The Ultimate Statement in Two-Channel Control | Available at Trimira Audio
The Gryphon Commander Preamplifier is a flagship two-chassis reference line stage designed for uncompromising high-end two-channel systems.
Created to partner with Gryphon's most ambitious power amplifiers, including the Apex and Mephisto, the Commander separates its sensitive analogue gain circuitry from its substantial power supply. Its fully discrete Pure Class A dual-mono architecture, zero global negative feedback, precision relay-controlled volume system, and exceptionally wide bandwidth are designed to provide an extremely transparent signal path.
At Trimira Audio, we recommend the Commander for reference systems where maximum source transparency, channel separation, low noise, and precise volume control are required.
Key Features & Technological Innovations
Two-Chassis Mechanical Isolation
The Commander separates the preamplifier/audio chassis from its dedicated external power supply.
This physical separation is designed to minimise the influence of transformer fields, power-supply circuitry, and mechanical vibration on the sensitive analogue gain stages.
The external PSU incorporates four custom-wound toroidal transformers within its dual-mono power architecture.
Pure Class A Dual-Mono Gain Stages
The Commander uses independent, fully discrete Class A gain stages for the left and right channels.
This architecture is designed to maximise channel separation and preserve independent dynamic behaviour between the two channels.
Zero Global Negative Feedback
The line stage operates without global negative feedback.
Its specified 0.1 Hz–1.5 MHz (-3 dB) bandwidth provides an exceptionally wide operating range, with substantial frequency-response margin beyond the audible spectrum.
85-Step Charcroft Volume Attenuator
Volume control is handled through an 85-step relay-controlled attenuator incorporating precision Charcroft Z-Foil resistors.
The microprocessor-controlled system provides accurate channel tracking while maintaining a highly controlled analogue signal path.
Ultra-Low-Noise Voltage References
The Commander incorporates ultra-low-noise voltage-reference circuitry designed to reduce noise within the preamplifier's control and gain architecture.
This contributes to the system's extremely low-noise operating environment.
4.3-Inch TFT Capacitive Touchscreen
A 4.3-inch glass capacitive touchscreen provides the primary visual interface.
The display is designed to provide clear access to system settings and controls while automatically adapting its presentation for comfortable viewing.
Green Bias Control
The Commander incorporates Gryphon's Green Bias Link functionality, allowing compatible Gryphon power amplifiers to be controlled directly from the preamplifier.
This provides convenient management of Class A amplifier operating conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Gryphon Commander Preamplifier |
| Architecture |
Two-Chassis Pure Class A Dual-Mono Line Stage |
| Inputs |
4 × Balanced XLR / 2 × Single-Ended RCA |
| Outputs |
2 × Balanced XLR Main Out / 1 × RCA Preamp Out / 1 × RCA Tape Out |
| Frequency Response (-3 dB) |
0.1 Hz–1.5 MHz |
| Gain |
+18.0 dB |
| THD + N |
0.003% @ 1 kHz, Balanced Output |
| Input Impedance |
18 kΩ Balanced / 12 kΩ Single-Ended |
| Output Impedance |
7 Ω |
| Maximum Output Level |
19.0 Vrms Balanced / 9.5 Vrms Single-Ended |
| Volume Control |
85-Step Relay-Controlled Attenuator |
| Display |
4.3-inch TFT Capacitive Glass Touchscreen |
| Preamplifier Dimensions (W × H × D) |
480 × 236 × 455 mm |
| Preamplifier Weight |
30.5 kg |
| PSU Dimensions (W × H × D) |
480 × 236 × 440 mm |
| PSU Weight |
38.2 kg |
| Total Combined Weight |
68.7 kg |
Reference Two-Channel System Architecture
The Commander is designed to function as the central control component in a statement-level stereo system:
Digital / Analogue Sources → Gryphon Commander → Gryphon Apex / Mephisto → Reference Loudspeakers
The two-chassis architecture allows the delicate line-stage circuitry to remain physically separated from the substantial power-supply section.
Its balanced XLR connectivity also makes it particularly suitable for fully balanced high-end systems.
Source & Power-Amplifier Matching
With +18 dB gain, a maximum balanced output of 19 Vrms, and 7-ohm output impedance, system gain structure should be considered carefully when selecting connected power amplifiers.
The Commander is particularly suited to high-performance systems where the preamplifier needs to control substantial reference amplification without becoming a limiting component.
Trimira Audio can assist with:
- Source-component matching
- Balanced XLR system design
- Power-amplifier matching
- Gain-structure optimisation
- Interconnect selection
- Green Bias integration
- Complete Gryphon system configuration
Installation Considerations
The combined 68.7 kg system requires appropriate equipment support and careful placement.
The separate PSU also provides flexibility in positioning the power-supply chassis away from the sensitive preamplifier section.
Trimira Audio can advise on:
- Equipment-rack placement
- Chassis separation
- Cable routing
- Mains-power requirements
- Thermal considerations
- System grounding
- Balanced signal connectivity
Consult with the High-End Audio Specialists at Trimira Audio
The Gryphon Commander combines a two-chassis Pure Class A dual-mono architecture, zero global negative feedback, 85-step Charcroft Z-Foil volume control, ultra-low-noise reference circuitry, four-toroidal-transformer PSU, and 0.1 Hz–1.5 MHz bandwidth in a statement-level reference preamplifier.
Trimira Audio can assist with complete Commander system integration, including source matching, Apex and Mephisto amplifier pairing, balanced cabling, Green Bias control, equipment placement, and system optimisation.
Contact the Trimira Audio two-channel specialists in Brisbane to arrange a private Commander audition or discuss a complete Gryphon reference system.
