Gryphon Zena/Essence DAC Module
OVERVIEW
By assembling high performance Gryphon digital-to-analogue conversion and high-end preamplification on a single chassis, the Gryphon Zena brings a rare level of comfort, convenience and ease of use to High End audio.
Installing an exceptional digital to analogue converter inside an equally ambitious preamplifier significantly shortens the signal path, eliminating exterior interconnects and multiple plugs and soldering points to maintain the integrity and purity of the audio signal.
The Zena preamplifier’s optional internal DAC module draws heavily on the innovative engineering that inspired the highly acclaimed Gryphon Kalliope digital-to-analogue converter. Critics around the world praise the breakthrough design and performance of the Kalliope:
“The Kalliope is at the cutting edge of digital performance. This one is becoming a permanent reference at Tone.” – Tone Audio, USA,
FEATURES
- True Dual Mono Class A Analogue configuration
- Zero negative feedback
- Sabre ES9018 High-End D/A converter
- User-selectable PCM and DSD digital roll-off filters
- USB input compatible with following audio formats via PC/MAC/Linux: PCM: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 and 384 kHz, up to 32 bits, DSD via USB: DSD64 (2.822MHz), DSD128 (3.072MHz), DSD256* (5.644MHz) and DSD512* (6.144MHz). At the moment, DSD256 and DSD512 only on Windows systems.
- XLR and BNC inputs compatible with PCM: 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz, up to 32 bits
- TOSLINK input compatible with PCM: 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz, up to 32 bits
- Temperature-compensated, ultra-low jitter crystal oscillator with better than 5 parts per million accuracy
- Super-Capacitor (12.5 Farad!) power supply for USB module – acts like a true battery supply
- First-order PCM analogue filters and second-order DSD analogue filters with silvered Mica and Polypropylene capacitors
- Analogue output stages with discrete, ultra-low noise +/- 22VDC regulated voltage supplies for best analogue THD and noise suppression
- Multiple Local Voltage regulators for best digital noise suppression
- Discrete, separate left/right channel ultra-low noise power supply for analogue section of ES9018 DAC
- Ultra-short signal path
- Minimal internal wiring
- Two four-layer printed circuit boards up to 70my copper
- PCB-mounted sockets eliminate wiring and shorten signal path
- Gold-plated Neutric XLR socket for one balanced 110 ohm AES source
- Gold-plated 75 ohm BNC sockets with Teflon insulation for 2 S/PDIF sources
- One TOSLINK optical fibre input
- Designed and built in Denmark
- Specifications can be changed by Gryphon Audio Designs without further notice.