Speakers for Gryphon Diablo 120

@milpai - Great question.

One of the reviews on the Gryphon 120 was done by the amiable “Pursuit of Perfect Systems” English reviewer. He references the dark quality of the treble in the review, below. I feel his review is absolutely spot on, by the way.

https://www.pursuitperfectsystem.com/entry-level-gryphon-the-diablo-120-integrated-amplifier-review/

But what exactly is that dark quality mean in my experience?

When I connected the amp to my QLN prestige 3 speakers, which are incredibly balanced and relaxed, the treble sounded like it went down an octave. The highs were muted and the treble energy was diminished. The air on the high frequencies was muted and recessed. I was somewhat disappointed because the QLN speakers have been my reference speakers.

Due to circumstances, I had a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Speakers in the house that I wasn’t using as frequently. Why? Because I felt they were a little tipped up on the treble compared to the QLN speakers. But when I moved the Dynaudio Heritage into position with the Gryphon 120, the synergy was immediately evident.

I will back off from my soapbox now. Just sharing my experience and enthusiasm for the amp when you pair it with a complementary speaker.

Can I ask what amp you use with your QLN?

@gryphongryph - I switch back and forth every few months between the Gryphon 120 with Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers to the QLN Prestige 3 driven by a Conrad Johnson Classic 120 paired with an LTA Microzotl preamp. 
 

Dac is the Merason dac1 mkii and the streamer/server is Innuos Zenith mkiii. 
 

I can’t decide which pairing I like better. Both are pretty much end-game for me unless I win the lottery. 

@gryphongryph - Based on your handle, is it fair to assume you also have a Gryphon amp? If so, may I ask what your system consists of? 

No, sorry to disappoint you, running Supratek Cabernet pre into a Belles Class A power amp. Used to have QLN Signature speakers a long time ago, I was in a lengthy email conversation with the designer when he started the QLN brand again.

Had a good offer on the new Signature model, but chose to go the BBC line of speakers with an other designer I admire a lot, mr Derek Hughes and his Graham Audio LS 5/9.

Maybe one day I will have an other QLN, and a nicer person than mr Mats Andersen you will not find, a true gentleman.

ps. My old QLN I can still listen too at my brother’s house and they still sound very nice.