Pandora

The Gryphon Pandora is a 4-chassis preamplifier with complete left and right channel isolation. Each channel has its own chassis and dedicated dual mono power supply, protecting the audio signal from interference. The dual mono arrangement includes separate detachable power cords and individual power switches for each channel.

The name Pandora comes from Greek mythology, where Pandora was created at Zeus’ command as the first woman on earth. Her name means “the all-gifted”. The gods gave her numerous precious talents: Aphrodite gave her beauty, divine grace, charm and harmony; Apollo gave her music; Hermes gave her subtle persuasion; Athena gave her soul; and the Graces gave her love, tenderness, beauty, kindness, pleasure, creativity, artistry and sensuality.

Gryphon has applied the design freedom of the 4-chassis layout to the signal path, using components selected for their technical and audio parameters. These include Japanese Takman resistors and Charcroft Z-Foil resistors. Signal transmission between the preamplifier and power amplifier is fully balanced, providing low signal loss and minimal distortion.

Signal control

A preamplifier performs two primary functions, traffic control and volume control. Pandora omits conventional tone controls, balance knobs, mono switches and other circuitry that is not required, reducing interchannel and signal-path coloration.

All switches, relays and the volume control use gold-plated contact surfaces to prevent signal loss through oxidation. The source selector relays are hermetically sealed, preventing grime from accumulating on their contacts. They also provide the shortest possible signal path and are subject to negligible wear. Pandora provides 3 balanced inputs, 2 single-ended inputs and 1 tape loop.

Volume is controlled by a microprocessor-controlled 85-step attenuator. Selected resistors and relays provide long life and consistent matching at every level. On the front panel, a heavy volume wheel runs on double ball-bearings.

Control menu

The microprocessor-controlled menu provides input naming, maximum level setting, start level setting, left and right channel balance adjustment of 6 dB in 1 dB increments, input level matching, fixed-level AV throughput, display brightness settings of 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% or Off, Green Bias setup and default restore.

These custom adjustments are accessible without adding controls to the front panel, retaining its simple appearance without affecting audio performance.

Green Bias

Through Gryphon’s proprietary Green Bias Link, Pandora can control the available Class A output of a Gryphon power amplifier equipped with the Green Bias function. The feature reduces power consumption and allows the amplifier to run slightly cooler during less critical use. It adjusts amplifier bias in relation to the preamplifier volume setting, providing the required amount of Class A power while keeping massive instantaneous power reserves available.

Power supply

The Pandora power supply uses twin 90,000 microFarad capacitor banks and has sufficient output to drive many integrated amplifiers or power amplifiers. It also includes outputs for external components such as the Gryphon Legato Heritage phonostage, either as a separate unit or as modules installed in Pandora.