Essence Mono

The Gryphon Essence Mono is a Class A monoblock power amplifier with a frequency bandwidth of 0.5 Hz to 350 kHz, +0 dB, -3 dB. Its rated output is 55W into 8Ω, 110W into 4Ω and 220W into 2Ω. For comparison, the stereo version is rated at 50W into 8Ω, 100W into 4Ω and 200W into 2Ω, also in Class A.

The dual mono design uses a custom-built, shielded, high-current toroidal transformer with separate windings for the left and right channels. Separate power supplies serve the driver and output stages, isolating the output stage from the input stage. Display and control circuitry has its own transformer and power supply, keeping these circuits away from the signal path and preventing digital noise from reaching the amplifier circuits.

Gryphon Essence Mono uses a pure Class A topology with power reserves available across demanding musical passages and loudspeaker loads. Its design is intended to maintain amplifier performance when driving a reactive load, while retaining a neutral approach to the recording. The stated design philosophy is that electronics should neither add to nor subtract from the original intention of the recording.

The output section uses Sanken bipolar output devices, with 20 transistors in each monoblock. These devices provide momentary peak power without overload. Fully symmetrical input and gain stages are used to improve transient response, soundstage depth and retrieval of ambience.

The separate driver section has its own supply, fed from individual windings on the custom-made toroidal transformers. The mechanical design provides thermal tracking between the driver and output devices, while the driver section has its own bank of capacitors. The power capacitor bank is 880,000 µF in the Monoblock edition, compared with 440,000 µF in the Stereo version. Both versions use high-quality polypropylene capacitors as bypasses throughout the power supplies.

There is no global negative feedback. DC coupling uses DC servo circuitry, and the signal path contains a minimum of internal wiring. The circuit layout is arranged to keep the signal path as short as possible.

Protection is provided by a microprocessor-controlled system designed to operate without altering the signal path. The output signal is continuously compared with the input. If the difference exceeds predetermined limits, the amplifier mutes and enters standby mode until the error condition has been corrected.

Heatsink temperature is monitored continuously. If the temperature exceeds 90°C, the amplifier shuts down and resumes normal operation once a safe operating temperature has been reached.

• 20 very high current bipolar output transistors per monoblock
• 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