“Beauty and The Best”
Gryphon believes that audio should be as pleasing to the ear as to the eye, as beautiful to behold as it is to hear. The culmination of this philosophy is Ethos CD. Unique in the world of High-End consumer electronics, Ethos is a genuine “Audio Artwork” that enhances the opulence of luxury living spaces. Handcrafted from precision-milled aluminum and acrylic, Ethos’ delta-shaped chassis with arched aluminum CD lid has been praised by countless critics as “The Most Beautiful Audio Component Ever Made.”
Ethos’ internals are equally remarkable: from the selection of the finest CD Transport mechanism available, to the specification of the most advanced Digital-to-Analog Converters and Digital Filters, to the creation of discrete, monaural power supplies for every active circuit, Ethos CD is actually two State-of-the-Art components sharing a single chassis, designed to be the ultimate CD Player as well as a world-class DAC.
Ethos CD advances Gryphon’s tradition of digital innovation, which dates to 1998 when our CDP-1 CD player incorporated world’s first implementation of 88.2 kHz asynchronous sample rate conversion. Launched in 2001, the Gryphon Adagio offered asynchronous 24-bit/96 kHz technology. The Gryphon Mikado Signature was first to offer 32-bit/192 kHz upsampling while our debut stand-alone DAC, Kalliope, was acclaimed as a breakthrough by the world audio press. Ethos CD pushes the envelope even further: the only component as adept with silver discs as it is with digital files.
The Drive
Completely aside from its mastery of the “Redbook” CD, Ethos offers unsurpassed digital connectivity: AES/EBU, USB and BNC inputs allow direct connection of external digital sources (Streamers, Computers, Music Server) to the Ethos DAC section, which accommodates formats up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD512. An AES/EBU output allows connection to external DACs. The USB socket features a “Super Capacitor” power supply and is fully compatible with all digital audio formats.
Honoring our cornerstone philosophies of dual monaural design and fully symmetrical balanced operation, Gryphon Ethos employs ESS SABRE ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC chips, capable of full 32-bit processing, in a dual-differential, dual-mono topology. Timing issues (jitter) are addressed with dual independent, temperature-compensated crystal oscillator clocks with accuracy better than five parts per million. Custom-built 32 VA toroidal transformers and 20,000 microFarad power supply capacitor banks for each channel, monaural digital power supplies combined with true Dual Mono analogue and DAC signal paths—all executed with the finest electrical components available—demonstrate how Gryphon’s deign mandates have been fully realized in Ethos.
Ten User-selectable, digital roll-off filters (7 PCM and 3 DSD) and user-selectable, asynchronous PCM sample rate conversion to 384kHz and PCM to DSD conversion to DSD128 enable listeners to fine-tune Ethos’ sound to their personal taste. These filters are available through DAC inputs as well as CD Transport.
Gryphon Ethos also happens to be the world’s finest CD Player. It has been created for 16-bit/44.1 kHz “Red Book” CDs as our CD Transport Mechanism—the CD-PRO8 from Austria’s Stream Unlimited—has been optimized for CD playback. Gryphon was the first company to use this Transport and has extracted every last bit of performance from it. Ethos’ chassis has been purpose-engineered to maximize the sound quality of this drive mechanism, combining extensive mechanical de-coupling and constrained layer damping with an effective clamping system to eliminate spurious disc motion. A trio of Gryphon’s proprietary Atlas Spikes evacuate any residual vibrational energy. Lift the sculpted aluminum lid, load your favorite CD into the transport, push ”Play” and the wisdom of our transport choice becomes obvious from the first note.
”The Best” In Every Way
In the realm of Ultra-Luxe Audio, perfect sound is necessary but not sufficient. To meet the expectations of today’s uncompromising conoisseurs, a State-of-the-Art product must define ”The Best” in many aspects: artisanal craftsmanship, intuitive operation, supreme functionality and multi-generational longevity. Nowhere is the challenge of anti-obsolescence more daunting than with digital audio, a challenge Ethos CD masters with upgradeable firmware, software and modular construction. A host of inputs, outputs, filters and features offer options without limit. And of course, there is the timeless, matchless beauty of a one-of-a-kind Audio Artwork. Fourty years after its debut, the CD Player has reached its Zenith: Ethos CD.
- Exterior design by Flemming E. Rasmussen
- Electronics design by Tom Møller
- Exclusive, CD-only CD-Pro8 transport with all-metal chassis
- Extensive mechanical decoupling of the CD transport
- Dedicated ESS SABRE ES9038PRO 32-bit D/A converter for each channel
- Each ES9038Pro incorporates eight individual D/A converters in Dual Differential coupling for optimal performance
- User-selectable, 7 different PCM and 3 DSD digital roll-off filters
- User-selectable, asynchronous PCM sample rate conversion to 384kHz and PCM to DSD conversion to DSD128.
- Temperature-compensated, ultra-low jitter crystal oscillators with better than 5 parts per million accuracy
- USB input compatible with following audio formats via PC/MAC: PCM: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 and 384 kHz, up to 32 bits DSD via USB: DSD64 (up to 3.072 MHz), DSD128 (up to 6.144 MHz), DSD256 (up to 12.288 MHz) and DSD512 (up to 24.576 MHz)
- No USB driver required for LINUX or MAC OSX
- USB driver available for Windows
- Super-Capacitor (12.5 Farad!) power supply for USB module – for true battery source
- Digital BNC and XLR inputs compatible with PCM: 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz, up to 24 bits
- Balanced 110 Ohm XLR AES/EBU digital input
- Single-ended 75 Ohm BNC S/PDIF digital input
- Balanced 110 Ohm XLR AES/EBU digital output from CD transport
- Galvanic isolation of all digital BNC and XLR inputs and outputs for minimal jitter
- Comprehensive noise regulation of all digital circuits
- Modular digital audio sections for possible future upgrades
- True Class A, fully discrete analogue circuitry with zero negative feedback
- First-order PCM analogue filters and user selectable second-order DSD analogue filter with silvered Mica capacitors
- Analogue output stages with low noise +/- 23 VDC regulated voltage supplies for low THD and noise suppression
- Custom-built 32 VA toroidal transformer for each analogue channel
- 20,000 microFarad power capacitor banks for each analogue channel
- True Dual Mono analogue and DAC configuration
- Balanced XLR analogue outputs and single-ended phono outputs
- Ultra-short signal path with minimal internal wiring
- Four-layer 70 mm thick copper trace PCB’s
- Vacuum Fluorescent Display with variable illumination
- Personalised naming of each input
- Solid aluminium top plate
- Gold-plated CD clamp
- Polished acrylic base
- Brushed, aluminium arm
- Side-mounted heatsinks
- Gryphon designed Atlas adjustable feet
- Constrained layer damping vibration control
- CD well with LED lighting
- Automatic standby mode with user-selectable interval
- Standby power consumption less than 0.5W in accordance with EU regulations
- 12V link in
- Infrared remote control
- EU CE approval
- Designed and built in Denmark
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.
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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.
