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TABU CENTURY
INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
By Gryphon Audio Designs
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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