Asynchronous Upsampling
Gryphon Ethos employs state of the art, user selectable asynchronous sample rate conversion to execute complex mathematical calculations with extreme speed and precision. Without upsampling, a brickwall analog filter would be required following the conversion process, resulting in temporal smearing, energy loss, compromised resolution and reduced transparency.
Gryphon upsampling permits the use of a simpler, lower-order analog output filter, the integrity of the signal reproduced by the Gryphon Ethos is uncompromisingly conveyed against a silent background with a noise floor well below that of the recording itself.
The upsampled signal is decoded via a digital filter with a much gentler roll-off and, consequently, dramatically increased resolution, detail, spaciousness, focus, transient accuracy and harmonic integrity.
As contrasted with an upsampling filter, which processes the datastream at a higher frequency in order to shift the spectrum of quantization noise up and away from the range in which it is most detrimental (and not in a vain effort to achieve greater information density), upsampling is a process in which the sampling rate is increased prior to conversion.
Properly implemented upsampling eliminates the need for conventional, steep-slope analogue filtering altogether. In the Gryphon Ethos, this filter is replaced by a single, silvered Mica capacitor acting as a simple, first-order analogue output filter, preserving the integrity of the audio signal for a pristine presentation staged against an utterly silent, “black” backdrop.
By executing the filter function benignly in the digital domain with asynchronous 32-bit/384 kHz sample rate conversion, Gryphon Ethos achieves extraordinary resolution of fine detail, sharp image focus and extended high-frequency response.
The heavily regulated, fully discrete, fully balanced Class A analogue output stage employs zero negative feedback and offers both balanced XLR and single-ended phono outputs. The analog section is supplied with +23 Volts and careful attention has been paid to power supplies with separate transformers and comprehensive regulation.
This “overkill” solution yields perfect channel separation, greatly improved out-of-band noise suppression and significantly enhanced dynamic range.
The die-cast chassis of the transport mechanism features high reliability and extremely effective error correction.
With two separate custom-built analogue toroidal transformers and two separate digital power supplies, the digital, analogue, transport and display circuits exploit the benefits of isolated, heavily regulated power supplies.
The signal path is, naturally, as short as possible and the balanced analogue outputs are the finest Neutrik, while the Gryphon single-ended connectors are gold-plated.
User-Selectable Digital Filters
Gryphon Ethos features a range of digital roll-off options, seven distinct PCM filters and three DSD filters, which allow the user to fine-tune the tone of the player to personal taste.
The instantly recognizable and much loved Gryphon disc cover is illuminated by a ring of attractive blue LED’s. The lid effectively seals the top-loading mechanism, isolating the disc from external forces.
The precision-tooled, gold-plated CD clamp is an integral component with carefully balanced mass that contributes to the stability and correct rotational speed of the disc.
The drive mechanism incorporates extensive mechanical de-coupling with an effective clamping system to eliminate spurious disc motion. The acrylic and brushed, natural aluminium housing provide significant vibration-absorbent constrained layer damping for effective resonance control.
The remote control shows the same attention to detail as the rest of the player: the heavy, black metal slab fits well in the hand with a back layer of rubber so that it doesn’t slide on the underlying surface.
