Gryphon Audio’s Diablo 333 Amplifier Claims What Hi-Fi? Award

The Gryphon Audio Diablo 333 has been awarded the prestigious Temptation Award for 2025 by What Hi-Fi? This high-end stereo amplifier, priced at £24,500 / $24,900 / AU$39,995, is notable for its impressive specifications and build quality. Weighing approximately 50 kg, the Diablo 333 stands out not only for its power but also for its robust design, making it a contender for the most powerful domestic amplifier ever tested by What Hi-Fi? in its nearly 50-year history.

The amplifier boasts a remarkable power output of 333 watts per channel into an 8-ohm load. This figure doubles as the impedance halves, reaching an astounding 1100 watts per channel into 2 ohms. Such capabilities ensure that the Diablo 333 will not struggle to deliver volume levels in a home setting. Its distinctive black-on-black aesthetic might divide opinions, but the craftsmanship is indisputable, with every component fitting together seamlessly and exceptional machining evident throughout.

Unlike many high-end integrated amplifiers, the Diablo 333 maintains a focus on performance rather than an abundance of features. It serves primarily as a line-level integrated amplifier with four inputs, including two balanced XLRs, and both fixed and variable line-level outputs. There is an option to add modules such as the PS3 phono stage for £4,950 / $5,600 / AU$9,995 and the DAC3 digital-to-analogue converter for £6,950 / $7,000 / AU$11,995, allowing buyers to customize their setup.

Performance that Impresses

The Diablo 333’s substantial power output plays a critical role in its audio performance. It excels in delivering loud, dynamic sound without breaking a sweat, even when handling challenging bass-heavy tracks. Tests with songs such as Massive Attack’s “Angel” and Nitin Sawhney’s “Anthem Without Nation” reveal the amplifier’s ability to produce deep, punchy low frequencies with remarkable composure.

Listeners can expect a level of authority that makes its performance truly captivating. For instance, during a rendition of Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring”, the Diablo showcases its capacity to handle complex dynamics with precision and control, rendering seismic crescendos with ease. The amplifier’s performance is characterized by a breathtakingly physical presentation set against an exceptionally quiet background, creating an expansive soundstage that feels both stable and immersive.

The engineers at Gryphon Audio have successfully combined power with finesse. The Diablo 333 can deliver subtlety and nuance in quieter passages while possessing the strength to handle more intense musical moments. This balance is a significant achievement, as it allows the amplifier to be both responsive and cohesive.

As 2025 unfolds, the Gryphon Audio Diablo 333 has emerged as a leader in the integrated amplifier category, standing out among other world-class competitors. Its exceptional performance and build quality solidify its position as a top choice for audiophiles seeking an integrated amplifier that does not compromise on power or sound quality.