Current Events
All amplifiers are not created equal, even if their published specifications might suggest otherwise. The extreme high current capability of the Gryphon Antileon EVO, for instance, is something that must be experienced first-hand, not merely gleaned from a specifications sheet. The wattage (W) that an amplifier is capable of generating is in fact the mathematical product of two factors, Voltage (V) multiplied by Current measured in Amperes (A).
On paper, a low-current, high-voltage amp would appear to produce the same number of Watts as a low-voltage, high current amp, but only if one does not take into account the crucial fact that the ability to generate high instantaneous current is far more critical and relevant to actual audible performance.
For this reason, the Gryphon Antileon EVO, like all Gryphon amplifiers before it, is a true high current design. With exceptional peak-to-peak current capability, the Gryphon Antileon EVO ensures compatibility with even the most viciously reactive loudspeaker loads, permitting the loudspeaker of your choice to perform at its very best.
Unapologetically Uncompromising
Recent decades have seen concerted efforts by audio manufacturers to encourage a shift away from high-power Class A amplification in favour of newer, more “efficient” topologies with claims that they can deliver the same level of performance in a lighter, more compact and decorator-friendly form factor.
The truth behind these specious allegations and the true motivation behind the promotion of lightweight amplification are very straightforward. It is an elementary exercise in cost cutting.
As material costs (copper and steel in particular) skyrocket, designers under the “guidance” of corporate accountants have been skimping on the costly massive power transformers and banks of high-current capacitors that generate the reservoir of electrical power that ultimately becomes the audio signal that drives your loudspeakers.
But it is the size and quality of these components that directly determine the amplifier’s performance potential. Heavily regulated, stiff power-supply voltages and high current capability are crucial to achieving the control and speed that translate into musical clarity and resolution.
Despite bold claims, the audio industry has not found a better way to do it, just cheaper ways to almost do it.
Unlike so many current models crippled by downsized power supplies and capacitor banks as designers struggle to mitigate the impact of ever-rising raw material costs, the Gryphon Antileon EVO employs pure Class A bias with full power instantaneously available at all times, regardless of the actual load.
TRUE, PURE CLASS A requires heavy transformers, high electrical consumption, lots of heat, substantial heatsinks, and very, very expensive parts and manufacturing.
There is no shortcut to the sheer magic of pure Class A.
Infinite Separation
While monoblock power amplifiers are by no means rare in the uppermost echelons of High End audio, few – if any – are executed as conscientiously and uncompromisingly as the single-channel Gryphon Antileon EVO Monoblock. More than 90% of all other mono amplifiers have been “designed” easily and speedily, simply by bridging the two channels of an existing stereo model.
Unfortunately, while bridging increases nominal output power, other critical parameters take a major hit.
Because the Gryphon EVO monoblock employs parallel-coupling instead of series coupling (bridging), distortion is cut in half, damping factor is doubled and output impedance is cut in half, doubling current capability for absolute control of loudspeaker loads as low as 1 Ohm.
Two physically independent audio channels on separate chassis effectively eliminates any interaction or interference between the two channels for infinite separation and the rock-solid holographic imaging that has become a Gryphon hallmark.
With completely separate power supplies isolated on independent chassis, even the most extreme instantaneous current draw in one channel will have no impact whatsoever on the other channel. The ready availability of high current on demand lends an effortless smoothness and consistency to the musical performance of the Gryphon Antileon EVO monoblock, even at realistic concert hall levels.
As a single-channel design, the Gryphon Antileon EVO monoblock doubles the transformer capacity and the number of transistors and power capacitors operating in each channel, enhancing its suitability for use with typical High End loudspeakers with low sensitivity, low impedance and large phase angles.
Features
Exterior design by Flemming E. Rasmussen
Electronics design by Tom Møller
Pure Dual Mono configuration
Zero global negative feedback
40 very high current bipolar output transistors
670.0000μF capacitor bank
Upgradeable microprocessor software.
Takman REY precision resistors
DC servo circuitry with Mundorf RXF Polypropylene capacitors for power supply decoupling
Frequency-independent damping factor
Gryphon silver internal signal and power wiring
Fully balanced input and Voltage Amplifier Stage (VAS)
Military spec. double-sided printed circuit boards
Optimal circuit layout for shortest possible signal path
Shielded, epoxy-damped transformer casings suspended for effective vibration isolation
Decoupled transformer castings
True balanced inputs with gold-plated Neutrik XLR input sockets
Soft start turn-on prevents triggering of fuses or circuit breakers in the home electrical system
Gryphon gold-plated custom-built binding posts
12V Link for remote power on and off
Automatic Green Bias setting via Green Bias control link or manual Low/Mid/High bias
Microprocessor-controlled non-invasive “smart” protection system
Separate power supply for display and control circuits
Designed and manufactured in Denmark
Specifications
2 x 150W @ 8Ω, and 2 x 1200W @ 1Ω at 115V/230Vac
Noise, unweighted 20-20kHz: < -78dBV
Noise, A-weighted: < -81dBV
THD+N: < 1%, 150W @ 8Ω
IMD (DFD): < 0,06%, 50W @ 8Ω
Output impedance: 0,04Ω
Bandwidth (-3dB): 0,3Hz to 350kHz
Gain: +31,0dB
Input level: 0,975Vrms
Input Impedance, balanced (20-20kHz): 20kΩ
Power consumption (Maximum): 2500W
Power consumption (Idle): Bias H: 500W
Power consumption (Standby): < 0,5W
AC inlets: 2 sockets for power cords with C13 receptacle
Dimensions, WxHxD:57×26×60 cm, 84kg net
Shipping dimensions: 78 x 71 x 46 cm, 112kg
Note: Specifications can be changed without notice.
Product Details
