pl100 maybe? I used to own harbeth shl5+ 40th and don't think that's a good sunc. Or maybe the new gold 100 6g

@milpai - Great question.

One of the reviews on the Gryphon 120 was done by the amiable “Pursuit of Perfect Systems” English reviewer. He references the dark quality of the treble in the review, below. I feel his review is absolutely spot on, by the way.

https://www.pursuitperfectsystem.com/entry-level-gryphon-the-diablo-120-integrated-amplifier-review/

But what exactly is that dark quality mean in my experience?

When I connected the amp to my QLN prestige 3 speakers, which are incredibly balanced and relaxed, the treble sounded like it went down an octave. The highs were muted and the treble energy was diminished. The air on the high frequencies was muted and recessed. I was somewhat disappointed because the QLN speakers have been my reference speakers.

Due to circumstances, I had a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Speakers in the house that I wasn’t using as frequently. Why? Because I felt they were a little tipped up on the treble compared to the QLN speakers. But when I moved the Dynaudio Heritage into position with the Gryphon 120, the synergy was immediately evident.

I will back off from my soapbox now. Just sharing my experience and enthusiasm for the amp when you pair it with a complementary speaker.

Can I ask what amp you use with your QLN?

@gryphongryph - I switch back and forth every few months between the Gryphon 120 with Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers to the QLN Prestige 3 driven by a Conrad Johnson Classic 120 paired with an LTA Microzotl preamp. 
 

Dac is the Merason dac1 mkii and the streamer/server is Innuos Zenith mkiii. 
 

I can’t decide which pairing I like better. Both are pretty much end-game for me unless I win the lottery.