The Zenith of Compact Disc & High-Resolution Digital Reproduction | Available at Trimira Audio
The Gryphon Ethos CD Player & D/A Converter is a statement digital source component designed to combine high-end Compact Disc playback with comprehensive high-resolution digital conversion.
The Ethos functions both as a top-loading CD player and a standalone DAC, allowing physical CD collections and external digital sources to share the same reference conversion architecture.
Its substantial, mechanically damped chassis houses a modified StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 transport, while the digital section employs dual ESS Sabre ES9018 32-bit DACs in a true dual-mono, dual-differential configuration.
A discrete Pure Class A analogue output stage, zero global negative feedback, extensive power-supply isolation, and high-resolution USB capability complete the architecture.
At Trimira Audio, we recommend the Ethos for listeners who want a sophisticated reference digital front end capable of serving both a serious CD collection and modern computer-based high-resolution playback.
Key Features & Technological Innovations
StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 Transport
The Ethos uses a heavily modified StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 mechanism configured as a top-loading transport.
The mechanism is mounted within a substantial aluminium structure designed to provide mechanical stability and isolate the optical transport from unwanted vibration.
A custom gold-plated puck provides the physical disc interface during playback.
Dual ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC Architecture
Two ESS Sabre ES9018 32-bit DAC converters operate in a true dual-mono, dual-differential configuration.
This architecture provides independent conversion paths for the two channels while supporting high-resolution digital processing.
Discrete Pure Class A Analogue Output
Following D/A conversion, the signal passes through discrete Pure Class A analogue output stages.
The output circuitry operates without global negative feedback and uses regulated ±23 VDC rails.
Selectable CD Upsampling
CD playback can be digitally processed using selectable high-resolution conversion modes, including:
- PCM upsampling to 32-bit/384 kHz
- DSD128 conversion
The architecture also provides selectable digital filtering characteristics.
12.5-Farad SuperCap USB Supply
A dedicated 12.5 F SuperCap power reservoir supplies the USB receiver circuitry.
The high-capacity energy-storage system is designed to isolate the USB interface from unwanted power-supply noise originating from connected computers and digital sources.
Fully Dual-Mono Power Supply
The Ethos incorporates two custom-wound toroidal transformers with independent power regulation.
Separate supply sections service the various digital, analogue, display, and transport circuits, supporting the overall dual-mono architecture.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Gryphon Ethos CD Player & DAC |
| Topology |
Top-Loading CD Transport & Standalone Dual-Mono DAC |
| Transport |
StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 Decoupled Top-Loading Engine |
| DAC |
2 × ESS Sabre ES9018 32-Bit |
| Analogue Output |
Discrete Pure Class A, Zero Global Negative Feedback |
| Digital Inputs |
USB-B Asynchronous / AES/EBU XLR / BNC S/PDIF |
| Digital Output |
AES/EBU XLR, 110 Ω |
| Analogue Outputs |
Balanced XLR / Single-Ended RCA |
| USB PCM |
Up to 32-bit/384 kHz |
| AES/EBU & BNC PCM |
Up to 24-bit/192 kHz |
| DSD |
Native DSD64–DSD512 via USB |
| Frequency Response (-0.1 dB) |
0 Hz–96 kHz |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
<−113 dB, A-weighted |
| THD + N |
<0.002% @ 0 dB |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) |
505 × 450 × 175 mm |
| Net Weight |
22.8 kg |
CD Playback & Digital Source Integration
The Ethos can function as the central digital source in a high-end system:
CD → Ethos Transport → Ethos DAC → Preamplifier → Power Amplifier → Loudspeakers
It can also accept external digital sources:
Computer / Streamer → USB / AES/EBU / BNC → Ethos DAC → Preamplifier
This makes the Ethos particularly useful for systems combining physical CD collections with computer audio and digital streaming.
High-Resolution Computer Audio
The asynchronous USB interface supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, together with native DSD playback extending to DSD512.
Trimira Audio can assist with:
- Windows USB audio configuration
- macOS integration
- DSD playback
- Roon configuration
- Digital transport matching
- USB optimisation
- AES/EBU and BNC source integration
Analogue Output & System Matching
The Ethos provides both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analogue outputs.
For a fully balanced reference system, the preferred architecture can be:
Ethos XLR → Balanced Preamplifier → Balanced Power Amplifier → Loudspeakers
RCA connectivity provides flexibility for systems incorporating single-ended preamplification or integrated amplification.
Trimira Audio can assist with digital-source selection, interconnect choice, gain structure, and complete system configuration.
Reference Digital System Integration
The Ethos is particularly attractive where a single component needs to accommodate both legacy physical media and modern high-resolution digital sources.
A comprehensive system could incorporate:
CD Collection + Computer Audio + Digital Transport → Gryphon Ethos → Gryphon Commander → Gryphon Apex / Mephisto → Reference Loudspeakers
This creates a coherent digital front end while avoiding the need for a separate CD transport and DAC.
Consult with the High-End Audio Specialists at Trimira Audio
The Gryphon Ethos combines a StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 transport, dual ESS ES9018 DAC architecture, Pure Class A analogue output stages, dual-mono power supplies, high-resolution USB, and 12.5 F SuperCap USB power isolation in a statement CD player and DAC.
Trimira Audio can assist with complete Ethos integration, including CD and digital-source configuration, USB computer audio, AES/EBU and BNC connectivity, balanced analogue interconnects, and system matching.
Contact the Trimira Audio digital specialists in Brisbane to arrange a private Ethos demonstration or discuss a complete Gryphon reference digital system.
