2. amps-preamps
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Boulder 866 vs Gryphon Diablo 300

I’m looking for some input on an upgrade to my current system. First I’ll list below my current components:

Datasat LS10

Roon Nucleus Plus

ATI 3305 (330 watts x5)

ATI 3004 (300 watts x4)

Kef Reference 3’s with matching center. Kef R3 rears and Kef 8a Atmos speakers.

For those not familiar with the ATI 3300 amps, these are an incredible value. I used to have three PS Audio BHK 300 mono blocks from my front sound stage. I originally bought the ATI 3305 for my rear speakers. I did a pretty exhaustive A/B comparison between the ATI and the BHK and for 90% of the music they were indistinguishable from each other. The other 10% of the tracks the ATI would ever so slightly edge out the BHKs. So needless to say, I sold the BHKs.

To get back to my question. I’m perfectly happy with the HT side of things, but I would like better 2 channel performance. What I would like to add is either the Boulder 866 or the Gryphon Diablo 300. Both have HT bypass, The Gryphon has sub outs, the Boulder doesn’t. The Boulder is Roon Ready, the Gryphon isn’t. The Gryphon has more power and will match my ATI amps better when using everything for HT, but will I notice the difference in power when everything is level matched?

So outside of the obvious differences I’ve mentioned, what are the sound quality differences? For those of you that have auditioned both, what were your impressions on overall sound quality between the two?

 

 

wheelndeal1099
audiojan's avatar
audiojan
390 posts
 

Both are outstanding integrated amps, so you really can't go wrong with them. To me, the Gryphon Diablo 300 is quite magical in its ability to put you "there" without any details sticking out. Just one coherent picture right in front of you.

 

The Boulder is a bit cooler in its sound (not night and day differences though, it's shade of grey...), which may sound fantastic with some speakers, but with my Wilson Watt Puppy 8's, didn't sound as good as the Gryphon.

 

With all that said, I could live happily with either one.

wheelndeal1099 OP
39 posts
 

Thanks Audiojan. I'm trying to audition both of these.   There are lot of positive reviews on the Diablo, but the Boulder came out during Covid and there are only a few reviews on it, all positive as well. 

pennpencil
109 posts
 

I can’t compare them but I heard the Gryphon at Axpona and the sound was rich and detailed. As always, you have to try it in your system to hear the sound. Make sure there’s a decent return policy.

chrispb1
3 posts
 

I had the Bolder on home loan and I really wanted it to be great sounding but sadly it was just OK.  Of course that might be system dependant, or relative to what one’s reference is.  At the time I was comparing to Luxman 595 which was better but still no cigar.  Not listened to Gryphon or BHK but I’d be surprised if the Bolder was better than the BHK monos.  Maybe a better pre amp is the way to go, I’ve a Levinson 523 which is expensive and probably why the integrated amps couldn’t compete. 

wheelndeal1099 OP
39 posts
 

That is one thing that has been on my mind.  Is the Datasat holding me back so much that the amps themselves cannot really shine?  When I had the Mc207 and compared it to the BHK monos, there was a noticeable improvement in the bass.  With the BHK amps having better bottom end.   I was honestly shocked when the ATI 3305 was on par with the BHK!  

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