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  1. #1
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    VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    Hi all,

    Been contemplating replacing my power amplifier with a Gryphon power amplifier i.e Essence stereo.

    I have seen a video of the VAC preamp driving a Gryphon Colosseum on YouTube from Mike’s shop.

    Concerned if a Gryphon amp will be OK driven by the VAC pre music synergy wise although electrically don’t see much issues- VACs amplifier are at about 30dB gain themselves and impedance seems no issue but with a Gryphon at 0.54v sensitivity value.

    Appreciate input and feedback. Thanks.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  2. #2
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    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    My thoughts would be why not get a complete Gryphon Essence setup ?
    Haven't heard either so can't speak about sound differences , probably Mike can tell you more.
    Flemming

    Lumin X1
    Rotel Michi S5
    Focus Audio FS788

    Inter connect : Nordost Tyr 2 ( 2 Meter )
    LS cable : Yter
    Power Cables : Nordost Frey 2 ( 2 Meter )
    Nordost QB8
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  3. #3
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    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    When you have chosen a great product, and they offer the full gamut, the synergy is just there and it’s a safe approach.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
    Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
    Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
    Speakers: Wilson Alexias
    Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
    Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS









  4. #4
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    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    Impendence standpoint, VAC should have no problems driving the Gryphon. IMO, synergy between same company components is overrated. I had good / bad results mixing and matching and also within same company.

    I had a VAC SigMKIIa SE pre and is very sensitive to tube rolling. Maybe try tube rolling to find what's lacking? My favorite 6922/e88cc are 60's Siemens e88cc/6922 or Telefunken in the VAC. GL!

  5. #5

    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    Synergy is certainly to be considered especially if you don't have the ability to try the equipment in your own room before purchasing. If you can try things out though sometimes you can come up with some amazing combo's and I particularly like using a tube pre with solid state amps most often with different brands. Auditioning is key for sure though!

    George
    Wilson Audio Alexx|Pair of Rel No25’s
    VAC Statement Preamplifier
    VAC Statement 452 Monoblocks
    Sonorus ATR10 MkII
    Esoteric D-02X|Esoteric P-02X|Aurender W20SE
    MIT Oracle MA-X SHD SC and IC
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  6. #6
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    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    Quote Originally Posted by FDPDK View Post
    My thoughts would be why not get a complete Gryphon Essence setup ?
    Haven't heard either so can't speak about sound differences , probably Mike can tell you more.
    You got me thinking there. I can’t agree more. The Gryphon dealer here has been raving about the Essence line and won’t blame him for that.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  7. #7
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    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    Quote Originally Posted by knghifi View Post
    Impendence standpoint, VAC should have no problems driving the Gryphon. IMO, synergy between same company components is overrated. I had good / bad results mixing and matching and also within same company.

    I had a VAC SigMKIIa SE pre and is very sensitive to tube rolling. Maybe try tube rolling to find what's lacking? My favorite 6922/e88cc are 60's Siemens e88cc/6922 or Telefunken in the VAC. GL!
    I have had the VAC Mk II SE for the past year or more and feel it is an excellent preamp. I have had it on the original Electroharmonix 6922 tubes that they came with.

    It is one of the things that I don’t wish to change as it simply irreplaceable in my setup.

    I might get a VAC 200IQ and go the all tube direction now or venture out into uncharted waters with a Gryphon at a later time.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  8. #8
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    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    Quote Originally Posted by gadawg View Post
    Synergy is certainly to be considered especially if you don't have the ability to try the equipment in your own room before purchasing. If you can try things out though sometimes you can come up with some amazing combo's and I particularly like using a tube pre with solid state amps most often with different brands. Auditioning is key for sure though!

    George
    George

    I have to agree and don’t see anything wrong with the your thought process. I find it hard to audition and trading used gear it is not as easy here so it is much more safer to go with the same brand.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  9. #9
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    Jan 2014
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    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob82 View Post
    I have had the VAC Mk II SE for the past year or more and feel it is an excellent preamp. I have had it on the original Electroharmonix 6922 tubes that they came with.

    It is one of the things that I don’t wish to change as it simply irreplaceable in my setup.

    I might get a VAC 200IQ and go the all tube direction now or venture out into uncharted waters with a Gryphon at a later time.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    EH 6922 is a very good new production tube.

    If you want to try NOS, Brent Jesse is my go to guy. Reasonable price and excellent service. Here's the page describing differences between 6922/e88cc.

    6DJ8 Tubes From Brent Jessee Recording

    Another easy upgrade is replacing the fuse. I like Synergistic Research the best. Looking at the back of the unit (fuse holder) arrow of the fuse should point left-to right.

    VAC 200IQ is an excellent amp. I'm not familiar with your speakers but might need 2 to drive them properly. Definitely demo before purchase.

  10. #10
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    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    You got me thinking there. I can’t agree more. The Gryphon dealer here has been raving about the Essence line and won’t blame him for that.


    But is it then possible for you to get it on loan ? that way you would know better.
    Flemming

    Lumin X1
    Rotel Michi S5
    Focus Audio FS788

    Inter connect : Nordost Tyr 2 ( 2 Meter )
    LS cable : Yter
    Power Cables : Nordost Frey 2 ( 2 Meter )
    Nordost QB8
    Fibercable for feeding the Lumin X1
    Rack : Finite Elemente Pagode

  11. #11
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    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    Quote Originally Posted by FDPDK View Post
    You got me thinking there. I can’t agree more. The Gryphon dealer here has been raving about the Essence line and won’t blame him for that.


    But is it then possible for you to get it on loan ? that way you would know better.
    I will try asking the dealer that but don’t think he wants to unless I can lay down the money on a deal. Besides that he seems to be awfully attached to it VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  12. #12
    Senior Member
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    639

    Re: VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

    Well if the dealer is so attached to it , it might suggest thats its really good. But i can also understand you that one like to have the possibility to try it out in ones own setup.
    Flemming

    Lumin X1
    Rotel Michi S5
    Focus Audio FS788

    Inter connect : Nordost Tyr 2 ( 2 Meter )
    LS cable : Yter
    Power Cables : Nordost Frey 2 ( 2 Meter )
    Nordost QB8
    Fibercable for feeding the Lumin X1
    Rack : Finite Elemente Pagode

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