The Pinnacle of Analog Precision | Available at Trimira Audio
The Gryphon Apollo Reference Turntable System is presented as a statement-level analogue source component designed for uncompromising vinyl playback.
Developed in collaboration with turntable specialist Helmut Brinkmann, the Apollo combines a direct-drive motor architecture with Gryphon's emphasis on mechanical rigidity, constrained-layer damping, substantial platter mass, and sophisticated isolation.
The result is a comprehensive turntable platform designed to prioritise rotational stability, mechanical silence, and precise cartridge-to-record interface.
At Trimira Audio, we recommend the Apollo for reference vinyl systems where turntable isolation, speed stability, tonearm flexibility, and mechanical engineering are central to the system design.
Key Features & Technological Innovations
Brinkmann Technical Collaboration
The Apollo incorporates direct-drive technology developed in collaboration with Helmut Brinkmann.
The direct-drive architecture eliminates the conventional belt interface between motor and platter, with the motor directly controlling platter rotation.
The design is intended to provide stable rotational speed and precise response to speed-control circuitry.
Constrained-Layer Damped Chassis
The main structure uses a multi-material constrained-layer construction incorporating:
- Anodised aluminium
- Kerrock
- Bitumen
- Stainless steel
The combination is designed to dissipate mechanical energy and reduce resonance throughout the turntable structure.
High-Mass Aluminium Platter with DLC Surface
The Apollo uses a substantial aluminium-alloy platter with a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) surface layer.
The DLC interface provides a hard, mechanically stable surface between the platter and record mat/record interface.
Dual Tonearm Support
Two independent tonearm positions allow the Apollo to accommodate two tonearms from approximately 9 to 12 inches.
This makes the platform particularly useful for systems incorporating multiple cartridge types—for example, separate MM and MC cartridges or different tonearm geometries.
External Sinusoidal Power Supply
The direct-drive motor is supplied by a dedicated external power-supply architecture.
The external supply is designed to provide regulated power for the motor while physically separating the motor-control power circuitry from the main turntable structure.
Active Resonance-Control Feet
High-mass isolation feet provide mechanical decoupling between the turntable and its supporting platform.
The isolation system is designed to reduce the effects of:
- Footfall vibration
- Floor-borne mechanical energy
- Acoustic feedback
- Environmental resonance
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Gryphon Apollo Reference Turntable |
| Drive System |
Custom Direct-Drive Motor with Sinusoidal Control |
| Platter |
High-Mass Aluminium Alloy with DLC Surface |
| Speeds |
33⅓ RPM & 45 RPM |
| Speed Accuracy / Wow & Flutter |
<0.01% |
| Tonearm Mounting |
Dual Armboard Support, 9–12-inch Tonearms |
| Chassis Materials |
Kerrock, Anodised Aluminium, Bitumen & Stainless Steel |
| Power Supply |
Dedicated External Motor Power Supply |
| Connectivity |
Ground Post / Internal Tonearm Cable Routing |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) |
550 × 480 × 220 mm |
| Total System Weight |
62.0 kg |
Dual-Tonearm Reference Vinyl System
The Apollo's dual-arm configuration provides considerable flexibility for advanced analogue systems.
A possible configuration could include:
Tonearm 1 → Low-Output MC Cartridge → Gryphon Siren
Tonearm 2 → MM / High-Output MC Cartridge → Gryphon Siren
This allows different cartridges and tonearms to be optimised independently without repeatedly removing and reinstalling cartridges.
The Apollo is therefore particularly attractive to vinyl enthusiasts maintaining multiple analogue front ends.
Cartridge & Tonearm Matching
Tonearm and cartridge matching remains critical even with a statement-level turntable.
Trimira Audio can assist with:
- 9–12-inch tonearm selection
- Cartridge matching
- Effective-mass assessment
- Cartridge alignment
- Tracking-force calibration
- Azimuth
- Vertical tracking angle
- Phono-stage loading
- Tonearm cable selection
For a system centred around the Gryphon Siren, cartridge loading and balanced versus single-ended signal architecture can also be optimised as part of the installation.
Mechanical Isolation & Installation
At approximately 62 kg combined system mass, the Apollo requires a stable, rigid support platform.
The turntable should be positioned away from loudspeaker-generated acoustic energy wherever possible, particularly in systems capable of substantial low-frequency output.
Trimira Audio can advise on:
- Dedicated turntable platforms
- Wall-mounted support
- Isolation solutions
- Speaker-to-turntable positioning
- Tonearm cable routing
- Grounding
- Final turntable levelling
Reference Analogue System Integration
The Apollo can form the source component of a complete Gryphon vinyl system:
Gryphon Apollo → Tonearm / Cartridge → Gryphon Siren → Gryphon Commander → Gryphon Apex / Mephisto → Reference Loudspeakers
This architecture combines a mechanically isolated turntable platform with dedicated reference phono amplification and high-current downstream electronics.
Consult with the High-End Audio Specialists at Trimira Audio
The Gryphon Apollo Reference Turntable System combines direct-drive motor technology, constrained-layer chassis damping, a high-mass aluminium/DLC platter, dual tonearm support, external motor power supply, and high-mass isolation feet in a statement analogue source platform.
Trimira Audio can assist with complete Apollo installation, including tonearm and cartridge matching, mechanical isolation, phono-stage configuration, grounding, and final analogue-system setup.
Contact the Trimira Audio vinyl specialists in Brisbane to discuss tonearm/cartridge combinations, dedicated isolation platforms, or arrange a private Apollo consultation.
