Gryphon Helios Preamplifier
Since its introduction, The Gryphon Pandora established a new benchmark in Line Preamplifier performance, embodying Gryphon’s philosophy of sonic excellence and timeless design. Now, this legendary lineage enters a new era with The Gryphon Helios—a preamplifier defined not just by refinement, but by a profound transformation of what is possible.
Drawing on decades of expertise from The Gryphon Pandora and design innovations developed for The Gryphon Commander, The Gryphon Helios is the most versatile expression of Gryphon’s preamplifier concept to date. It delivers astonishing performance and versatility, effortlessly integrating into any high-end system with commanding authority and extraordinary resolution.
Years of meticulous research in circuit architecture, thermal behavior, and component synergy have culminated in The Gryphon Helios—a new benchmark in Gryphon Audio Designs preamplifier design.
The Drive
The Gryphon Helios embodies a true dual-mono design, housed within meticulously crafted, resonance-controlled enclosures of extruded and CNC-machined aluminum. Its foundation rests on proprietary Gryphon-designed spikes, ensuring optimal energy management and vibration control, and integrates seamlessly with its matching PSU 5 Dual Mono Power Supply Unit.
At its heart, The Gryphon Helios refines The Gryphon Pandora’s proven Class A input topology with new, ultra-low-noise dual JFETs. This architecture ensures unparalleled purity, delivering a transparent, effortless, and natural sound, rich in tactile presence. A precise 85-step relay-based attenuator provides refined volume control, while a fully balanced signal path—free from global negative feedback—preserves the music’s immediacy and vitality. Every component, from custom toroidal transformers to premium capacitors and precision resistors, is meticulously selected to achieve the lowest possible noise and highest musical integrity.
The Gryphon Helios accommodates our latest Digital and Analog modules. Two blanking panels on the rear of the preamp chassis enable the Helios to be upgraded with the DAC3 Digital Module and/or the PS3 Phono Module, either at the time of purchase or at some future date, in accordance with the owner’s desires. This ability to tailor system interfaces and functionality for diverse applications sets The Helios apart.
Eternal Beauty
The “Nordic Noir” design ethos, a hallmark of Gryphon’s aesthetic, finds its ultimate expression in The Gryphon Helios. Its distinctive finish, coupled with the powerful imagery of a waterfall-inspired faceplate, heralds a new visual language. The iconic inverted triangle, a signature of Gryphon’s most revered components, reveals its full impact when the preamplifier chassis is stacked atop the PSU 5, a subtle flourish recognized by true cognoscenti.
Framed by an extra-thick, 4mm glass window, The Gryphon Helios’ 4.3” TFT touch-sensitive display offers an utterly intuitive user interface, seamlessly integrated into its elegant form. The massively thick, hard-anodized aluminum chassis not only reinforces an impression of formidable power and authority but also ensures heirloom build quality.
A finely silk-screened Gryphon crowning each chassis signifies a preamplifier as captivating to the eye as it is to the ear—a timeless classic destined to define sophistication for generations.
With The Gryphon Helios, you’re in control. Take command of the world’s finest audio system.
Features
- Electronics design by Tom Møller
- True Dual Mono configuration
- Zero global negative feedback
- Microprocessor-controlled 85-step relay, volume attenuator featuring precision resistors and ultra-low capacitance relays for best sonic performance.
- Super-fast discrete Class A input buffer developed for best possible sonic performance
- Fully discrete balanced dual differential Class A line stage circuitry followed by a very fast symmetrical current amplifying Class A stage
- Four-layer printed circuit boards with pure copper traces up to 70my thickness.
- PCB-mounted sockets eliminate wiring and shorten signal path.
- Two separate custom made 65VA toroidal transformers, one for each channel.
- Massive power supply capacitor bank for each channel; total of 2 x 83,000uF.
- Polypropylene capacitors for local power supply decoupling.
- Separate power supply for both digital and individual left/right channel analog circuits.
- Fully regulated extremely low noise power supply for all voltage amplifying stages.
- Local shunt regulators for best noise suppression.
- PSU 5 Power Supply chassis with additional DC outputs for external Gryphon sources.
- Optional DAC3 module with one USB, two S/PDIF, one AES/EBU and one TOSLINK input.
- Gold-plated Neutrik XLR sockets for three balanced (Source) inputs and two (Main) outputs.
- Gold-plated Gryphon RCA phono sockets with Teflon insulation for 2 (Source) inputs and one single-ended preamplifier (Main) output.
- Fixed-level AV inputs for seamless integration with surround systems.
- Adjustable channel balance, source level matching, start-up volume and maximum volume level.
- Infrared remote control.
- 12V Link In/Out for remote power On/Off control
- Green Bias control for Gryphon power amplifiers
- Large 4,3” TFT capacitive touch information screen for intuitive control, presented in 4mm glass
- DC servo coupling
- Firmware upgrades easily via USB stick through rear panel
- Separate mechanical chassis for Power Supply and Amplifier circuits
- Standby current consumption ≤0.5W.
- Designed and built in Denmark
