Gryphon Audio’s Diablo 333 Amplifier Triumphs at What Hi-Fi? Awards

The Gryphon Audio Diablo 333 has secured the prestigious Temptation Award from What Hi-Fi? for 2025, underscoring its place as a leading integrated amplifier. With a base price of £24,500, $24,900, or AU$39,995, this amplifier is at the upper end of the market, promising exceptional performance and quality.

The Diablo 333, weighing approximately 50 kg, is designed with a robust build yet remains manageable in size. Its impressive power output stands at 333 watts per channel into an 8-ohm load, a figure that positions it among the most powerful domestic amplifiers ever tested by What Hi-Fi? in nearly five decades. The amplifier doubles its output to 1100 watts per channel when the impedance is halved, ensuring it can handle any volume demands typically encountered in home settings.

Design and Features

The aesthetic of the Diablo 333, characterized by a distinctive black-on-black finish, may be polarizing, but the craftsmanship is universally acknowledged. Each panel aligns perfectly, showcasing exceptional machining precision. Gryphon Audio maintains a design philosophy prioritizing wide bandwidth and zero global feedback, evident in this model’s dual mono architecture.

While high-end integrated amplifiers often lack extensive features, the Diablo 333 opts for performance over excess. It functions primarily as a line-level integrated amplifier with four inputs, including two balanced XLRs, and offers both fixed and variable line-level outputs. For those seeking additional capabilities, optional modules such as the PS3 phono stage priced at £4,950, $5,600, or AU$9,995, and the DAC3 digital-to-analogue converter available at £6,950, $7,000, or AU$11,995, can be integrated.

Sound Performance

The Diablo 333’s remarkable power output greatly influences its sound quality. During testing, tracks known for their demanding bass, including Massive Attack’s “Angel” and Nitin Sawhney’s “Anthem Without Nation,” were played without the amplifier even beginning to falter. The low frequencies produced are both grounded and punchy, demonstrating a level of control that is class-leading.

Dynamic range and large-scale musical passages are conveyed with enthusiasm and precision. Listening to Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” the Diablo 333 handles the piece’s intense crescendos with authority and clarity. The amplifier’s ability to create a vast soundstage enhances the listening experience, providing a deep sense of scale and stability.

Gryphon Audio’s engineers have successfully combined power with finesse, allowing the Diablo 333 to deliver both subtle nuances and formidable strength. The result is a unit that not only excels in volume but also maintains musical coherence, a rare feat in high-powered amplifiers.

As the high-fidelity audio market continues to evolve, the Gryphon Audio Diablo 333 stands out as a compelling choice for audiophiles. With its blend of exceptional performance, robust design, and a celebrated win at the What Hi-Fi? Awards, it sets a high benchmark for integrated amplifiers in 2025.