Gryphon Zena Pre Amplifier

Description

Overview

The Zena is a two-channel preamplifier from Gryphon Audio Designs of Denmark, built to the company’s Class A, minimalist principles but with a modular twist. It was the first Gryphon preamplifier to offer the option of an internal phono stage or DAC, allowing a purist line preamplifier to grow into a more complete source hub without leaving the signal path compromised.

Design & build

Designed and built in Denmark, the Zena carries Gryphon’s understated, substantial casework. Its two channels are configured as a true dual-mono pair, and connection is by gold-plated Swiss Neutrik XLR sockets and gold-plated phono sockets. A large power supply — two 26,000 microfarad reservoirs — underpins the circuit, reflecting Gryphon’s emphasis on unrestricted current delivery.

Sound & performance

The line stage is fully discrete, DC-coupled and runs in Class A with zero negative feedback. Gain is +18dB into a bandwidth of 0.1Hz to 1MHz, giving a presentation prized for its ease and lack of electronic signature. The dual-mono layout and generous supply are there to keep the two channels independent and the sound composed on demanding material.

Key features

Volume is handled by a 43-step, fully balanced relay attenuator in 2dB increments, using ultra-precision resistors and Pickering reed relays, with no more than two resistors in the signal path at any setting. Control is by touch-sensitive up/down buttons rather than a rotary wheel. Connections include balanced XLR and single-ended phono inputs and outputs.

Technology

The Zena’s optional DAC module is derived from Gryphon’s Kalliope converter, built around the ESS Sabre32 chipset with the same Class A, zero-feedback, heavily regulated approach as the preamplifier itself; its USB input accepts PCM to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD512. An optional moving-magnet/moving-coil phono module is also offered. Either can be specified at purchase or fitted later.

Specifications

Type: modular dual-mono Class A preamplifier. Feedback: zero negative feedback. Topology: fully discrete, DC-coupled. Volume: 43-step balanced relay attenuator, 2dB steps (Pickering reed relays). Gain: +18dB. Bandwidth: 0.1Hz–1MHz (-3dB). Power supply: 2 × 26,000µF. Optional DAC: Kalliope-derived, ESS Sabre32, USB to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD512. Optional phono: MM/MC. Built in Denmark.

Who it’s for

The Zena suits the listener who wants Gryphon’s Class A line-stage purity but values the flexibility to add digital conversion or a phono stage inside one chassis — whether from the outset or as a system evolves. It partners naturally with a Gryphon power amplifier and revealing loudspeakers.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

A preamplifier of this class rewards careful system matching and the right module choice. We can demonstrate the Zena, advise on configuration and partnering electronics, and arrange delivery and installation across the South. Speak to our team to arrange a listen or to specify your Zena.

The wider view: Gryphon Zena reviews in brief

The Zena is a two-channel preamplifier from Gryphon in Denmark. Its circuit is dual mono and runs in Class A with no negative feedback, and with no capacitors in the signal path. Volume is set by a balanced relay attenuator in 2 dB steps, and a plate at the back comes off to take one optional module, a phono stage or a DAC derived from Gryphon’s Kalliope converter.

Howard Kneller reviewed it for SoundStage! Ultra in March 2020 with neither module fitted. Its looks led him to expect something severe, and what he heard was warm and lush, with rich bass placed solidly on a wide and deep soundstage. He was more surprised that the treble stayed clear and refined, and impressed by the fine detail and how little noise it made. He called it “one of the most engaging, harmonically flush, and musical components I’ve reviewed”.

His one real complaint was the volume control. Steps of 2 dB were too coarse at the quietest settings, and he would have liked steps of 1 dB or finer. His own far dearer two-box preamplifier gave more transparency and attack, while the Zena sounded slightly fuller and more romantic.

It suits a listener who wants Gryphon’s Class A sound in one box, with the option of adding vinyl or digital later. Kneller was keen to hear it with one of Gryphon’s own power amplifiers, which is where we would start too, with the Essence. Above it in Gryphon’s range sits the two-box Pandora. We can demonstrate the Zena and help you choose its module.

What the reviewers say, in a nutshell

• SoundStage! Ultra, Howard Kneller, March 2020. Warm, rich and musical, with a clear treble and very low noise. The coarse volume steps were his only real complaint.

Read what the critics say about more of our preamplifiers in The Hi-Fi Review Bible.