Overview
Since its introduction in 2022, Apex has been hailed as the finest power amplifier ever created. Critics and connoisseurs have universally praised its combination of shattering power and sublime delicacy; its ability to drive any loudspeaker balanced with unimpeachable tonal neutrality. It has always been Gryphons mission to achieve the highest possible audio performance in terms of sheer musicality, transparency and realism. With Apex Mono and Apex Stereo, Gryphon Audio Designs has elevated pure Class A power amplification a titanic leap above what was previously considered possible. Gryphon Apex takes us several significant steps closer in the quest for the most natural and convincing musical illusion.
Years of experience developing Antileon EVO and Mephisto, as well as ongoing research in the fields of circuit topology, component quality and reliability have culminated in Apex: the new flagship amplifier from Gryphon Audio Designs.
The Drive
As with the engine of an exotic sports car, Apex was designed to deliver nearly limitless power coupled with breathtaking finesse. Like Gioacchino Columbo, author of Ferraris iconic V12 engines, Apex designer Tom Moeller was charged with no less a task than creating a legend: an amplifier with virtually no limitations regarding performance, size or cost.
Apex material specifications illustrate its state-of-the-art design: Each Apex chassis features a complement of 64 very high-current bipolar output transistors (128 per Mono pair), 1,040,000 F capacitor banks (>Farad/pair), two bespoke 2,000 VA toroidal transformers (four/pair), all housed in a magnificently wrought, constrained-layer-damped chassis. Apex Stereo tips the scales at 450 pounds, while a pair of Apex Mono weigh-in at 900 pounds!
Pure Class A operation has, since we introduced the DM100 in 1991, always been a Gryphon hallmark, because no other circuit topology can match its sonic perfection; however, TRUE, PURE CLASS A means heavy transformers, very large heatsinks, large quantities of expensive parts and costly assembly. Apex Stereo takes Class A to new heights with an unprecedented 210 Class A Watts per channel (RMS into 8 Ohms, up to 1800 WRMS into one Ohm) giving Apex owners mastery of any speaker load and volume level.
Given the massive power reserves available at all times, Gryphon Apex amplifiers simply do not see the loudspeaker; in other words, Apex virtually limitless reservoir of power and current renders it immune to loudspeaker characteristics. No speaker load, no matter how reactive, can affect Apex performance. This means that Apex always delivers its ultimate sound quality, regardless of loudspeaker choice. Whats more, unlike other high-power amplifiers, Gryphons no-compromise, pure Class A topology offers this prodigious power combined with ultimate refinement and delicacy in musical presentation.
It is Gryphons fundamental philosophy that all electronics in the playback chain should strive for neutrality, neither adding nor subtracting anything from the recording, no matter how pleasing such distortions may be. The Gryphon Apex is by nature a product for the fortunate few who can afford such a statement: a product for the connoisseurs who seek absolute purity in the reproduction of music. In short, Apex has been created for music lovers whose respect for the musicians, producers and mastering engineers inspires them to seek the truth lurking in the original recording.
Eternal Beauty
Founded by a fashion designer, Gryphon has always believed that components built to convey the beauty of music should themselves be beautiful, designed to stand as visual as well as sonic artworks in the most luxurious surroundings. Exquisitely wrought from the finest materials available, Apex deep black, Nordic Noir aluminum chassis incorporates advanced constrained-layer-damping technologies to optimize resonance, while the specification of non-magnetic materials virtually eliminates electrical interference. At once both gorgeous and highly efficient, Apex utilizes over-specified heat sinks to ensure stable operating temperatures and long, trouble-free lifespan. New and proprietary Gryphon speaker terminalswhich debuted on Apexaccept bare wire, spade lugs, banana connectors and combine aesthetic beauty with extreme functionality.
In every design and construction aspect, Apex is designed to be cherished and appreciated for a lifetime. It is an amplifier whose performance is unlikely to be surpassed. Ever. Experience Apex and were sure youll agree.
Features:
- Exterior design by Flemming E. Rasmussen
- Electronics design by Tom Mller
- Pure Dual Mono configuration
- Zero global negative feedback
- 128 very high current bipolar output transistors (64 per Mono channel )
- 2.080.000F (>2 Farad) capacitor bank (1.040.000uF per Mono channel)
- Extremely low capacitance Class A J-FET input buffer
- Balanced dual differential class A input circuitry followed by a very fast symmetrical voltage amplifying Class A stage
- Fully regulated low noise power supply for all voltage amplifying stages
- DC servo coupling
- Frequency-independent damping factor
- Gryphon silver internal signal and power wiring
- Premium massive Zn foil capacitors used for local power supply decoupling, with a loss factor ten-times lower than of metallized PP-film capacitors.
- 4-layer up to 105 um copper printed circuit boards
- Four separate custom made 2000VA toroidal transformers (2 per Mono channel)
- Individual decoupled left/right transformer castings
- Separate linear power supply for both digital and analog circuits
- Soft start turn-on prevents triggering of fuses or circuit breakers in the home electrical system
- True balanced inputs with gold-plated Neutrik XLR input sockets
- One Gold-plated Neutrik XLR socket input signal pass-thru for each channel
- Gryphon gold-plated custom-built binding posts
- AC polarity indicator
- 12V Link for remote power on and off
- Automatic Green Bias setting via Green Bias control link or manual Low/Mid/High bias
- Firmware upgradeable via USB stick
- Non-intrusive protection system
- Standby current consumption < 0,5W
- Designed and manufactured in Denmark
Specifications | |
---|---|
Amplifier Output | |
Power Output at 8 | 1 x 225W |
Power Output at 4 | 1 x 450W |
Power Output at 2 | 1 x 880W |
Power Output at 1 | 1 x 1690W |
Voltage | 115V/230Vac |
Noise Levels | |
Noise, unweighted (20-20kHz) | < -80dBV |
Noise, A-weighted | < -86dBV |
Distortion | |
THD N (50W @ 8) | < 0.02% |
IMD (DFD) (50W @ 8) | < 0.02% |
Impedance & Bandwidth | |
Output Impedance | 0.010 |
Bandwidth (-3dB) | 0.3Hz to 330kHz |
Gain | 31.0dB |
Input Specifications | |
Max. Input Level | 1.20Vrms |
Input Impedance, Balanced (20-20kHz) | 10k |
Power Consumption | |
Maximum Power Consumption | 3700W each amplifier |
Power Consumption (Idle) | |
- Bias H | 1000W each amplifier |
- Bias M | 660W each amplifier |
- Bias L | 320W each amplifier |
Power Consumption (Standby) | < 0.5W each amplifier |
AC Inlets | 2 sockets on each amplifier for power cords with C19 receptacle |
Dimensions | |
Width x Height x Depth (W x H x D) | 59.3 x 37.1 x 88.6 cm each amplifier |
Weight | 202 kg (net) each amplifier |
Shipping Dimensions for a Pair | |
Shipping Dimensions | Two crates; each 102 x 81 x 67 cm |
Total Shipping Weight | 530 kg |