Essence Mono (pair)

With an ultra-wide frequency bandwidth (0.5 Hz – 350 kHz, +0 dB, -3 dB), Gryphon Essence is conservatively rated at 50W (8Ω), 100W (4Ω), 200W (2Ω) in stereo, Class A and at 55W (8Ω), 110W (4Ω), 220W (2Ω), (Monoblock), Class A.

These exceptional figures guarantee stability with any loudspeaker load. The dual mono design employs a custom-built shielded, high current toroidal transformer with dual windings for left and right channel. The output stage and driver stage employ separate power supplies for effective isolation of the output stage from the input stage. A separate transformer for control and display circuitry isolates them from the signal path.

Class A

True Class A operation has always been a Gryphon benchmark, simply because nothing in our experience can match the sonic glories of pure Class A.

Circuit topology

Power is the name of the game and the Essence is equipped to take on even the most vicious and nightmarish of loudspeaker loads. The output section uses Sanken bipolar output devices which have demonstrated extreme reliability in addition to outstanding sonic performance. The Essence Stereo employs 10 transistors per channel, while the Essence Monoblock features 20 of these devices per unit. These transistors can be called upon to deliver massive amounts of momentary peak power without overload.

Fully symmetrical input- and gain stages improves transient response, soundstage depth and ambience retrieval.

The separate driver section has its own power supply from individual windings on the custom-made toroidal transformers. Unique mechanical design ensures optimal thermal tracking between drivers and output devices. The driver section features its own generous bank of high quality capacitors.
The power capacitor bank in the Stereo version is an astounding 440,000 µF array of exceptional capacitors, and 880,000 µF in the Monoblock edition, in both versions bypassed by high quality polypropylene capacitors throughout the power supplies.

Global negative feedback is non-existent and DC coupling employs DC servo circuitry. Internal wiring in the signal path is kept to an absolute minimum.

Gryphon Essence utilizes a completely independent power supply for display and control circuits, effectively preventing digital noise generated by these circuits from reaching the amplifier circuits.