Gryphon Sonata Owner's Manual

THE GRYPHON

SONATA

OWNER'S MANUAL
THE GRYPHON SONATA PREAMPLIFIER

INTRODUCTION

First of all, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and thank you for
selecting the Gryphon Sonata preamplifier. We are confident that it will provide you many years
of listening pleasure. To ensure optimum performance, please take the time to carefully read
the owner's manual before installation.

UNPACKING
During unpacking and installation, please take care to avoid scratching the Gryphon Sonata.

Hard, sharp objects such as tools should not be nearby during this process. You might want to
remove your wristwatch, rings or other jewellery before handling the preamplifier. Please keep
the carton and all packing materials in a dry place for safe future transportation.

The following items are enclosed:

1 Gryphon Sonata preamplifier
1 Gryphon Sonata power supply
2 AC power cables
2 DC power supply cables
1 pair of white gloves
1 acrylic polish
1 packing list
1 purchase registration card
1 Green Bias control link (use with Gryphon Antileon or Antileon Solo power amplifiers)

If anything is missing or damaged, please contact your Gryphon dealer immediately.

INSTALLATION
In order to minimize any possible risk of electrical interference, do not place the preamplifier

directly above or below the power supply. The power supply connector allows you to place
them some distance apart. If you wish to place them side by side, please place the power
supply to the left of the preamplifier as seen from the front.

AC CONNECTION
Ideally, the Gryphon Sonata should be powered from a separate AC group independent of

other equipment. The Sonata is intended for use with a three-pin AC connection with separate
ground. In some countries, alternative grounding may be used. Your Gryphon dealer will be
able to assist you.

The AC filter section of the preamplifier requires connection to ground. Performance will be
greatly improved by proper grounding. The degree of improvement will depend on local
conditions.

Use only a dedicated AC power cord. Do not use long, thin coiled extension cords. Do NOT
use loudspeaker cable or other wire not expressly designed to carry high current. Improper
cable or cable of insufficient diameter will generate heat, melting the insulation with potentially
disastrous consequences.

AC cords DO have an audible effect on sound quality, but all experiments should be carried out
with due consideration to safety.

The Sonata has its own dedicated AC conditioner. If you use external line conditions in your
systems, please listen to the Sonata without these devices to determine what sounds best.
Listen for correct sound, not just different sound.

Because the Sonata is a true dual mono design, we strongly emphasize the importance of
symmetrical AC power polarity for the two channels. Correct AC polarity will improve transient
response, soundstage depth and ambience retrieval.

POWER SUPPLY
For each channel, connect a DC connector cable to the socket marked DC OUTPUT on the

supply and to the socket marked DC INPUT on the preamplifier. Turn the locking connector
clockwise to lock firmly to prevent accidental disconnection.

Each channel has its own On/Off switch. For optimum performance, we recommend that you
leave the Sonata powered up at all times. If you choose to turn the Sonata on and off, please
remember:

ALWAYS turn the preamplifier on, BEFORE turning on the power amplifier.

ALWAYS turn the power amplifier off, BEFORE turning off the preamplifier.

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS
Make sure that the power supply is turned off, before making any connections.

Three balanced XLR inputs marked INPUT 1, INPUT 2 and INPUT 3 are provided. INPUT 4,
TAPE IN and TAPE OUT use single-ended RCA connectors. Connect your signal sources to
the appropriate sockets.

Two sets of balanced XLR outputs marked OUTPUT 1 and OUTPUT 2 are provided. These
outputs allow easy bi-amping or multi-room operation.

If you are using a Gryphon Antileon or Antileon Solo power amplifier, you may choose to
connect the Green Bias control link for automatic regulation of Class A bias to the socket
marked BIAS CONTROL on the preamplifier and on the power amplifier (See menu functions).