Zena

The Gryphon Zena is a fully balanced preamplifier with a 43-step volume attenuator, controlled by touch-sensitive up and down buttons rather than the Athena’s ball-bearing volume wheel. Each step changes the level by 2 dB, with no more than 2 resistors in the volume control signal path at any time. The attenuator uses an ultra-precise array of SMD metal-foil resistors and hermetically sealed, gold-plated Pickering reed relays with ultra-low capacitance.

Unlike the Athena, the Gryphon Zena does not convert the signal from its XLR inputs to single-ended before attenuation. The volume circuit remains fully balanced throughout. Its active circuits use shunt-regulated voltage supplies, providing a DC supply with ultra-low output impedance across a wide frequency band and noise suppression.

The power supplies use Wima polypropylene capacitors across the electrolytic capacitors in the series-regulated supplies. In the shunt-regulated supplies for the volume attenuator circuit, Wima polypropylene capacitors are fitted in parallel across Aluminium Organic Polymer capacitors. Schottky barrier diodes with low Von voltage are used in the analogue power supplies.

There is no internal wiring. The only cabled exceptions are a short ground lead, display ribbons and the AC power wiring, which runs in a shielded channel from the rear IEC socket to the power switch to minimise 50/60 Hz interference.

For use in a surround system, either Input 2 on XLR or Input 3 on phono can be configured as a 0 dB AV throughput. This allows the Zena to integrate with a multi-channel installation without compromising its stereo operation. A 12V DC link input and output are also provided for system power control.

As with the Gryphon Pandora preamplifier, the Zena omits tone controls, balance knobs, polarity inversion, headphone connections, mono switches and other circuitry considered unnecessary. This reduces interchannel and signal-path coloration, with the design focused on beat fidelity, also known as PRaT, or Pace, Rhythm and Timing.

Setup is managed from the minimalist fascia through a menu shown on a dimmable graphical green/blue vacuum fluorescent touch-sensitive panel. The panel provides responsive operation, while the microprocessor-controlled menu allows the following adjustments:

• Input naming with up to 8 characters
• Maximum level
• Start level
• Input level trim up to 8dB
• AV throughput
• Display brightness at 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% or Off
• Default restoration
• Gryphon Green Bias

When connected through Gryphon’s proprietary Green Bias Link to a Gryphon power amplifier with the Green Bias function, the Gryphon Zena can control the available Class A output. The amplifier then uses less power and runs slightly cooler during periods of less critical listening. Bias is adjusted in relation to the preamplifier volume setting, providing the required amount of Class A power while retaining substantial instantaneous power reserves.

Vibration and resonance control comes from the substantial chassis, which rests on proprietary cylindrical feet at the front and 2 pointed rear cones.

The remote control is a black satin aluminium box with a square cross-section. Its built-in stand at one end raises and tilts it towards the user, while the Gryphon logo is finished in white at the other end. Responsive aluminium buttons provide control from the remote.