The Gryphon
Gryphon Antileon Stereo
All amplifiers are not created equal. The extreme high current capability of the Gryphon Antileon EVO, for instance, is something that must be experienced first-hand. Get in touch for further details about this elite performer and discover for yourself why it's the Absolute Sounds 2021 Solid-State Power Amplifier of the Year Award winner.
Acknowledging that the Gryphon EVO will be a heavy, imposing addition to any living space, Flemming E. Rasmussen, Gryphon’s founder and a trained artist and industrial desiner, has styled it to make a bold, sculptural statement that is as functional as it is elegant.
Every chassis component is fitted to the next with extreme precision for a rigid, non-resonant structure, while each piece is machined to excruciatingly tight tolerances. The perforated top plate provides ventilation for added heat dissipation.
The faceplate is machined out of a solid 40 mm black acrylic block that houses the LED display and the easily accessible front panel controls. While an acrylic faceplate of this thickness is more costly than conventional aluminium, Gryphon’s artistic souls prefer it for its high gloss sheen and striking textural contrast to the amplifier’s aluminium surfaces.
With the exception of the faceplate, the Antileon EVO exterior consists entirely of brushed, black anodized aluminium with countersunk Allen screws for a seamless appearance.
At home in the finest interior, the battleship build quality combines with stylish, organic form to create an object of timeless beauty to match the exquisite pleasure of listening to music re-created by the Gryphon Antileon EVO power amplifier.
Class A Bias
Gryphon Antileon EVO employs true Class A bias for instantaneous availability of full current at all times.
Gryphon rejects any biasing scheme which attempts to simulate Class A bias by switching to a higher bias level when a more dynamic signal is detected. This type of sensor can only respond after the fact, because it is not possible to adjust bias rapidly enough to accurately “track” dynamic changes in real time in music which is rich in impulses.
For situations in which the full power of the Antileon EVO will not be required (a small room, undemanding music, background listening, efficient loudspeakers, etc.) the owner has the option of selecting full or reduced Class A bias via front panel controls.
For a more flexible approach, when paired with a Gryphon preamplifier via Gryphon’s proprietary Green Bias Link, power amplifier bias can be adjusted automatically in relation to the position of the preamplifier’s volume control. The user always has Class A power on tap as needed at any given time with massive power reserves ready and waiting.
Deep Inside
Naturally, there is a lot going on beneath the lid of a fully discrete, pure-Class A, fully balanced power amplifier with twin-tiered banks of electrolytic capacitors connected to the mains with two power switches and two detachable power cords.
The twin custom-designed 1500W toroidal power supply transformers are mechanically isolated from the chassis. A special epoxy resin is used to optimise vibration damping for the transformer. For additional isolation, the shielded, epoxy-damped housing is mounted in a suspension system for effective vibration control.
Apart from the shielded transformer housing, only non-magnetic materials are employed throughout the Gryphon Antileon EVO.
The separate driver section incorporates its own generous, independently regulated bank of proprietary Gryphon capacitors powered from separate windings on the transformers. A unique mechanical design provides optimal thermal tracking between drivers and output devices.
Bypass capacitors are placed close to the output transistors, not, as is conventionally the case, right up against the power capacitors. This contributes to significantly enhanced high frequency performance.
Internal wiring is kept to an absolute minimum with only a single short length of Gryphon Guideline Reference gold-embedded silver wire.
Two sets of rugged gold-plated binding posts of Gryphon’s own design are provided for bi-wiring. The multi-way proprietary terminals accept bare wire, spade lugs, banana connectors or any combination of these.