Have you been enjoying your Gryphon Diablo 120 integrated ?

Thanks @swede58

Has anyone compared the Gryphon Diablo 120 or 300 to the Luxman L-590AXII? I presume these two integrateds would sound quite different? I love the sound of the Luxman but am looking for an overall more punchy and dynamic sound, deeper and more propulsive bass and a more extended, airy and brighter treble. Currently the sound is little warm with soft and weak bass, and electric guitars in a track sound slightly subdued and smeared in the background. I kept thinking if a more dynamic amp such as the Diablo 300/120 will bring the guitars out to the front row.

Does the 120 lose a lot to the 300 in areas of transparency, attack and dynamics?

@ryder - It so happens I actually also own the Luxman 590axii. I currently run it occasionally in my office system, but it’s no longer in rotation in my main living room system. It’s also a beautiful sounding amp, but I feel it also requires the ideal dancing partner in a speaker. 

I’m familiar with the sound you describe with the Luxman 590axii. It’s not the most dynamic amp and compared to the Gryphon 120 lacks a sense of powerful dynamics and propulsion to the music. To your question, the Gryphon 120 absolutely brings out the guitar and bass compared to the Luxman 590axii. The music sounds more immediate and palpable with the Gryphon. The Luxman 590axii sounds soft and a little ethereal in comparison. 
 

I would not say the Gryphon 120 sounds bright or overly forward, however. I demoed the Luxman 509 (a class A-B) amp in my house and found it to be nearly shrill in my room. 

@bluethinker thanks for the response, surely useful. Your experience is exactly what I’m looking for. Since you own both Diablo 120 and Luxman L-590AXII, that can’t get any better. It looks like I might need to proceed with the long delayed plan of getting an alternative dynamic amp.

I still love what the Luxman 590AXII does and will keep it as it’s a fine unit. The sound delivery although slightly warm is highly refined with a delicate touch, and as what you have aptly mentioned it will shine with other speakers. I may not have the plan for new speakers but I would still keep the Luxman. Apart from the 590AXII I also own the Naim 282/250DR separates and the latter produced a slightly more punchy and dynamic sound but lost in areas of refinement. Music sounded rough and smeared with slightly reduced clarity and refinement with the Naim on my Marten speakers. I appreciate the qualities of the Luxman after doing extensive comparison between the Naim and Luxman.

Back to the Gryphon, one of the concerns I have is on the dark treble of the 120 relative to the 300 mentioned several times everywhere. How does the treble of the 120 compare to the 590AXII? Eventually I might need to consider the 300 although it’s bulkier, heavier and more expensive.

I would appreciate more experiences on Diablo 120 vs 300..

@ryder I compared the Diablo 300 and a Vitus SS-101, both used. For my taste, Vitus was a winner. It’s not as muscular sounding as the Gryphon, but it had a refinement and sweetness in class A mode that I found appealing. Again, one is not better than the other, but it comes down to personal preference. Of course, I ended up buying the Vitus. Having owned a Luxman 590AXII, I can tell you that’s it’s not in the same league as Gryphon or Vitus.