The Gryphon Helios is a reference pure Class A preamplifier developed from the lineage of the acclaimed Pandora and technologies created for Gryphon’s flagship Commander. Designed and built in Denmark, its true dual-mono architecture employs ultra-low-noise dual JFET input devices, fully discrete balanced Class A circuitry and zero global negative feedback to preserve exceptional transparency, dynamic expression and musical resolution.
A separate PSU 5 power supply houses two custom-made 65VA toroidal transformers and 83,000µF of capacitance per channel, providing independent, ultra-low-noise power for the audio circuitry. An 85-step relay-based volume attenuator provides exceptionally precise level control, while three balanced and two single-ended inputs offer extensive system flexibility. Optional DAC3 digital and PS3 MM/MC phono modules allow the Helios to become the complete control centre of a reference high-end system.
Key Features
Reference pure Class A line preamplifier
Designed and built in Denmark
Two-chassis design with separate PSU 5 power supply
True dual-mono configuration
Zero global negative feedback
Ultra-low-noise dual JFET input devices
Super-fast discrete Class A input buffer
Fully discrete balanced dual-differential Class A line stage
Symmetrical Class A current amplification stage
85-step relay-based volume attenuator
Precision resistors and ultra-low-capacitance relays
2 × custom-made 65VA toroidal transformers
2 × 83,000µF power-supply capacitor banks
Separate power supplies for digital and left/right analogue circuitry
Fully regulated ultra-low-noise supplies for voltage amplification stages
Local shunt regulation
Polypropylene local decoupling capacitors
Four-layer PCBs with copper traces up to 70µm
PCB-mounted sockets to minimise signal-path length
3 × balanced XLR source inputs
2 × single-ended RCA source inputs
2 × balanced XLR main outputs
1 × single-ended RCA main output
Fixed-level AV integration
Gryphon Green Bias control
Optional DAC3 digital module
Optional PS3 MM/MC phono module
4.3-inch capacitive TFT touchscreen
Infrared remote control
12V Link input/output
DC servo coupling
USB firmware updates
Balanced input impedance: 25kΩ
Single-ended input impedance: 12.5kΩ
Output impedance: 8Ω
Bandwidth: 0.1Hz–1.5MHz (-3dB)
Gain: +18dB
THD+N: 0.003% at 1kHz
Maximum balanced output: 20Vrms
Preamplifier dimensions: 475 × 387 × 173mm
PSU 5 dimensions: 475 × 387 × 173mm
Preamplifier weight: 13.9kg
PSU 5 weight: 18.2kg
The Gryphon Helios is a reference pure Class A preamplifier developed from the lineage of the acclaimed Pandora and technologies created for Gryphon’s flagship Commander. Designed and built in Denmark, its true dual-mono architecture employs ultra-low-noise dual JFET input devices, fully discrete balanced Class A circuitry and zero global negative feedback to preserve exceptional transparency, dynamic expression and musical resolution.
A separate PSU 5 power supply houses two custom-made 65VA toroidal transformers and 83,000µF of capacitance per channel, providing independent, ultra-low-noise power for the audio circuitry. An 85-step relay-based volume attenuator provides exceptionally precise level control, while three balanced and two single-ended inputs offer extensive system flexibility. Optional DAC3 digital and PS3 MM/MC phono modules allow the Helios to become the complete control centre of a reference high-end system.
Key Features
Reference pure Class A line preamplifier
Designed and built in Denmark
Two-chassis design with separate PSU 5 power supply
True dual-mono configuration
Zero global negative feedback
Ultra-low-noise dual JFET input devices
Super-fast discrete Class A input buffer
Fully discrete balanced dual-differential Class A line stage
Symmetrical Class A current amplification stage
85-step relay-based volume attenuator
Precision resistors and ultra-low-capacitance relays
2 × custom-made 65VA toroidal transformers
2 × 83,000µF power-supply capacitor banks
Separate power supplies for digital and left/right analogue circuitry
Fully regulated ultra-low-noise supplies for voltage amplification stages
Local shunt regulation
Polypropylene local decoupling capacitors
Four-layer PCBs with copper traces up to 70µm
PCB-mounted sockets to minimise signal-path length
3 × balanced XLR source inputs
2 × single-ended RCA source inputs
2 × balanced XLR main outputs
1 × single-ended RCA main output
Fixed-level AV integration
Gryphon Green Bias control
Optional DAC3 digital module
Optional PS3 MM/MC phono module
4.3-inch capacitive TFT touchscreen
Infrared remote control
12V Link input/output
DC servo coupling
USB firmware updates
Balanced input impedance: 25kΩ
Single-ended input impedance: 12.5kΩ
Output impedance: 8Ω
Bandwidth: 0.1Hz–1.5MHz (-3dB)
Gain: +18dB
THD+N: 0.003% at 1kHz
Maximum balanced output: 20Vrms
Preamplifier dimensions: 475 × 387 × 173mm
PSU 5 dimensions: 475 × 387 × 173mm
Preamplifier weight: 13.9kg
PSU 5 weight: 18.2kg
