NAD S300 integrated = Gryphon Tabu Century integrated

Posted by michaelab (A) on January 21, 2004 at 09:05:47

Been following up on this "suspicion" for a week or so now and have finally confirmed that it is the case. The NAD S300 integrated is identical to the Gryphon Tabu Century except that the Gryphon uses C-core transformers where the NAD uses Holmgren toroidals and of course the casing is different (allthough the layout of controls and connections is identical).

Having looked inside both the circuit boards, whilst not identical are so similar as to suggest that the changes are merely layout modifications. All the components (Sanken output transformers etc) look identical.

Now, the Gryphon used to cost $5-6000 until it stopped being sold in 1999 and the NAD costs just over $2000... So, now you know that you're paying $4000 for the sake of having the Gryphon name on the case. I suspect the same is true of many other high end brands.

Gryphon, on their web site try to distance themselves from NAD saying:

"What is the relationship between Gryphon and NAD?

None whatsoever. Some confusion may have arisen because NADÂ´s then chief shareholder also for a brief period had shares in Gryphon. During that time there was never any NAD ownership or influence with regard to Gryphon, which remained an independent, autonomous entity."

NAD on the other hand were forthcoming when I asked them via e-mail about the similarity of the two amps:

"At one time NAD owned Gryphon, a Danish Company. The S300 is an improved design loosely based on the Tabu, but is superior in performance.

Thank you for your interest in NAD electronics.

Best regards, "

(I've removed the name of the person who @ NAD sent me the e-mail).

For more information on the subject + the photos I mentioned above there's been a discussion about it on the ZeroGain forum:

http://www.zerogain.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=2488

Michael.

ZeroGain thread about NAD S300 and Gryphon Tabu Century (Open in New Window) ZeroGain thread about NAD S300 and Gryphon Tabu Century (Open in New Window)

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Topic - NAD S300 integrated = Gryphon Tabu Century integrated - michaelab 09:05:47 01/21/04 (3)

Re: NAD S300 integrated = Gryphon Tabu Century integrated - Gustavo 07:35:37 02/08/04 (0)

Re: this is true............... - Croc 11:45:43 01/24/04 (0)

Re: NAD S300 integrated = Gryphon Tabu Century integrated - lant5 14:58:02 01/22/04 (0)

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