Gryphon Audio Designs' Diablo 333 integrated replaces the Diablo 300, which was announced at the High End Show, Munich in 2015 and, we're told, continued to prove its “Best-in-Class” status for nearly a decade. However, a lot can happen in eight years, so the high-end Danish hi-fi manufacturer has taken the opportunity to use the most up-to-date component technologies and reap the benefit of intensive engineering research to build an even better amplifier.

Furthermore, we are informed that the Diablo 333 profits from technology and “circuit highlights” found in Gryphon's flagship Apex and Commander pre/power couple resulting in the Diablo 333 boasting ten percent more output power than its predecessor to claim up to 333W per channel into 8 ohms, 666W/pc into 4 ohms, and 1100W/pc into 2 ohms.

Additionally, the 333 shares design DNA with the flagship separates with the triangular display panel and 4.3-inch TFT capacitive touch screen evoking the aesthetic created by Gryphon Founder Flemming Rasmussen for Apex and Commander, as do custom-made chassis spikes, which are said to enhance both mechanical integrity and visual harmony.

You will also find the identical bespoke binding posts on the 333's back panel as on the Apex. Finally, sculpted from a block of aluminium, the remote handset from Commander replaces the “Wand” remote supplied with Diablo 300.

Gryphon tells us that the “new ultra-fast, low-capacitance pre-driver transistors deliver both enhanced musicality and superior measured performance”.

The Diablo 333 sports a new, more intuitive menu structure and, as with the Diablo 300, the 333 can be outfitted with optional Phono and DAC modules which have been completely redesigned for the new amplifier.

Gryphon says that the PS-3 RIAA phono module features True Dual Mono Class A-coupled topology from input to output, with no global negative feedback and discrete balanced circuitry featuring matched transistor arrays. Also, gold-plated Neutrik XLR balanced input sockets replace the RCA sockets found on the previous generation.

Another user-friendly update is that MC load impedance can be set externally with left/right rear panel switches instead of internal jumpers, as per the PS-2S. MC/MM setting is selected via the front-panel menu on Diablo 333.

Gryphon's new DAC-3 D/A module is built around the ES9039PRO high-performance chip and features seven user-selectable PCM digital roll-off filters. This module also adds USB, AES/EBU, BNC and TOSLINK inputs. In addition, the 333's USB input is compatible with all current digital audio formats and will decode PCM up to 32/384 and DSD512 via USB.

The new Diablo 333 drove Gryphon EOS 2 loudspeakers via Vanta and Rosso cabling at the Munich show. Globe-trotting Sales Director Rune Skov played some jazz before turning the volume up and dropping the needle on TOOL's 12-minute track, Pneuma. As well as showcasing Danny Carey's rhythmic prowess behind the kit, the Diablo 333 proved itself more than capable of tracking the dynamics with speed and power.

The Gryphon Diablo 333 is available in October 2023 priced at £24,500/ €21,800, with the DAC 3 module costing £6,950/ €6,100 and Phono Stage 3, £4,950/ €4,800.

Visit Gryphon Audio Designs for more information