Gryphon TABU AT INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER User manual

Brand: Gryphon

Model: TABU AT INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Category: Supplementary music equipment

Type: User manual

TABU CENTURY

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

By Gryphon Audio Designs

INTRODUCTION THE TABU CENTURY INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

* True Dual Mono configuration

* Fully discrete construction

* Zero negative feedback

* Full remote controlled operation

* Motor-driven analog ALPS volume potentiometer

* Custom C core transformers

* Military spec. double-sided printed circuit boards

* Balanced inputs with PCB-mounted gold-plated Neutrik XLR sockets

* Single-ended inputs with PCB-mounted gold-plated WBT Phono

sockets

* Extensive mechanical decoupling minimal internal wiring

* Ultra-short signal path

* Frequency-independent damping factor

* Optional phonostage module

* Non-invasive protection system

* Designed and built in Denmark

Breaking the rules

There seems to be along-standing tacit agreement among

manufacturers of audio amplifiers as to exactly at which price and

quality level the integrated amplifier must cease to exist and give way

to separate preamplifier and power amplifier components, Many so-

called high end designers refuse to even seriously consider the

notion of an audiophile integrated amplifier.

At Gryphon, our engineers decided to break these unwritten rules

and see what would happen when we applied our skills to pushing

back the performance envelope in a true high end integrated

amplifier.

The Gryphon TABU Century is the end result of these efforts, making

audiophile performance available at a new level of affordable cost

and minimal complexity.

One step down from no compromise, build-it-now-and-calculate-

the-price-later separate audio amplifiers, the Gryphon TABU Century

clearly demonstrates the viability of the integrated amplifier as a high

end concept. Because the Gryphon TABU Century is a properly

designed unit from the ground up, savings from building on a single

chassis do not have significant negative impact on performance and

the advantages of shortening the signal path substantially by

eliminating a number of signal junctions such as sockets, plugs,

soldering points as well as an expensive exposed interconnect are

indisputable. Naturally, the electrical and sonic compatibility of the

preamp stage and power output section are assured, Although this

may seem a trivial point, it is definitely not a foregone conclusion

when attempting to mix and match components from different

manufacturers, or even from the same manufacturer.

A Genuine Gryphon Audio Design

High end manufacturers, daunted by the challenge of

achieving high performance at reduced cost, yet desirous of gaining

a share of the lower high end market, sometimes give up and simply

buy finished designs from outside engineers more experienced in the

area of cost-effectively production. Naturally, this means that the

sonic performance normally associated with the brand name is

entirely absent from their entry level products.

The Gryphon TABU Century, however, is designed by the very same

team of award-winning engineers responsible for the

conceptualization, exterior design, audio circuit design and final

voicing of every single Gryphon product since the very beginning.

While the vast majority of designers only have access to

commercially available CD's or LP's, the Gryphon TABU Century is

the result of extensive listening sessions with selections from our

exclusive collection of more than 1,000 first or second generation

studio master tapes from the Golden Age of stereo recording. These

tapes represent the closest approximation to the original live

performance, providing a more reliable reference which allows us to

work to a much higher standard.

Higher Standards

Those familiar with the acclaimed musicality and advanced design

philosophy of Gryphon Audio Designs will instantly recognize the

sound, look and feel of the Gryphon TABU Century. Careful

attention has been paid to component selection and interaction,

circuit design, PCB layout, grounding, assembly and quality control

in every phase of the design process.

The Gryphon TABU Century is essentially two independent mono

devices for reduced crosstalk and interchannel interaction.

The short signal path employs extra thick copper traces and an

absolute minimum of wiring. Balanced inputs fully exploit

transmission in the balanced mode for improved immunity to

interference.

The mechanical design of the cabinet and assembly methods are all

carefully calculated to provide an ideal, non-resonant environment

for vibration-sensitive components, through mechanical grounding

and decoupling of the transformers.

For your peace of mind, the Gryphon TABU Century employs a

comprehensive non-invasive protection system to protect your

amplifier and loudspeakers under the vast majority of situations with

no adverse effect on sonic performance.

Musicality and Practicality

The full-function remote control included with the Gryphon TABU

Century brings a new level of convenience and functionality to high

end audio. Flexible, modular design allows the option of purchasing

the TABU Century in a line-only version or with an optional

audiophile-grade phonostage. The phonostage module may also be

added at a later date. The Gryphon TABU Century is an elegant

combination of outstanding musical performance, ease of use and

distinctive cosmetic design.

USERS GUIDE

Because the TABU Century is an integrated amplifier, connecting

and using the unit is very straightforward.

Important instructions regarding fuses and balanced connections are

printed on the rear panel of the TABU Century.

The Tabu remote control was chosen because it is a reliable

inexpensive unit. This choice was based on the fact that most

Audiophiles prefer using a multifunction remote control rather than

having a battery of different remote controls for their complete AV

system.

Depending on the type of multi remote control that you hove, your

remote control may learn from the TABU remote control or you may

program your remote control directly by using the TABU data code.

The data code for the TABU remote control is:

DATA CODE FOR

REMOTE CONTROL

Code format, RECS 80 Low voltage.

System address 02

Function Data Code

ON/OFF 01H

MUTE 02H

VOL. up 2EH

VOL. down 2FH

INPUT up 07H

INPUT down 08H

Please refer to the user guide that came with your multifunction

remote control for further instructions.

UNPACKING

Please check that everything is inside the box.

Keep the box in a dry place for eventual future transportation.

INSTALLATION

Place the TABU Century at a location where good ventilation is

provided. Air must be free to circulate around the amplifier.

AC CONNECTION

Use only a dedicated AC power cord. Do NOT use loudspeaker

cable or other wire not expressly designed for AC purposes. Avoid

using long extension cords.

Your AC supply must be able to deliver a peak power of 1.100

Watts. The TABU Century uses 110 Watts at idle.

TABU Century FUSES

Fuse values are printed on the back of the TABU Century, do only

replace with fuses of same value.

BURN IN / WARM UP

Your TABU Century has been tested and burned in before delivery,

however it is our experience that the TABU Century will continue to

improve over the next 100 hours of use.

FRONT PANEL

The faceplate lay-out on the TABU Century is very simple.

The Volume control may be used manually or by remote control.

From left:

Pushbutton 1 is on / stand-by.

Pushbutton 2 is mute.

Pushbuttons 3-7 are line inputs (No. 3 is the balanced input).

Pushbutton 8 is tape monitor, allowing you to monitor playback from

a tape recorder.

When using the remote control you can choose input by the up and

down buttom. Up and down is going from left to right as seen from

the front of the TABU Century.

REAR PANEL

CONNECTIONS

Not only is the TABU Century a true dual mono Integrated Amplifier

but it is designed with mirror imaged circuit boards. This makes the

rear panel connections a little unusual compared to ordinary

products.

Input 5 Left and Input 5 Right are close together at the center of the

rear panel. All connection are to be made from center and out in

symmetry.

PHONO INPUT

(Optional)

If phono module is installed, your turntable should be connected to

input nr. 5

MAINTENANCE

We take great pride in the finish of every Gryphon product and our

meticulous inspection procedures ensure that every product that

reaches the consumer lives up to the highest standard humanly

possible. Gryphon products are not made by robots on automated

assembly lines. They are handcrafted and built by real people who

care.

ALUMINIUM

Aluminum surfaces may be cleaned with at damp cloth. Some

products made for restoration of vinyl interiors in cars may prove to

be very useful.

ACRYLIC

Acrylic surfaces should only be wiped with a very soft, dry cloth.

Small scratches may be removed with fiber-glass polish. Fingerprints

may be removed with a damp cloth. Do not use spirits or paper

tissue.

WARRANTY

The Gryphon TABU Century amplifier is warranted against failures

arising through faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 1

year from date of purchase. The warranty is not transferable.

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributor in the

buyers country by returning the unit securely packed in the original

box with all accessories, postage/freight prepaid and insured. The

unit will be repaired or replaced at no charge for parts and labor.

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of the unit has

not been defaced or removed and if repairs are performed only by

authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors. It does not cover damage

due to misuse, accident or neglect.

The distributor or manufacturer, Gryphon Audio Designs, Denmark

retains the exclusive right to make such judgement on the basis of

inspection.

The retailer, distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shall not be

double for consequential damage arising from the use, misuse or

failure of this product, including injuries to persons or property.

To qualify the warranty registration card must be filled out and

returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of purchase.

WARRANTY

REGISTRATION

CARD

The warranty of your Gryphon TABU Century is effective only if you

fill out the enclosed registration card and return it to us.

Your comments are highly appreciated. When we receive the card

from you, we will send you a small token gift and keep you informed

of future product development. Thank you.

If you attend Hi Fi Shows, please look us up. We always welcome the

opportunity to meet people who live with our products and share our

love of music.

Gryphon TABU AT INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER User manual

Brand: Gryphon

Model: TABU AT INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Category: Supplementary music equipment

Type: User manual

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Gryphon TABU AT INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER User manual

Gryphon TABU AT INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER User manual

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