Have you been enjoying your Gryphon Diablo 120 integrated ?

@ryder - My pleasure. It’s a rare occasion when I can attest to qualities of multiple amps in one thread. Regarding the differences between Luxman and Gryphon models under discussion, the treble on the Luxman 590axii seems to fall in line with the general refined sound of the mids and bass. Nothing really is overly prominent - just a somewhat soft and refined sound.

The treble with the Gryphon 120 on the other hand can, with the wrong speaker, sound incredibly recessed. With the QLN Prestige Three, the treble on the Grypon rather disappeared, much to my dismay. Luckily, I had the Dynaudio Heritage Speakers around to try out. For the record, my critique of the Dynaudio Heritage speaker had been that the treble was too dominant. 
 

Alas, once I drove them with the Gryphon 120 amp, the Dynaudio Heritage’s forward sounding treble sounded incredibly balanced and perfect. I suspect Gryphon voiced the Gryphon 120 with a “treble-forward” speaker. That is my singular critique of the Gryphon 120. From my experience, it won’t sound great with every speaker. But if you pair it with the right one you are in for years of pleasure! 
 

Keep in mind that SS101 was Hans Vitus’ original designs with few compromises. Another advantage of SS-101 is that it can be used as an integrated amp due to a built in volume control, or you can use a dedicated preamp with it.

I have no doubt that the SIA-030 might be better, but the SS101 is miles better than the SIA-025 or any of the RI models.

I seems that one of the main ideas is to get great dynamics. And for that it would be Gryphon not Vitus, I suppose.

It depends on what you mean by dynamics. Both have excellent dynamics IMO but the Gryphon has ‘more’  bass control for sure. However, it also contributes to a slightly darker character that I didnt care for. Vitus, on the other hand, doesn’t have as much bass control, but only in comparison to the Gryphon. It has a lot more bass than any Luxman for example. But what the Vitus brings to the table is the signature class A sweetness and liveliness (not to be confused with brightness) that is quite addictive.

Having said that, in the end it’s a matter of taste and not outright superiority between the two.

arafiq, far be it from me to suggest that Gryphon is overall a better amp.

As you say, they are different, and of course both are in a different league than Luxman.

It is also about match to the speakers.