Power amplifiers stereo — Gryphon Audio Antileon Revelation

The Antileon Revelation is the fifth generation of Gryphon Audio's Antileon stereo power amplifier, launched at High End Munich in 2025 and shipping from mid-August 2025 at EUR 38,800 or USD 45,500 per chassis. It runs in pure Class A with fully separate channels and no global negative feedback, and a mono version is also available. The Antileon name has been part of the Danish company's range for several generations.

Key specs that matter

In stereo form, the amplifier delivers 160 W per channel into 8 ohms, 320 W into 4 ohms and 620 W into 2 ohms, doubling its output as the impedance halves. THD is below 1% at 150 W into 8 ohms, frequency response is 0.3 Hz to 350 kHz at -3 dB, and gain is 31 dB. Inputs are balanced Neutrik XLR only, with an impedance of 20 kohms. Each channel uses 20 of the 40 high-current Toshiba bipolar output transistors and draws on a capacitor bank of 335,000 µF. Two custom 1,500 VA toroidal transformers supply the amplifier, which has two 20 A mains inlets. The chassis is 570 mm wide, 260 mm high and 600 mm deep, with a weight of 90 kg.

Engineering and use context

Class A operation keeps the output transistors fully conducting throughout the waveform, which means they run hot even with no music playing. With a dual mono layout, each channel has a transformer, capacitor bank and output stage of its own. Without global negative feedback, the amplifier does not correct its output by comparing it with the input across the whole circuit. The large capacitor bank in each channel and the rising power into lower impedances show a supply designed for difficult loads. A microprocessor with upgradeable software controls the amplifier, and a soft-start circuit limits the inrush current at power-up. Speakers connect through Gryphon's own binding posts. The mono version delivers 180 W into 8 ohms, 360 W into 4 ohms and 720 W into 2 ohms, with 670,000 µF of capacitance.

Pairing

Because the inputs are balanced only, the preamplifier must have XLR outputs, as Gryphon's own models do, and its gain gives full output from typical preamplifier levels. The Antileon Revelation drives very low impedance loudspeakers, and the heavy chassis needs a strong, ventilated equipment stand.

Alternatives

The Gryphon Essence is a smaller stereo Class A power amplifier rated at 50 W into 8 ohms, 100 W into 4 ohms and 200 W into 2 ohms, weighing 45 kg.