Gryphon Ethos CD Player & D/A Converter

The Zenith of Compact Disc & High-Resolution Digital Reproduction | Available at Trimira Audio The Gryphon Ethos CD Player & D/A Converter is a statement digital source component designed to combine high-end Compact Disc playback with comprehensive high-resolution digital conversion. The Ethos functions both as a top-loading CD player and a standalone DAC, allowing physical CD collections and external digital sources to share the same reference conversion architecture. Its substantial, mechanically damped chassis houses a modified StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 transport, while the digital section employs dual ESS Sabre ES9018 32-bit DACs in a true dual-mono, dual-differential configuration. A discrete Pure Class A analogue output stage, zero global negative feedback, extensive power-supply isolation, and high-resolution USB capability complete the architecture. At Trimira Audio, we recommend the Ethos for listeners who want a sophisticated reference digital front end capable of serving both a serious CD collection and modern computer-based high-resolution playback. Key Features & Technological Innovations StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 Transport The Ethos uses a heavily modified StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 mechanism configured as a top-loading transport. The mechanism is mounted within a substantial aluminium structure designed to provide mechanical stability and isolate the optical transport from unwanted vibration. A custom gold-plated puck provides the physical disc interface during playback. Dual ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC Architecture Two ESS Sabre ES9018 32-bit DAC converters operate in a true dual-mono, dual-differential configuration. This architecture provides independent conversion paths for the two channels while supporting high-resolution digital processing. Discrete Pure Class A Analogue Output Following D/A conversion, the signal passes through discrete Pure Class A analogue output stages. The output circuitry operates without global negative feedback and uses regulated ±23 VDC rails. Selectable CD Upsampling CD playback can be digitally processed using selectable high-resolution conversion modes, including: PCM upsampling to 32-bit/384 kHz DSD128 conversion The architecture also provides selectable digital filtering characteristics. 12.5-Farad SuperCap USB Supply A dedicated 12.5 F SuperCap power reservoir supplies the USB receiver circuitry. The high-capacity energy-storage system is designed to isolate the USB interface from unwanted power-supply noise originating from connected computers and digital sources. Fully Dual-Mono Power Supply The Ethos incorporates two custom-wound toroidal transformers with independent power regulation. Separate supply sections service the various digital, analogue, display, and transport circuits, supporting the overall dual-mono architecture. Technical Specifications Specification Gryphon Ethos CD Player & DAC Topology Top-Loading CD Transport & Standalone Dual-Mono DAC Transport StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 Decoupled Top-Loading Engine DAC 2 × ESS Sabre ES9018 32-Bit Analogue Output Discrete Pure Class A, Zero Global Negative Feedback Digital Inputs USB-B Asynchronous / AES/EBU XLR / BNC S/PDIF Digital Output AES/EBU XLR, 110 Ω Analogue Outputs Balanced XLR / Single-Ended RCA USB PCM Up to 32-bit/384 kHz AES/EBU & BNC PCM Up to 24-bit/192 kHz DSD Native DSD64–DSD512 via USB Frequency Response (-0.1 dB) 0 Hz–96 kHz Signal-to-Noise Ratio <−113 dB, A-weighted THD + N <0.002% @ 0 dB Dimensions (W × D × H) 505 × 450 × 175 mm Net Weight 22.8 kg CD Playback & Digital Source Integration The Ethos can function as the central digital source in a high-end system: CD → Ethos Transport → Ethos DAC → Preamplifier → Power Amplifier → Loudspeakers It can also accept external digital sources: Computer / Streamer → USB / AES/EBU / BNC → Ethos DAC → Preamplifier This makes the Ethos particularly useful for systems combining physical CD collections with computer audio and digital streaming. High-Resolution Computer Audio The asynchronous USB interface supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, together with native DSD playback extending to DSD512. Trimira Audio can assist with: Windows USB audio configuration macOS integration DSD playback Roon configuration Digital transport matching USB optimisation AES/EBU and BNC source integration Analogue Output & System Matching The Ethos provides both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analogue outputs. For a fully balanced reference system, the preferred architecture can be: Ethos XLR → Balanced Preamplifier → Balanced Power Amplifier → Loudspeakers RCA connectivity provides flexibility for systems incorporating single-ended preamplification or integrated amplification. Trimira Audio can assist with digital-source selection, interconnect choice, gain structure, and complete system configuration. Reference Digital System Integration The Ethos is particularly attractive where a single component needs to accommodate both legacy physical media and modern high-resolution digital sources. A comprehensive system could incorporate: CD Collection + Computer Audio + Digital Transport → Gryphon Ethos → Gryphon Commander → Gryphon Apex / Mephisto → Reference Loudspeakers This creates a coherent digital front end while avoiding the need for a separate CD transport and DAC. Consult with the High-End Audio Specialists at Trimira Audio The Gryphon Ethos combines a StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 transport, dual ESS ES9018 DAC architecture, Pure Class A analogue output stages, dual-mono power supplies, high-resolution USB, and 12.5 F SuperCap USB power isolation in a statement CD player and DAC. Trimira Audio can assist with complete Ethos integration, including CD and digital-source configuration, USB computer audio, AES/EBU and BNC connectivity, balanced analogue interconnects, and system matching. Contact the Trimira Audio digital specialists in Brisbane to arrange a private Ethos demonstration or discuss a complete Gryphon reference digital system.