VAC preamps with Gryphon power amp

Bob82

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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.


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


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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!
 
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
 
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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.
 
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.
 
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 [emoji6].


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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.
 
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