New Gryphon Amp coming!

[wfolio]

Power and perceived loudness don’t scale linearly. The increase in loudness is audible, but not dramatic in terms of “volume.” What is dramatic is what happens before reaching that limit…
With ample headroom, transient peaks no longer compress. I get faster attack, cleaner decay, and more effortless dynamics. The system sounds more relaxed, less strained, and more authoritative—even at moderate volume. This is one of the most underestimated benefits: the consistency of a larger amplifier.

 

[LL21]

Power and perceived loudness don’t scale linearly. The increase in loudness is audible, but not dramatic in terms of “volume.” What is dramatic is what happens before reaching that limit…
With ample headroom, transient peaks no longer compress. I get faster attack, cleaner decay, and more effortless dynamics. The system sounds more relaxed, less strained, and more authoritative—even at moderate volume. This is one of the most underestimated benefits: the consistency of a larger amplifier.

100% agree...we owned the Gryphon Antileon, Colosseum and then Mephisto. And Apex is another level no doubt. There is something very very special about what happens at super-low and super-high (ok not THAT high!) volumes with the Gryphon and its unadulterated power. It is effortless, and the sound just scales almost softly, beautifully. There is not that sense of thrill which becomes cringe when you crank many systems...it just keeps soaring beautifully.

Today, we have the 235 watt pure Class A Robert Koda K160 Mono Ref amps. I have never tested them the same way we did with the Gryphons (when we used to host parties before going out to the clubs!)...but there is a beauty that comes from effortlessness and scalability of power.

 

[wfolio]

The Apex is only a 210

The Apex Stereo is only rated at 210 watts per channel. Class A watts but still. For mega power the Diablo 333 would do. LOL

No disrespect, just a structural analysis.

Diablo
Output devices: Switch between conduction states
Bias: Low at idle, Increases under load
Power delivery: Context-dependent
Global behavior: Negotiated in real time

Apex
Output devices: Conduct 100% of the time
Bias: Fixed, maximal
Power delivery: Always available
Global behavior: Pre-committed

Diablo is dynamic stabilization. Apex is structural stabilization.
Diablo negotiates power. Apex embodies it.

 

[aangen]

No disrespect, just a structural analysis.

Diablo
Output devices: Switch between conduction states
Bias: Low at idle, Increases under load
Power delivery: Context-dependent
Global behavior: Negotiated in real time

Apex
Output devices: Conduct 100% of the time
Bias: Fixed, maximal
Power delivery: Always available
Global behavior: Pre-committed

Diablo is dynamic stabilization. Apex is structural stabilization.
Diablo negotiates power. Apex embodies it.

If you look at my signature file you may see I own an Apex. I just really appreciate the Diablo 333. No chance of owning one though.

 

[wfolio]

No disrespect, just a structural analysis.

 

[wfolio]

Stunning setup how does it sound
Compared to the essence is it as musical
I guess power and control are a given

I also own a Mola Mola Tambaqui, and I have ordered a pair of Mola Mola Ossetra monoblocks. I use Mola Mola in my second setup. When the tiny 350 W Ossetras arrive—hopefully soon—I should do a comparison with the huge Apex.

 

[wfolio]

Wow…congrats! Are those Martens a current model? They look new. What were your prior speakers…curious as to how you find them and how you find they mate with your Gryphons.

My current speakers are the Marten Mingus Septet. Previously, I was using Vitus monoblocks paired with Marten. I switched to Essence monoblocks and now to Apex stereo.

 

[wfolio]

I’m thinking about the Powerzone 3.10, but it overlaps with the function of my current Synergistic Research PowerCell and ground box. I’m not sure how to accommodate both, whether to keep one, or to maintain my current configuration.

 

[ApUk25]

I also own a Mola Mola Tambaqui, and I have ordered a pair of Mola Mola Ossetra monoblocks. I use Mola Mola in my second setup. When the tiny 350 W Ossetras arrive—hopefully soon—I should do a comparison with the huge Apex.
View attachment 162826

Sounds like your a audiophile hoarder like me
I’ve Just ordered a playback design MPD8 dac a mola mola Lupe phono stage but going to try to AB The gryphon siren phono stage when one is available
for trail
man this is so addictive

 

[LL21]

My current speakers are the Marten Mingus Septet. Previously, I was using Vitus monoblocks paired with Marten. I switched to Essence monoblocks and now to Apex stereo.

Fantastic...I have heard 2 schools of thought on Accuton-driver speakers (Tidal, Avalon, Marten, Evolution Acoustics, Gauder) which is exceptionally signature-free, alacrity...others have found they preferred carbon, even special formulas of paper/pulp materials due to their more natural decay at high excursion. Any thoughts on how you compare your Martens vs other speakers you might have considered or owned before you went with them?

I have been reading up on speakers that utilize Accuton, hence my question. Thank you for any guidance.

 

[aangen]

I’m thinking about the Powerzone 3.10, but it overlaps with the function of my current Synergistic Research PowerCell and ground box. I’m not sure how to accommodate both, whether to keep one, or to maintain my current configuration.

Thinking that a PowerZone is in the power conditioner classification is common. I don't put it there myself. It's powerful in it's own way, and that way has to be learned rather than reasoned. Just sayin.