The Drive
The strictly dual mono configuration achieves the shortest possible signal path with minimal internal wiring. In the interest of ultimate fidelity, superfluous circuity such as tone controls, balance controls, headphone connections, mono switching, polarity inversion and more have been banished from the signal path, thereby reducing interchannel crosstalk and signal path coloration to an absolute minimum.
As delivered, the Gryphon Essence preamplifier is a pure line preamplifier with two balanced XLR input and three single-ended phono inputs. With no internal wiring, the only cable are a short ground lead, display ribbons and AC power wiring mounted in a shielded channel from the rear IEC socket to the power switch to minimise 50/60 Hz interference.
Exhaustive investigation and auditioning have preceded the selection of every component part and many original, proprietary parts have been custom-designed and built exclusively for Gryphon.
Because we lavish attention on each aspect of the circuit and fully grasp the purpose and behavior of every single part of the whole, Gryphon’s design team can optimize performance in every, before moving on to the next step. This ensures simplicity, a short signal path and a unity of purpose with a single, well-defined objective: musical purity.
The range of microprocessor controlled, fully adjustable menu items include input naming with up to eight characters, maximum level, start level, input level matching up to 8 dB, AV throughput, user selectable display brightness (100/75/50/25%, Off), default restoration and Gryphon Green Bias. The Gryphon Essence preamplifier can be configured with a 0 dB AV throughput for ideal integration with the owner’s separate multi-channel installation.
As an optional extra, the Essence can be fitted with either an MM/MC phonostage or a digital to analogue converter. The phonostage is a Gryphon dual mono design based on the acclaimed Legato Legacy.
If you are using a compatible Gryphon Class A power amplifier, you may choose to connect the Green Bias control link, a Gryphon invention for automatic regulation of user selectable Class A bias between the sockets marked GREEN BIAS on the preamplifier and on the power amplifier.
Style and performance
The peerless finish, build quality, ergonomics and pride of ownership that contribute to the totality of the Gryphon concept can only be fully understood and appreciated up close and in person. The distinctive, luxuriant finish of every Gryphon product arises organically out of the audio circuit design and the user interface for a truly unique integration of form and function.
The exemplary build quality combines brushed, anodised aluminium with subtle black acrylic details for a highly refined aesthetic sensibility.
From the very beginning, every Gryphon product has offered stunning audio performance, sumptuous styling and superb user- friendliness, catering to the needs of the discerning audiophile who demands musicality, convenience and aesthetics, all without compromise.
Essence bass performance is simply superb: firm, well-defined, with massive attack, in a pure demonstration of power.
The wealth of detail and fine handling of bass and high frequencies contribute to the preamplifier’s ability to render the width and depth of a soundstage with three-dimensional realism and instrumental placement with great precision and realistic size.
- Input Impedance, balanced: 50kΩ
- Input Impedance, single-ended: 25kΩ
- Output impedance: 15Ω XLR, 22.5Ω RCA
- Bandwidth (-3dB): 0.1Hz to 1MHz
- Gain: +18dB
- THD + N: <0,005%
- Max output level, balanced: 23-Vrms
- Power consumption: ≤ 0,5W (standby), 50W (idle)
- AC voltage range 110-120V or 220-240V
- Power supply capacity: 2 x 26,000 μF
- MENU-controlled functions:
- Volume Max Level
- Voume Start Level
- Input level match, 0 to 8 dB in 2 dB steps
- Output level: “Normal” or “-6dB”
- Display Intensity: (100%-75%-50%-25%, Auto Dim and Auto OFF)
- Green Bias setup
- Input Naming
- Dedicate Input 2 (XLR) or input 3 (RCA) to Volume-Bypass AV-input
- Restore Settings
- Dimensions:
- 47 x 16.5 x 38.5 cm (WxHxD), 13.4 kg net.
Thank you for considering Yorkshire AV for your next investment in your AV or HiFi setup.
We are an approved retailer for all brands sold on our website, which means full manufacturers warranty and support as well as detailed product knowledge within our small business.
We use an inventory tracking system which states if item(s) are in stock and if not, what are the likely lead times.
Who do you use for delivery?
Our primary delivery agent is DPD. Where orders are shipped directly from Yorkshire AV, we always use DPD who offer a fabulous service at competitive rates.
If we drop ship (i.e. direct from the supplier) then the delivery agent is out of our control. It is generally DPD or UPS however - we rarely see other carriers used.
Selecting "Next Day" delivery does not mean you'll receive your item the next day in some cases. It's the next day from when the item(s) are in stock with us. If there is an urgent need then please contact a member of staff via the Live Chat or telephone (01757 826111) to check on live stock levels.
Certain product(s) are delayed in manufacturing due to semi-conductor shortages across the Globe. We'll keep you informed as to your order progress and a likely ETA once we get updates from the manufacturers.
Returns
Standard Returns
Our returns policy lasts for 28 days for all items in our store except those defined in section (1) below.
To be eligible for a refund, your item must be unused/unopened and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. If you return the item to us within 14 days of purchasing, you will be offered a full refund or exchange.
If your return comes to us after 14 days of purchasing and is opened, we will refund the full amount less 20%. Unused items returned up to 28 days after purchasing will be fully refunded.
It's the responsibility of the customer to return the items at your cost.
Yorkshire AV are able to arrange collection - please contact us for a quote.
You must ensure goods are shipped in their original packaging if they are damaged/not working.
Manufacturers will not accept returns and Yorkshire AV can not be held responsible for any damage in transit.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned.
(1) Examples of non-returnable items:
- Gift cards HiFi Racks
- Second hand units / clearance products
- Headphones (due to listener hygiene)
- Custom cables
- Special order items (items that we order in for you/were not in stock at the time of order)
To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.
Please do not send your purchase back to the manufacturer.
To start to return - please email us: info@yorkshireav.co.uk along with your order number and we'll take it from there.
When will orders be dispatched?
- Orders placed Monday - Thursday before 1pm and are in stock will be dispatched the same day for next day delivery. This relates to product that state 'In Stock for immediate dispatch' on the product page.
- Orders placed over a weekend and are in stock will be dispatched on Monday.
Orders for items not in stock
Given the vast amount of variations of each product (e.g. AudioQuest cables) or Pro-Ject Audio Turntables - we keep the most common options in stock (i.e. gloss black finish, or 1.5m RCA cables) whereas longer cables or cables with terminations that are less frequently ordered will be ordered as required.
Generally speaking - we receive orders within 2-3 days for UK suppliers and 3-4 days for European suppliers (i.e. AudioQuest, DALI).
We want you to be 100% satisfied which is why we'll give you an email/call if item(s) aren't in stock and give you the option of changing the order, cancelling or if you're happy to wait a few days, we'll get it out as soon as possible.
If an item states 'Available to Order' - this means the item is not in stock but we are able to order in. Lead times average 2 days but in some circumstances, delivery times may be longer and is outside of our control. Please contact us to get an estimate on delivery times if orders are urgent.
Warranty
By default, our brands follow their standard manufacturers warranty terms and length.
For extended Warranty (should this be offered with your product), please ensure you complete the Extended Warranty registration form that was emailed to you.
Warranty claims within the warranty period are underpinned by the manufacturer. With any extended warranty claims - Yorkshire AV act as your agent to the authorised repair centre.
Shipping charges are excluded from any warranty claim. Original packaging and receipts must be provided else the claim will be rejected.
For any questions or issues - please contact us directly.
Financing your purchase
We’ve got you covered, as we have finance options available for people with varying circumstances. Yorkshire AV believes that you shouldn’t have to pinch your pockets to be able to purchase our products. You can pay in affordable monthly instalments to better suit your needs and budget.
To help you purchase from Yorkshire AV, we have partnered with Kandoo, a regulated credit broker to offer all our customers a range of highly flexible finance options. Kandoo is a comparison service that searches to find you the best Personal Loan option that’s right for you.
