Gryphon Audio Designs Commander LINE PREAMPLIFIER
Stereophile|July 2022
Are well-heeled audiophiles ready for a knob-free future? Gryphon Audio Designs thinks so. In contrast to Gryphon's volume knob-dominated Pandora preamplifier, the Danish company's new Commander offers nothing on its bold front panel to grab or turn.
MICHAEL FREMER
Gryphon Audio Designs Commander LINE PREAMPLIFIER

SPECIFICATIONS

Description Stereo line-level preamplifier with remote control and relay-selected resistor arrays for level control. Inputs: 4 pairs balanced (XLR), 2 pairs single-ended (RCA). Outputs: 2 pairs balanced (XLR) plus one pair each single-ended (RCA) Preamp and Tape. Input impedance: 18k ohms balanced, 12k ohms single-ended. Output impedance: 7 ohms. Gain: 18dB. Frequency response: 0.1Hz– 1.5MHz, –3dB. THD+N: 0.003% (balanced output). Total power supply capacity: 2 × 90,000μF. Power consumption: <0.5W (standby), 90W (idle).

Dimensions Audio/control unit: 18.8” (480mm) W × 9.3" (236mm) H × 17.9" (455mm) D. Weight: 67.2lb (30.5kg). Power supply: 18.8" (480mm) W × 9.29" (260mm) H × 17.3" (440mm) D. Weight: 84.2lb (38.2kg).

Finish Black.

Serial number of units reviewed 5600-000 (preamp), 5610-000 (power supply). Designed and manufactured in Denmark.

Price $63,000. Warranty: 3 years parts and labor.

Manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs ApS, Industrivej 10B, DK 8600 Ry, Denmark. Tel: (+45) 86891200. Web: gryphon-audio.com. US distribution: Gryphon Audio N.A. Tel: (201) 690-9006. Email: anthony@gryphon-audio.dk.

Instead, there's a large, extra-thick, triangular glass protuberance that extends dramatically below the chassis's vertical dimension. That's where you'll find an "on/off" button, the main unit's only physical switch.

A 4.3" TFT capacitive touch screen incorporated within that triangular glass panel controls all this preamp's functionality. The pushbutton remote control duplicates many but not all operations. More about that later.

This story is from the July 2022 edition of Stereophile.

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This story is from the July 2022 edition of Stereophile.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.