Pandora

Separation is Strength

The dual mono aspect of the design is taken to the practical extreme with separate detachable power cords and separate power switches for each channel.

Thanks to creative engineering and unbridled freedom in its design and execution, Gryphon Pandora is empowered to reveal more of the recorded source than any previous preamplifier. Only the finest components, selected for both technical and audio parameters, have been implemented, including Japanese Takman resistors and Charcroft Z-Foil resistors. Signal transmission between preamp and power amp takes place in fully balanced mode for low signal loss and minimal distortion.

Pandora also marks the introduction of a newly developed single-ended Class A input buffer stage consisting of only two transistors and a single resistor to maintain the transparency, speed and openness of the audio signal.

In Control

Conceptually, a preamplifier serves two primary functions, traffic control and volume control. Gryphon Pandora dispenses with conventional tone controls, balance knobs, mono switches and other superfluous circuitry to reduce interchannel and signal path coloration to an absolute minimum.

When in pristine condition, contacts in the signal path have little impact on sound quality, but this condition rarely lasts for long. In order to prevent signal loss through oxidation, all switches, relays and the volume control incorporate gold-plated contact surfaces. Source selector relays (three balanced inputs, two single-ended, one tape loop) are also hermetically sealed to prevent the accretion of grime on contact surfaces. Relays ensure the shortest possible signal path and are subject to negligible wear.

The Gryphon Pandora volume control is a microprocessor-controlled 85-step attenuator for extreme precision in setting the desired listening level. Select resistors and relays ensure long life and perfect matching at all levels. The front panel volume control is a heavy wheel with double ball-bearings for smooth running.

Control Menu

The outward simplicity of the Gryphon Pandora conceals a variety of custom adjustments that are readily accessible without cluttering the front panel. For an exceptional level of convenience and user-friendliness with no negative impact on audio performance, Gryphon Pandora is equipped with a microprocessor-controlled menu of practical features: input naming, max level setting, start level setting, left/right channel balance (6 dB in 1 dB increments), input level matching, fixed-level AV throughput, display brightness (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, Off), Green Bias setup and default restore.

Green Bias

When connected via Gryphon’s proprietary Green Bias Link to a Gryphon power amplifier with Green Bias function, Gryphon Pandora can control available Class A output, reducing power consumption and running the amp slightly cooler for less critical use. This feature adjusts the amplifier bias in relation to the preamplifier volume control for exactly the right amount of Class A power on demand as needed with massive instantaneous power reserves ready and waiting.

Power Supply

With twin 90,000 microFarad capacitor banks, Gryphon Pandora actually generates enough juice to drive many integrated amps or power amplifiers. The overkill power supply ensures rock-solid control, headroom and signal purity under any imaginable conditions. In addition, the Pandora power supply incorporates outputs to drive external components such as the Gryphon Legato Heritage phonostage, both as a stand-alone unit or as modules installed in the Pandora.

Features

Exterior design by Flemming E. Rasmussen

Electronics design by Tom Møller

True Dual Mono configuration

Fully discrete pure Class A with ultra-short signal path

2 x 90,000 microFarad capacity banks

Ultra-wideband 3 MHz frequency response

Zero negative feedback

DC-coupling with servo-control

Isolated power supply for non-audio circuits

Extensive mechanical decoupling

Extensive local voltage regulation

Big-wheel, ball-bearing, microprocessor-controlled 85-step relay volume attenuator featuring Charcroft Z-Foil Audio ultra precision resistors and ultra low capacitance relays for best sonic performance

New, high-speed, discrete single-ended Class A input buffer developed for best possible sonic performance

Select premium-grade components, including Takman Audio resistors

Minimal internal wiring

Military spec. double-sided up to 70µm copper printed circuit boards

Two separate custom-made C-core transformers, one for each channel

Gold-plated input-isolating relays

PCB-mounted sockets eliminate wiring and shorten signal path

Gold-plated Swiss Neutric XLR sockets for three balanced sources and two outputs

Gold-plated phono sockets with Teflon insulation for two inputs and one Tape output

Optional integrated, Gryphon Phono Stage or Legato Heritage RIAA module

Fixed-level AV throughput for uncompromising integration with surround systems

Microprocessor-controlled menu functions

Adjustable channel balance, source level matching, start-up and maximum level

Green Bias control for Gryphon power amplifiers

Graphical Vacuum Fluorescent Display

Backlit touch-sensitive front panel controls

Adjustable display illumination (High, Medium, Low, Off)

Non-magnetic, non-resonant aluminium cabinets

12 V DC link input and output

Flash memory upgrades via PC or key-fob

Infrared remote control

Standby power consumption <1W

EU CE approval

Designed and built in Denmark

Specifications

Input Impedance: 50 kΩ, balanced

Input Impedance: 25 kΩ, single ended

Output impedance: 7Ω

Gain: +18dB

THD + N: 0.005% @ 1 kHz and 10 Hz – 30 kHz bandwidth

Bandwidth (-3dB): 0.1 Hz – 3 MHz

Power Supply Capacity: 2 x 90,000uF

Power consumption: <1W (standby), 50W (idle)

Dimensions

WxHxD: 48 x40 x 13 cm, each unit

Weight: 17.5 kg

*All specifications are subject to change without notice.