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Power Is Everything
In the world of High End audio amplification, this statement is literally true. With nearly 1700
Watts RMS into one Ohm (Mono), the Gryphon Apex is ready to master even the most
challenging speaker loads. The Apex’ output section uses very high-current bipolar output
devices which have demonstrated extreme reliability in addition to unprecedented sonic
performance. These transistors can be called upon to deliver very large peak power per channel
without overload. The output transistors are locally decoupled with an array of ZN film
capacitors.
Apex’ driver section enjoys a separate, optimized power supply fed from individual
windings on the custom-made toroidal transformers. Our unique and sophisticated mechanical
design ensures optimal thermal tracking between drivers and output devices. This driver section
features its own generous bank of the finest capacitors available for this application.
Apex’ power supply also utilizes capacitors especially chosen for this design. Absolutely
zero global feedback is employed and DC coupling utilizes DC servo circuitry. Internal wiring in
the signal path is kept to an absolute minimum. Input wiring is Gryphon Vanta single crystal
solid core silver/gold cable. Balanced inputs are provided exclusively. The new and proprietary
Gryphon speaker terminals accept bare wire, spade lugs, banana connectors or any
combination thereof.
Unique even in this lofty price range, the Gryphon Apex utilizes a completely independent
transformer and linear power supply for display and control circuits, preventing digital noise
generated by these circuits from contaminating the amplifier circuits.
Pure Class A
True Class A operation has always been a Gryphon hallmark. Why? Because no other circuit
topology can match the sonic perfection of pure Class A. Unfortunately, true Class A is even
rarer today than when we introduced the legendary DM100 in 1991. Rising consumer
awareness has forced some manufacturers to make outrageous, unsubstantiated claims of
Class A power ratings that have more to do with marketing than technology. There are a
growing number of so-called “new” Class A topologies based on automatic biasing which
supposedly allow the amplifier to sense when the bias should increase to ensure constant Class
A performance!
Put bluntly, you can’t cheat physics. There are no engineering shortcuts when it comes to
pure Class A, so we repeat with no apologies: TRUE, PURE CLASS A means heavy
transformers, very large heatsinks, large quantities of expensive parts and costly assembly.
While we appreciate and endorse every effort to conserve energy and preserve our global
resources, our research into efforts to obtain Class A performance from class A/B topologies
makes it clear that there simply is no substitute for the sheer magic of pure Class A.
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