Essence Stereo

The Gryphon Essence Stereo is a Class A stereo power amplifier with an ultra-wide frequency bandwidth of 0.5 Hz to 350 kHz, +0 dB, -3 dB. It is conservatively rated at 50W per channel into 8Ω, 100W into 4Ω and 200W into 2Ω. In monoblock operation, the ratings are 55W into 8Ω, 110W into 4Ω and 220W 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 output and driver stages, isolating the output stage from the input stage. Control and display circuitry has its own transformer and independent power supply, preventing digital noise from these circuits reaching the amplifier stages.

Gryphon developed the Essence through research into circuit topology, component quality and reliability. Its pure Class A topology maintains substantial power reserves for demanding loudspeaker loads and musical passages at any volume level. The amplifier is designed so that a loudspeaker's reactive load does not degrade its performance, while the circuit remains neutral and avoids adding to or subtracting from the recording.

The output section uses Sanken bipolar output devices, selected for their reliability and sonic performance. Gryphon Essence Stereo employs 10 transistors per channel. The Essence Monoblock uses 20 transistors per unit, with the devices available to deliver high momentary peak power without overload.

Fully symmetrical input and gain stages are used to improve transient response, soundstage depth and ambience retrieval. The driver section has its own power supply, fed by individual windings on the custom-made toroidal transformers, together with a separate bank of high-quality capacitors. The mechanical design provides thermal tracking between the driver and output devices.

The Stereo version has a 440,000 µF power capacitor bank, while the Monoblock version uses 880,000 µF. Both versions use high-quality polypropylene capacitors to bypass the power supplies. There is no global negative feedback, and DC coupling uses DC servo circuitry. Internal wiring in the signal path is kept to a minimum.

A non-invasive protection system monitors the output signal by constantly comparing it 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 also monitored. If it exceeds 90° C, the amplifier shuts down and resumes normal operation once a safe operating temperature has been reached.

• Optimal circuit layout for shortest possible signal path
• 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