I hope you are lucky, but judging from my experience, I would look for a very comfortable seat, because the wait can be very, very long.
New Diablo 333
- Thread starter Hasse
- Start date
Sorry to hear about the issues you have with your sample.
I my case the Mute function works as it is supposed to - it silences the Diablo completely.
Regarding freezing after standby I rarely power mine down (fully or partially). But when I've done so I have never experienced any problems.
I take it you have tried to get it out of standby both via the touch panel and the remote with the same result?
Thanks for replying. The mute issue is very odd. It does actually work - sometimes. If music is on then the relay doesn't click but the mute cross appears on the display and the sound continues. If I stop the music and press mute then most of the time the relay will click and mute is engaged. But to unmute I then need to press mute again and then press the volume control so it goes up or down one notch. Looks like a programming mess to me. But even this scenario doesn't play out all the time. The standby issue is where it just freezes whilst in standby module. Pressing power on the remote or on the front panel has no effect. A hard reset is required i.e. power off/on using the rocker switch.
Received a firmware file from my dealer and flashed the 333 from version 1.0 to 2.3. This new version was from April. The flashing procedure was relatively painless. You need a FAT formatted USB stick with the correct bin file for your region copied to the root folder. My dealer sent me the 230v version but there is a 120v version for NA. Flashing the wrong file will damage the amp. You then bring it out of standby and at the same press the little button next to the USB port with a paper clip. The front display power indicator turns red and green alternately. Then just plug in the USB stick and within a second or two it's done. The 333 then re-starts itself if all is good.
The mute issue looks to have been fixed. The relay now engages when I hit mute. Not sure about the standby freeze up problem as this is intermittent so keeping my fingers crossed on that one. And hoping there are no new bugs.
You can check the firmware version on the front panel by selecting menu -> restore settings.
I think the conclusion here is get the dealer to make sure the latest firmware is installed before the amp is delivered.
The mute issue looks to have been fixed. The relay now engages when I hit mute. Not sure about the standby freeze up problem as this is intermittent so keeping my fingers crossed on that one. And hoping there are no new bugs.
You can check the firmware version on the front panel by selecting menu -> restore settings.
I think the conclusion here is get the dealer to make sure the latest firmware is installed before the amp is delivered.
A quick update. I spoke too soon. It looks like I have a sticky mute relay that will require a physical repair. Disappointing to say the least as the amp may have to be moved out of my rack. The "freeze" issue is a known problem which is supposed to be fixed in firmware version 2.4. My dealer sent me a pre-release copy which failed to install but thankfully it didn't cause a problem with the existing software as I feared it might brick the amp. Found out later that there was a checksum problem. So all in all, it's pretty disappointing to put it politely. Amp still sounds great but everything needs to work properly at this price level. You don't buy a Ferrari to be told the electric windows don't work but so what, it still drives like a Ferrari.
The dealer/distributor have replaced my glitchy 333 with a new unglitched 333. The new 333 came with a nice hardback manual and a new crate design. It's had about 20 hours at the dealers so now needs some further playing time to loosen it up. Hopefully this is the end of this particular saga.
Such an interesting change considering you are coming from what was the top of the Gryphon line not that long ago. Any current insights would be greatly appreciated.
I sometimes question my insights! I'm not sure if I should be providing "sound" advice! LOL! The longer you play in this game, it just creates more obsessive behavior! I have since taken the Pandora off of the market, for now. It is SO undervalued on the used market. Because its been around so long people don't realize just how good it is. It belongs with the Mephisto. I suspect it would pair well with other amplification as well. They pair so well together, synergy is undeniable. A lot of texture, grip, and scale. I have always paired AMP/PRE from the same manufacturer. This next linestage I purchase is going to be my final. Not just linestage, all my next additions are going to be my final purchases. I have the Lampizator 360, (been doing break in on the 360 for several days now) Taiko Olympus, ( a ways off with delivery) and perhaps the Solution 727, if it blows me away. However, I'm veering from my amp/pre philosophy (for now) and I'm going to demo that Solution 727 in October. Its damn close to straight wire. As you can imagine the 727 is a different animal. This linestage provides a lot of musical information. I do know several with the 727 and non Solution amplification and they all love it! For this kind of $ they better love it! Will they complement each other? I don't know. Until you power the gear up, sit in the chair, and start to listen, pure speculation!
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Have moved the 333 on. I'm moving house and needed something loudspeaker wise that would work in a smaller room that is room agnostic. So took the plunge with the Kii BXT. Really happy with this loudspeaker system and my hifi journey will be over once I settle on a streamer (or perhaps not). The 300/333 were great but the 333 is a large lump and circumstances dictated a new direction. My sub and DAC are now redundant too so the box and cable count have also dramatically reduced. No regrets. Would still recommend the 333 if anyone is interested in good sound.
Sorry to hear about your departure from the Diablo 333.
I hope you find a replacement that is more in tune with your current needs.
As you say, it sounds really good and there are many more to concur with your findings.
It got the Golden Ear Award from The Absolute Sound:
www.theabsolutesound.com
The Soundstage Australia gav it: Product of the year.
www.soundstageaustralia.com
Pursuit Perfect System gave it a raving review calling it the best integrated ever.
I hope you find a replacement that is more in tune with your current needs.
As you say, it sounds really good and there are many more to concur with your findings.
It got the Golden Ear Award from The Absolute Sound:
2024 Golden Ear: Gryphon Diablo 333 Integrated Amplifier - The Absolute Sound
2024 Golden Ear: Gryphon Diablo 333 Integrated Amplifier - Be aware that this integrated demands absolutely the best equipment before and after it and will let you know if it’s not happy. System matching is critical! A no-brainer for a Golden Ear.
www.theabsolutesound.com
The Soundstage Australia gav it: Product of the year.
SoundStageAustralia.com - The SoundStage! Australia Products of the Year Awards 2024
Pursuit Perfect System gave it a raving review calling it the best integrated ever.
About to pull the trigger on the 333, coming from the 300.
Auditioned the 333 and have similar experience as stated in this thread, was wondering if anyone has anything new to report.
Greatly appreciated if anyone can comment on the DAC of the 333, as my plan is to get that as well.
Much appreciated !
Auditioned the 333 and have similar experience as stated in this thread, was wondering if anyone has anything new to report.
Greatly appreciated if anyone can comment on the DAC of the 333, as my plan is to get that as well.
Much appreciated !
Hi Ron, much appreciate your warm welcome.
The reason of my shoutout is to receive feedback from other users on whichever system they use.
I want user feedback from real life, thus I do not justify reason in sharing my setup. It has nothing to do with my inquiry, unless you are curious
Thank you
Thank you for your welcome !
While auditioning the 333, and what strikes me more as a direct comparison between the 333 and the 300 are the following:
I get a picture that is holographic, bond together as in one picture rather than a spaced puzzle.
So much more info in the center of the image
The space around the picture has more void filled with air coming from the music
The image quality is the same between the two, well-placed, everything falls into place, nothing is moving up and down, it's the quality of the pixels that strikes me the most, and how much more natural it sounds, so much more analogue, like listening to a vinyl record, the sound info comes in effortless, and It's so much more solid, coming from the center to the sides filling the room, without leaving any voids.
While the 300 has the same control and brutality, it places everything into boxes and leaving empty space around them, so neat and clean, sometimes too clean to be true. Like looking everything from a magnifying glass, looking at the tree and missing the forest.
So, was wondering if you get that same picture and whether that same picture comes out in the integrated DAC as well, as the 333 that I am auditioning does not have an internal DAC, it uses an ESOTERIC K-05XD SACD/CD Player & DAC, which in paper is far less superior to the Gryphon DAC 3, that the 333 uses internally.
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I agree with your observations, especially when it comes to the ability to create a holistic presentation. The soundstage is much wider and deeper with the new 333. When playing loud and/or when instruments come in hot (such as a trumpet) I could detect a slight harshness with the old Diablo. Now it is smoother without being veiled.
The first thing that struck me when I plugged in the 333 was the tremendous transient speed.
Whether it's due to giant transformers or a new architecture, I don't know. But I now experience the touches in the music as much more powerful, which contributes to an increased sense of presence and authenticity. I would liken it to what you get when you listen to music via a really good reel. It doesn't necessarily sound louder in terms of volume, but thanks to a much faster attack, it also becomes a physical experience.
If I was to give each one of them a character I'd say that the Diablo 300 is the loud and cocky youngster. Diablo 300 was a brutal piece that delivered high-octane music experiences. There was never a lack of power and when it came to playing bass, the Diablo 300 pointed with its whole hand.
The 333 is the adult version of the same creation. The basics remain, well embedded in the genes. But now the power and willingness to deliver in all situations has been combined with the kind of lived poise and confidence that comes with age.
The Diablo 333 is therefore able to deliver delicate, acoustic pieces of music both carefully and sympathetically. But when the volume goes up and the style of music gets tougher, the gloves come off and it's a completely different "devil" who takes his place in the arena.
As I had the DAC option in both my Diablo machines it is hart to say what each dac bring to the table on its own.
When I bought the Diablo 300 with the built in dac 7 ears ago, I already had an MSB Analog Dac with separate PowerBase, so I could compare them side-by-side. And to my ears, both played just as well digitally, i.e. speed and fan combined with organic weight. Then the MSB combo cost 50% more than the module.
In addition, as a consumer, I avoid spending money on signal and power cables. And the manufacturer does not have to produce a stylish but expensive chassis with a digital display to put the goodies in. Instead, they (hopefully) spend the money on good sound.
Fast forward to 2024 and the arrival of the 333. As the dac production was delayed the dealer offered me a Moon 680D streamer/dac (+10 000 USD price tag) as a loaner. After 3 months it was time to install the DAC3 module and do a quick comparison.
To my ears Moon 680D has a very pleasant delivery. There is nothing that sticks out or rubs, everything just flows.
It's very "likeable". But can be perceived as somewhat "kind".
In direct comparison, I feel that the DAC3 module offers a more open sound stage, even more space and air.
I mentioned earlier that I experienced Diablo 333 as transiently faster than its predecessor. Now there was even more dynamics and power in the notes, which contributes to the feeling of authenticity in what I listen to.
My set up consist of Sonus Faber Amati Futura, Diablo 333 w DAC, Nordost Vallhalla cables. My sources are Brinkmann Bardo, Antipodes K50 and a Studer B67 Reel2Reel.
The first thing that struck me when I plugged in the 333 was the tremendous transient speed.
Whether it's due to giant transformers or a new architecture, I don't know. But I now experience the touches in the music as much more powerful, which contributes to an increased sense of presence and authenticity. I would liken it to what you get when you listen to music via a really good reel. It doesn't necessarily sound louder in terms of volume, but thanks to a much faster attack, it also becomes a physical experience.
If I was to give each one of them a character I'd say that the Diablo 300 is the loud and cocky youngster. Diablo 300 was a brutal piece that delivered high-octane music experiences. There was never a lack of power and when it came to playing bass, the Diablo 300 pointed with its whole hand.
The 333 is the adult version of the same creation. The basics remain, well embedded in the genes. But now the power and willingness to deliver in all situations has been combined with the kind of lived poise and confidence that comes with age.
The Diablo 333 is therefore able to deliver delicate, acoustic pieces of music both carefully and sympathetically. But when the volume goes up and the style of music gets tougher, the gloves come off and it's a completely different "devil" who takes his place in the arena.
As I had the DAC option in both my Diablo machines it is hart to say what each dac bring to the table on its own.
When I bought the Diablo 300 with the built in dac 7 ears ago, I already had an MSB Analog Dac with separate PowerBase, so I could compare them side-by-side. And to my ears, both played just as well digitally, i.e. speed and fan combined with organic weight. Then the MSB combo cost 50% more than the module.
In addition, as a consumer, I avoid spending money on signal and power cables. And the manufacturer does not have to produce a stylish but expensive chassis with a digital display to put the goodies in. Instead, they (hopefully) spend the money on good sound.
Fast forward to 2024 and the arrival of the 333. As the dac production was delayed the dealer offered me a Moon 680D streamer/dac (+10 000 USD price tag) as a loaner. After 3 months it was time to install the DAC3 module and do a quick comparison.
To my ears Moon 680D has a very pleasant delivery. There is nothing that sticks out or rubs, everything just flows.
It's very "likeable". But can be perceived as somewhat "kind".
In direct comparison, I feel that the DAC3 module offers a more open sound stage, even more space and air.
I mentioned earlier that I experienced Diablo 333 as transiently faster than its predecessor. Now there was even more dynamics and power in the notes, which contributes to the feeling of authenticity in what I listen to.
My set up consist of Sonus Faber Amati Futura, Diablo 333 w DAC, Nordost Vallhalla cables. My sources are Brinkmann Bardo, Antipodes K50 and a Studer B67 Reel2Reel.
Now that is a detailed and justified point of view, VERY much appreciate taking the time to reply to me !
Just installed my new 333. Maybe 26 minutes ago. I'll wait for warm up and burn in and so forth. But I compared the 333 to the 300 at the dealer, with my speakers. Agreed then with BigBlue.
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