- New
The Drive
Now, Gryphon Essence takes us closer in the never-ending quest for a more natural and convincing musical illusion. Years of experimentation and extensive research in the fields of circuit topology and component quality and reliability have resulted in the development of an amplifier that impresses immediately with its ability to cruise effortlessly through even the most demanding musical passages, regardless of volume level. As a result of the constant high power reserves available at all times, the Essence simply does not “see” the speaker, so its reactive load cannot degrade amplifier performance. Unlike other high-power amplifiers, Gryphon’s no-compromise, pure Class A topology allows the Essence to offer extreme power reserves on demand, combined with refinement and delicacy in musical presentation.
It is our fundamental philosophy that all electronics in the playback chain must ideally be neutral and not add or subtract anything from the recording, no matter how “attractive” such distortions may be. The Essence is by nature a product for the fortunate few who can afford such a statement, just as it is a product for the increasing number of audiophiles who seek purity in the reproduction of music, a product for music lovers who respect both the musicians and recording engineers enough to refrain from adding or subtracting anything in relation to the original intention of the recording.
Circuit topology
Power is the name of the game and the Essence is equipped to take on even the most vicious and nightmarish of loudspeaker loads. The output section uses Sanken bipolar output devices which have demonstrated extreme reliability in addition to outstanding sonic performance. The Essence Stereo employs 10 transistors per channel, while the Essence Monoblock features 20 of these devices per unit. These transistors can be called upon to deliver massive amounts of momentary peak power without overload.
Fully symmetrical input- and gain stages improves transient response, soundstage depth and ambience retrieval.
The separate driver section has its own power supply from individual windings on the custom-made toroidal transformers. Unique mechanical design ensures optimal thermal tracking between drivers and output devices. The driver section features its own generous bank of high quality capacitors.
The power capacitor bank in the Stereo version is an astounding 440,000 µF array of exceptional capacitors, and 880,000 µF in the Monoblock edition, in both versions bypassed by high quality polypropylene capacitors throughout the power supplies.
Global negative feedback is non-existent and DC coupling employs DC servo circuitry. Internal wiring in the signal path is kept to an absolute minimum.
Gryphon Essence utilizes a completely independent power supply for display and control circuits, effectively preventing digital noise generated by these circuits from reaching the amplifier circuits.
Protection
The unique, non-invasive protection system offers reliable, fuss-free protection without compromising signal purity and signal path simplicity.
The output signal is constantly compared to the input, so that, in the presence of a difference which exceeds predetermined limits, the amplifier mutes and enters standby mode until the error condition has been corrected.
Heatsink temperature is constantly monitored. In the event of overheating (temperature in excess of 90° C), the amplifier will shut down. Normal operation will resume when a safe operating temperature is reached.
Features
Exterior design by Flemming E. Rasmussen
Electronics design by Tom Møller
Pure Dual Mono configuration
Zero global negative feedback
440.000μF capacitor bank
Four-layer up to 70 μm copper printed circuit boards
Custom-made 1350 VA toroidal transformer
DC servo coupling
Separate power supply for digital and analog circuits
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
20 very high current bipolar output transistors
RGB LED bar indicating Bias High / Low status
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 50W @ 8Ω, and 2 x 200W @ 2Ω at 115V/230Vac
Noise, unweighted 20-20kHz: < -78dBV
Noise, A-weighted: < -81dBV
THD+N: < 1%, 50W @ 8Ω
IMD (DFD): < 0,05%, 25W @ 8Ω
Output impedance: 0,015Ω
Bandwidth (-3dB): 0,3Hz to 350kHz
Gain: +31,0dB
Input level: 0,564Vrms
Input Impedance, balanced (20-20kHz): 20kΩ
Power consumption (Maximum): 1350W
Power consumption (Idle): Bias H: 350W
Power consumption (Standby): < 0,5W
AC inlets: 1 socket for power cords with C19 receptacle
Dimensions, WxHxD:47×24×46 cm, 45kg net
Shipping dimensions:59 x 57 x 38 cm, 57kg
Note: Specifications can be changed without notice.
Product Details
