Description
Gryphon Pandora : Preamplifier
In Greek mythology, Pandora was created at Zeus’ command as the first woman on earth. Her name means “the all-gifted”, because the gods endowed her with numerous precious talents. From Aphrodite, she received beauty, divine grace, charm and harmony; from Apollo, the gift of music; from Hermes, the power of subtle persuasion; from Athena, soul and from the Graces, love, tenderness, beauty, kindness, pleasure, creativity, artistry, and sensuality.
We have captured these virtues in the four-chassis Gryphon Pandora preamplifier with total isolation of left and right channels on separate chassis and dedicated dual mono power supplies in individual chassis to protect the audio signal from any interference.
The dual mono aspect of the design is taken to the practical extreme with separate detachable power cords and separate power switches for each channel.
Thanks to creative engineering and unbridled freedom in its design and execution, Gryphon Pandora is empowered to reveal more of the recorded source than any previous preamplifier. Only the finest components, selected for both technical and audio parameters, have been implemented, including Japanese Takman resistors and Charcroft Z-Foil resistors. Signal transmission between preamp and power amp takes place in fully balanced mode for low signal loss and minimal distortion.
Pandora also marks the introduction of a newly developed single-ended Class A input buffer stage consisting of only two transistors and a single resistor to maintain the transparency, speed and openness of the audio signal.
Specifications :
- Exterior design by Flemming E. Rasmussen
- Electronics design by Tom Møller
- True Dual Mono configuration
- Fully discrete pure Class A with ultra-short signal path
- 2 x 90,000 microFarad capacity banks
- Ultra-wideband 3 MHz frequency response
- Zero negative feedback
- DC-coupling with servo-control
- Isolated power supply for non-audio circuits
- Extensive mechanical decoupling
- Extensive local voltage regulation
- Big-wheel, ball-bearing, microprocessor-controlled 85-step relay volume attenuator featuring Charcroft Z-Foil Audio ultra precision resistors and ultra low capacitance relays for best sonic performance
- New, high-speed, discrete single-ended Class A input buffer developed for best possible sonic performance
- Select premium-grade components, including Takman Audio resistors
- Minimal internal wiring
- Military spec. double-sided up to 70µm copper printed circuit boards
- Two separate custom-made C-core transformers, one for each channel
- Gold-plated input-isolating relays
- PCB-mounted sockets eliminate wiring and shorten signal path
- Gold-plated Swiss Neutric XLR sockets for three balanced sources and two outputs
- Gold-plated phono sockets with Teflon insulation for two inputs and one Tape output
- Optional integrated, Gryphon Phono Stage or Legato Heritage RIAA module
- Fixed-level AV throughput for uncompromising integration with surround systems
- Microprocessor-controlled menu functions
- Adjustable channel balance, source level matching, start-up and maximum level
- Green Bias control for Gryphon power amplifiers
- Graphical Vacuum Fluorescent Display
- Backlit touch-sensitive front panel controls
- Adjustable display illumination (High, Medium, Low, Off)
- Non-magnetic, non-resonant aluminium cabinets
- 12 V DC link input and output
- Flash memory upgrades via PC or key-fob
- Infrared remote control
- Standby power consumption <1W
- EU CE approval
- Designed and built in Denmark
- Specifications
- Input Impedance: 50 kΩ, balanced
- Input Impedance: 25 kΩ, single ended
- Output impedance: 7Ω
- Gain: +18dB
- THD + N: 0.005% @ 1 kHz and 10 Hz – 30 kHz bandwidth
- Bandwidth (-3dB): 0.1 Hz – 3 MHz
- Power Supply Capacity: 2 x 90,000uF
- Power consumption: <1W (standby), 50W (idle)
- Dimensions
- WxHxD: 48 x40 x 13 cm, each unit
- Weight: 17.5 kg
