February 2026

North American Premiere Review!
Gryphon Antileon Revelation Amplifier Review — Dynamics, Detail, & Drive
Class A 160 Wpc power, purity, and the all-important real-world listening impressions.
Review By Tom Lyle

  I read somewhere that I praise every audio component reviewed for Enjoy the Music.com; after two decades of listening and testing, I can understand why. Advances in engineering mean that many review samples—amplifiers, preamplifiers, and loudspeakers—now deliver exceptional sound quality plus fit and finish. Just taking one look at the new Gryphon Audio Designs' Antileon Revelation stereo/mono amplifier proves this point in 2026. That wasn't true when I began covering high-end audio in the late 1900s, and my blunt critiques back then sometimes led to awkward conversations with manufacturers and distributors. My aim remains to give clear, practical assessments of how gear performs in real rooms and systems so readers can decide whether it's the right match for their setup and budget.

However, what matters more than whether I give a component or loudspeaker system a glowing review is whether it fits one's system, room, and budget. My job is to clearly describe equipment traits. I'm fortunate to have two high-end systems: Most of the equipment I review in my larger dedicated listening room. But I also have a smaller setup in a livelier dining/living area, where I usually review less pricey equipment. Specifically, equipment designed for smaller-sized home audio sound systems.

So, I hope my reviews of audio equipment can help others decide whether this equipment fits their space and price range. A positive review doesn't guarantee it's the right equipment for you. But if other audiophiles are like me, I often read high-end audio reviews just for fun, with no intention of buying the equipment being reviewed.

Revelation
The Gryphon Antileon Revelation is the subject of this review. Designed with a Class A circuit, it delivers 160 Watts per channel (180 Wpc in its mono version), which may surprise those who notice its large, heavy cabinet. At first glance, I assumed I was auditioning a very powerful amplifier.

The Gryphon Audio's Antileon Revelation power amplifier is large and heavy. It weighs close to 200 pounds, is about 10 inches high, and about 2 feet deep. It required two people to lift it and carry it into position in my listening room. Within the first minutes of playing music through it, this amplifier's sound quality and even its handsome appearance made it worth the trouble of moving it! And by the way, it costs nearly $50,000.

The Revelation's size is largely due to its Class A design. Class A amps over 100 Watts per channel are usually very large and heavy because they require many heatsinks to dissipate the heat they generate. Class A amplifiers only convert a small fraction of the power they consume into sound; the rest is dissipated as heat.  Despite their heat, size, and weight, many audiophiles praise the sound quality of Class A amps.

Heat
A conventional Class A/B amplifier uses transistors that switch on and off, which is much more efficient than a Class A amplifier. This means Class A/B amplifiers generate less heat and are usually smaller. However, Class A/B or B circuits can often introduce harshness or muddiness at the signal's zero-crossing point—the moment when the audio signal transitions between positive and negative voltage—potentially affecting sound clarity.

On Gryphon's website, they explain that despite this less efficient method of amplification, The Revelation's Class A circuit amplifies the entire audio waveform at all times, resulting in "raw, continuous energy available at all times, granting the Antileon Revelation absolute authority over any speaker load, regardless of impedance or complexity", which is a good thing, since my reference speakers for this review were the seven-driver, five-foot-tall Raidho TD4.2.

Always
Because of continuous amplification, its 40 high-current bipolar output transistors are always "on." Bipolar output transistors are semiconductor devices known for handling large amounts of electrical current, but operating them this way is inefficient and generates excessive heat. However, it ensures a "smooth, consistent signal." Gryphon further explains that the superior sound quality of the Revelation amplifier is mainly due to its "exceptional linearity and lack of distortion", meaning the amp produces a signal that closely matches the original recording with minimal unwanted changes.

On their website, Gryphon Audio Designs says there is a trend toward more efficient amplifiers, away from high-power Class A amplifiers. This is understandable, as it is well known that material costs have risen significantly, and so the bottom line has increased further when large power transformers and high-current capacitors are required for higher-powered amps.

On their website, Gryphon Audio is not shy about touting the Revelation's currency delivery. They claim that this power amplifier "does not interact with the loudspeaker — it dominates it." And this, they say, leaves only the music coming through one's speakers. The resulting sound will be "uncolored, uncompressed, and uncompromised, a seamless fusion of muscularity and nuance that preserves the finest textures of a performance."

One might think that Gryphon's boasts might simply be high-end audio hyperbole, but spoiler alert: The Gryphon Revelation easily drove my Raiho TD4.2 reference speakers to what one visiting audiophile said was "audio nirvana."

Powered
Feeding the Gryphon Revelation was a vacuum-tube-powered linestage, the Nagra Classic Preamp, but I also sometimes used a solid-state Pass Laboratories' two-chassis solid-state XP-22 linestage. The Gryphon Antileon Revelation was auditioned in my acoustically treated, dedicated listening room. In it are acoustic panels on the front, side, and back walls, and on the ceiling in front of the speakers. The room has two AC power lines running directly to the circuit box in our basement. The Revelation's power cable was connected directly to one of these AC outlets. The rest of the reference system's power cables were connected to a Stromtank S-2500 Quantum Mk. II battery power supply, removing this equipment from the electrical grid. The Stromtank battery power supply provided a stable 117-volt, 60-cycle sine wave of AC power.

The analog front end featured a Basis Audio Model V turntable with an outboard power supply and speed controller. A Lyra Atlas Lambda cartridge was mounted on a Tri-Planar 6 tonearm. The tonearm's integral cable was connected to a two-chassis Pass Labs XP-27 phono preamp.

The digital front end included several NAS drives with many terabytes of FLAC music files, connected to a computer running Tidal and Qobuz high-resolution streaming apps. The server's USB output fed a Simaudio Moon 681 streamer / DAC. I streamed music from my iPad, which also has Tidal and Qobuz apps, and using the Simaudio MIND app, which was able to send any music from the streaming apps. I also used a discontinued but still very decent OPPO UDP-203 Blu-ray/universal disc player to spin 5" silver discs. I didn't play any Blu-Ray discs during the Revelation's audition, but I do have a nice collection of SACD discs.

Behind each Raidho speaker was an SVS SB16-Ultra subwoofer. System cables included Kimber, Ansuz (Denmark Audio Group), and MIT, with a Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 USB 2.0 cable. All equipment except the Antileon Revelation was powered by the S-2500 battery supply.

Signature
In a way, this amplifier lacked its own sonic signature, other than being extremely transparent. But from the first musical selection, it was obvious that this amplifier provided a muscular grip on my speakers, along with all the expected audiophile traits: a vast, enveloping soundstage, precise imaging, powerful dynamics, extended frequency response, and a midrange as clear as a window with its glass pane removed.

Obsessed
I'm almost obsessed with Anthony Williams' drumming. Or Tony William's drumming, as he is known to many. I seek out albums featuring his work. His talent feels limitless. That's how I discovered a standout example of his musical genius on Don Pullen's 1988 Blue Note album, New Beginnings. But I was surprised to learn that this album is much more than just an example of Anthony Williams' drumming talent. It is an excellent modern jazz piano trio album, period.

New Beginnings was recorded at A&R Studios rather than the usual Rudy Van Gelder studio. I was listening to this jazz trio, especially Pullen's piano on this all-analog Blue Note LP, which was remarkable. The A&R mix also avoided the hard-right and hard-left panning RVG often used. This recording gives Don Pullen the sound quality his music deserves.

Listening to this jazz trio, especially Pullen's piano on this all-analog Blue Note LP, was remarkable. The Gryphon Antileon Revelation's transparency created both musical and audiophile rapture, transmitting an unfiltered signal to my speakers.

As a reviewer, I sometimes listen to my system's sound, independent of the music played. This may sound a bit clichéd, but while assessing the Antileon Revelation, I found myself distracted by the music as I took notes. The Gryphon amplifier—and Don Pullen's music—demanded attention beyond typical product evaluation.

Don Pullen's album includes modern jazz, avant-garde elements, and classic bop influences—he was in Charles Mingus' band for years—but his music extends beyond these genres. Pullen also structured his compositions to highlight bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Anthony Williams. The Gryphon Antileon Revelation's transparency and alignment with audiophile standards enhanced the listening experience.

Suited
This amplifier is not just suited to jazz trios or other small ensemble music. The Revelation enabled immersive enjoyment across many different genres  During its too-brief audition, I explored not only small jazz ensembles but also complex music from heavy metal, electronic, prog rock, and large-scale classical orchestra—on vinyl, via my music server, and even on 5" silver discs. The Gryphon Antileon Revelation is a top-notch power amplifier. But, if considering a purchase of this amplifier, I don't think what type of music one listens to needs to be factored in.

Top-Notch
The Gryphon Antileon Revelation is a top-notch power amplifier. Though its sound was excellent, I couldn't help imagining how good the monoblock version would sound. The list price is $49,800, which doubles if you opt for a pair of mono versions. If money is no object, I would not hesitate to advise one to audition or purchase a pair of these amplifiers. And then take me out to dinner, perhaps?

I called the Antileon Revelation "a beast, but in a good way". The Danish-manufactured amplifier had a grip on the music, like very few amplifiers I've ever heard in my system. Added to this is the Gryphon Audio solid-state Class A amplifier's remarkable transparency, which was rare compared to any other amp I've ever heard. I feel that this description pales in comparison to actually listening to a record or streaming a music file through this amplifier. This is because of the emotional response I got from listening to music through the Gryphon Antileon Revelation power amplifier. This is extremely similar to the connection I feel when I hear music played live.

Gryphon's Impressive Antileon Revelation Review
I should repeat what I mentioned in the review about this amplifier's transparency: "it was like looking through a window with its glass pane removed," which is not an exaggeration. On many well-recorded selections, I almost felt as if I was listening to the master tape. Or as if I were listening to a direct connection to the source. Almost? Yes, because between the Antileon Revelation were the other components between the amp and the source. This equipment was hardly second-rate gear. But it still made me want to upgrade the rest of my system!

But again. It was more than just describing its audiophile traits. I was the connection to the music that.

Yes, this Class A amplifier ran quite hot. It is a large amplifier. And heavy. And deserves the best amp stand one can find. But these negatives are far outweighed by its positives, and therefore, if one can afford it, and it is a good match for one's system and room, I highly advise one to seriously consider adding the Gryphon Audio Designs' Antileon Revelation or two of them for your best luxurious home audio sound system.

Specifications
Type: Solid-state stereo / mono amplifier
Bandwidth: 0.3Hz to 350kHz (-3dB).
Power Output: Stereo: 2 x 165W @ 8 Ohm and 2 x 320W @ 4 Ohm. 
Mono: 180W @ 8 Ohm and 360W @ 4 Ohm.
Design: Pure Class A, Dual Mono, Zero Global Negative Feedback.
Input: XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced
Features: Automatic/Manual Green Bias (Low/Mid/High), Soft-Start, 12V
Power Supply: Two custom 1150VA toroidal transformers, 335,000μF (stereo)
                      670,000μF (mono) power capacity per channel
Output Stage: 40 high-current Toshiba bipolar transistors per channel (same as Apex model).
THD+N: < 1% (150W @ 8 Ohm).
Dimensions: 57 x 26 x 60cm (WxHxD)
Weight: 198 lbs.
Price: $48,900

Manufacturer
Gryphon Audio Designs ApS
Industrivej 10 A & B
8680 Ry
Denmark

Voice: +45 86 89 12 00
E-mail: sales@gryphon-audio.dk 
Website: Gryphon-audio.dk

North American Distributor:
Gryphon Audio NA Inc.
9 Lynn Court,
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677

Voice: (201) 690-9006
E-mail: anthony@gryphon-audio.dk