The Drive
The strictly dual mono configuration achieves the shortest possible signal path with minimal internal wiring. In the interest of ultimate fidelity, superfluous circuity such as tone controls, balance controls, headphone connections, mono switching, polarity inversion and more have been banished from the signal path, thereby reducing interchannel crosstalk and signal path coloration to an absolute minimum.
As delivered, the Gryphon Essence preamplifier is a pure line preamplifier with two balanced XLR input and three single-ended phono inputs. With no internal wiring, the only cable are a short ground lead, display ribbons and AC power wiring mounted in a shielded channel from the rear IEC socket to the power switch to minimise 50/60 Hz interference.
Exhaustive investigation and auditioning have preceded the selection of every component part and many original, proprietary parts have been custom-designed and built exclusively for Gryphon.
Because we lavish attention on each aspect of the circuit and fully grasp the purpose and behavior of every single part of the whole, Gryphon’s design team can optimize performance in every, before moving on to the next step. This ensures simplicity, a short signal path and a unity of purpose with a single, well-defined objective: musical purity.
The range of microprocessor controlled, fully adjustable menu items include input naming with up to eight characters, maximum level, start level, input level matching up to 8 dB, AV throughput, user selectable display brightness (100/75/50/25%, Off), default restoration and Gryphon Green Bias. The Gryphon Essence preamplifier can be configured with a 0 dB AV throughput for ideal integration with the owner’s separate multi-channel installation.
As an optional extra, the Essence can be fitted with either an MM/MC phonostage or a digital to analogue converter. The phonostage is a Gryphon dual mono design based on the acclaimed Legato Legacy.
If you are using a compatible Gryphon Class A power amplifier, you may choose to connect the Green Bias control link, a Gryphon invention for automatic regulation of user selectable Class A bias between the sockets marked GREEN BIAS on the preamplifier and on the power amplifier.
Style and performance
The peerless finish, build quality, ergonomics and pride of ownership that contribute to the totality of the Gryphon concept can only be fully understood and appreciated up close and in person. The distinctive, luxuriant finish of every Gryphon product arises organically out of the audio circuit design and the user interface for a truly unique integration of form and function.
The exemplary build quality combines brushed, anodised aluminium with subtle black acrylic details for a highly refined aesthetic sensibility.
From the very beginning, every Gryphon product has offered stunning audio performance, sumptuous styling and superb user- friendliness, catering to the needs of the discerning audiophile who demands musicality, convenience and aesthetics, all without compromise.
Essence bass performance is simply superb: firm, well-defined, with massive attack, in a pure demonstration of power.
The wealth of detail and fine handling of bass and high frequencies contribute to the preamplifier’s ability to render the width and depth of a soundstage with three-dimensional realism and instrumental placement with great precision and realistic size.
Features
Exterior design by Flemming E. Rasmussen
Electronics design by Tom Møller
True Dual Mono configuration
Zero global negative feedback
Fully discrete, DC-coupled Class A circuit topology
Microprocessor-controlled 43-step fully balanced relay volume attenuator for best sonic performance based on a minimalist contingent of ultra-precision resistors
High-speed, discrete, single-ended Class A input buffer for best possible sonic performance
Fixed-level AV throughput bypasses volume circuit for seamless integration with surround systems
Optional PCM/DSD DAC module with one USB, 2 x SPDIF, 1 AES and 1 optical input. PCM up to Fs = 384 kHZ, DSD up to DSD512
Optional MM/MC Gryphon PS2 phonostage module based on legendary Gryphon Legato phonostage
Large Vacuum Fluorescent Display for easy legibility
Minimal internal wiring
Stylish infrared remote control
Fully regulated extremely low noise power supply for all voltage amplifying stages
Local shunt regulators which ensure low noise over a large frequency bandwidth
Gold-plated Neutrik XLR sockets for four balanced (Source) inputs and two (Main) outputs
Gold-plated Gryphon RCA phono sockets with Teflon insulation for 2 (Source) inputs, one Tape Output and one single-ended preamplifier (Main) output
Standby current consumption ≤ 0,5W
Adjustable channel balance, source level matching, start-up volume and maximum volume level
DC servo coupling
12V Link In/Out for remote power On/Off control
Green Bias control for Gryphon power amplifiers
Flash memory upgrades possible via PC or Key-fob
Adjustable display lighting (100/75/50/25%, Off)
Designed and built in Denmark
Specifications
Input Impedance, balanced: 50kΩ
Input Impedance, single-ended: 25kΩ
Output impedance: 15Ω XLR, 22.5Ω RCA
Bandwidth (-3dB): 0.1Hz to 1MHz
Gain: +18dB
THD + N: <0,005%
Max output level, balanced: 23-Vrms
Power consumption: ≤ 0,5W (standby), 50W (idle)
AC voltage range 110-120V or 220-240V
Power supply capacity: 2 x 26,000 μF
MENU-controlled functions:
Volume Max Level
Voume Start Level
Input level match, 0 to 8 dB in 2 dB steps
Output level: “Normal” or “-6dB”
Display Intensity: (100%-75%-50%-25%, Auto Dim and Auto OFF)
Green Bias setup
Input Naming
Dedicate Input 2 (XLR) or input 3 (RCA) to Volume-Bypass AV-input
Restore Settings
Dimensions:
47 x 16.5 x 38.5 cm (WxHxD), 13.4 kg net.
Product Details
