Essence

The Gryphon Essence is a dual mono line preamplifier with 2 balanced XLR inputs and 3 single-ended phono inputs. Its circuit uses a short signal path with minimal internal wiring, while tone, balance, headphone, mono, polarity inversion and other non-essential functions are excluded from the signal path to minimise interchannel crosstalk and signal-path coloration.

The Essence has no internal signal wiring. The only cables inside are a short ground lead, display ribbon cables and AC power wiring. The AC wiring runs through a shielded channel from the rear IEC socket to the power switch, reducing 50/60 Hz interference.

Each component has been selected following investigation and auditioning, with several proprietary parts custom-designed and built for Gryphon. The circuit has been developed as a series of carefully considered stages, maintaining simplicity, a short signal path and a single focus on musical purity.

Microprocessor-controlled menu functions include input naming with up to 8 characters, maximum level, start level, input level matching up to 8 dB, AV throughput, display brightness at 100%, 75%, 50% or 25%, display off, default restoration and Gryphon Green Bias. AV throughput can be configured to 0 dB for integration with a separate multi-channel installation.

The Essence can be specified with an optional MM/MC phonostage or digital to analogue converter. The phonostage uses a Gryphon dual mono design based on the Legato Legacy.

With a compatible Gryphon Class A power amplifier, the Green Bias control link provides automatic regulation of user-selectable Class A bias. It connects the sockets marked GREEN BIAS on the preamplifier and power amplifier.

Gryphon Essence combines brushed, anodised aluminium with black acrylic details. Its finish, build quality and controls are designed as part of the relationship between the audio circuit and the user interface, bringing the physical design and operation together.

The preamplifier provides firm, well-defined bass with substantial attack. Its handling of bass and high-frequency detail supports a wide and deep soundstage, precise instrumental placement and realistic instrument scale.

• 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
• 47 x 16.5 x 38.5 cm (WxHxD), 13.4 kg net.