TABU CENTURY

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
By Gryphon Audio Designs

INTRODUCTION

THE TABU CENTURY INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

* True Dual Mono configuration * Fully discrete construction * Zero negative feedback * Full remote controlled operation * Motor-driven analog ALPS volume potentiometer * Custom C core transformers * Military spec. double-sided printed circuit boards * Balanced inputs with PCB-mounted gold-plated Neutrik XLR sockets * Single-ended inputs with PCB-mounted gold-plated WBT Phono sockets * Extensive mechanical decoupling minimal internal wiring * Ultra-short signal path * Frequency-independent damping factor * Optional phonostage module * Non-invasive protection system * Designed and built in Denmark

Breaking the rules

There seems to be along-standing tacit agreement among manufacturers of audio amplifiers as to exactly at which price and quality level the integrated amplifier must cease to exist and give way to separate preamplifier and power amplifier components, Many socalled high end designers refuse to even seriously consider the notion of an audiophile integrated amplifier. At Gryphon, our engineers decided to break these unwritten rules and see what would happen when we applied our skills to pushing back the performance envelope in a true high end integrated amplifier. The Gryphon TABU Century is the end result of these efforts, making audiophile performance available at a new level of affordable cost and minimal complexity. One step down from no compromise, build-it-now-and-calculatethe-price-later separate audio amplifiers, the Gryphon TABU Century clearly demonstrates the viability of the integrated amplifier as a high end concept. Because the Gryphon TABU Century is a properly designed unit from the ground up, savings from building on a single chassis do not have significant negative impact on performance and the advantages of shortening the signal path substantially by eliminating a number of signal junctions such as sockets, plugs, soldering points as well as an expensive exposed interconnect are indisputable. Naturally, the electrical and sonic compatibility of the preamp stage and power output section are assured, Although this may seem a trivial point, it is definitely not a foregone conclusion

when attempting to mix and match components from different manufacturers, or even from the same manufacturer.

A Genuine Gryphon Audio Design

High end manufacturers, daunted by the challenge of achieving high performance at reduced cost, yet desirous of gaining a share of the lower high end market, sometimes give up and simply buy finished designs from outside engineers more experienced in the area of cost-effectively production. Naturally, this means that the sonic performance normally associated with the brand name is entirely absent from their entry level products. The Gryphon TABU Century, however, is designed by the very same team of award-winning engineers responsible for the conceptualization, exterior design, audio circuit design and final voicing of every single Gryphon product since the very beginning. While the vast majority of designers only have access to commercially available CD's or LP's, the Gryphon TABU Century is the result of extensive listening sessions with selections from our exclusive collection of more than 1,000 first or second generation studio master tapes from the Golden Age of stereo recording. These tapes represent the closest approximation to the original live performance, providing a more reliable reference which allows us to work to a much higher standard.

Higher Standards

Those familiar with the acclaimed musicality and advanced design philosophy of Gryphon Audio Designs will instantly recognize the sound, look and feel of the Gryphon TABU Century. Careful attention has been paid to component selection and interaction, circuit design, PCB layout, grounding, assembly and quality control in every phase of the design process. The Gryphon TABU Century is essentially two independent mono devices for reduced crosstalk and interchannel interaction. The short signal path employs extra thick copper traces and an absolute minimum of wiring. Balanced inputs fully exploit transmission in the balanced mode for improved immunity to interference. The mechanical design of the cabinet and assembly methods are all carefully calculated to provide an ideal, non-resonant environment for vibration-sensitive components, through mechanical grounding and decoupling of the transformers. For your peace of mind, the Gryphon TABU Century employs a comprehensive non-invasive protection system to protect your amplifier and loudspeakers under the vast majority of situations with no adverse effect on sonic performance.

Musicality and Practicality

The full-function remote control included with the Gryphon TABU Century brings a new level of convenience and functionality to high end audio. Flexible, modular design allows the option of purchasing the TABU Century in a line-only version or with an optional audiophile-grade phonostage. The phonostage module may also be added at a later date. The Gryphon TABU Century is an elegant combination of outstanding musical performance, ease of use and distinctive cosmetic design.

USERS GUIDE

Because the TABU Century is an integrated amplifier, connecting and using the unit is very straightforward. Important instructions regarding fuses and balanced connections are printed on the rear panel of the TABU Century. The Tabu remote control was chosen because it is a reliable inexpensive unit. This choice was based on the fact that most Audiophiles prefer using a multifunction remote control rather than having a battery of different remote controls for their complete AV system. Depending on the type of multi remote control that you hove, your remote control may learn from the TABU remote control or you may program your remote control directly by using the TABU data code. The data code for the TABU remote control is:

DATA CODE FOR REMOTE CONTROL

Code format, RECS 80 Low voltage. System address 02 Function Data Code ON/OFF 01H MUTE 02H VOL. up 2EH VOL. down 2FH INPUT up 07H INPUT down 08H Please refer to the user guide that came with your multifunction remote control for further instructions.

UNPACKING INSTALLATION

Please check that everything is inside the Keep the box in a dry place for eventual future transportation.

box.

Place the TABU Century at a location where good ventilation is provided. Air must be free to circulate around the amplifier.

AC CONNECTION

Use only a dedicated AC power cord. Do NOT use loudspeaker cable or other wire not expressly designed for AC purposes. Avoid using long extension cords. Your AC supply must be able to deliver a peak power of 1.100 Watts. The TABU Century uses 110 Watts at idle. Fuse values are printed on the back of the TABU Century, do only replace with fuses of same value. however it is our experience that the TABU Century will continue to improve over the next 100 hours of use. The faceplate lay-out on the TABU Century is very simple. The Volume control may be used manually or by remote control. From left: Pushbutton 1 is on / stand-by. Pushbutton 2 is mute. Pushbuttons 3-7 are line inputs (No. 3 is the balanced input). Pushbutton 8 is tape monitor, allowing you to monitor playback from a tape recorder. When using the remote control you can choose input by the up and down buttom. Up and down is going from left to right as seen from the front of the TABU Century.

TABU Century FUSES

BURN IN / WARM UP Your TABU Century has been tested and burned in before delivery,

FRONT PANEL

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Not only is the TABU Century a true dual mono Integrated Amplifier but it is designed with mirror imaged circuit boards. This makes the rear panel connections a little unusual compared to ordinary products. Input 5 Left and Input 5 Right are close together at the center of the rear panel. All connection are to be made from center and out in symmetry.

PHONO INPUT (Optional) MAINTENANCE

If phono module is installed, your turntable should be connected to input nr. 5 We take great pride in the finish of every Gryphon product and our meticulous inspection procedures ensure that every product that reaches the consumer lives up to the highest standard humanly possible. Gryphon products are not made by robots on automated assembly lines. They are handcrafted and built by real people who care.

ALUMINIUM

Aluminum surfaces may be cleaned with at damp cloth. Some products made for restoration of vinyl interiors in cars may prove to be very useful. Acrylic surfaces should only be wiped with a very soft, dry cloth. Small scratches may be removed with fiber-glass polish. Fingerprints may be removed with a damp cloth. Do not use spirits or paper tissue. The Gryphon TABU Century amplifier is warranted against failures arising through faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 1 year from date of purchase. The warranty is not transferable. All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributor in the buyers country by returning the unit securely packed in the original box with all accessories, postage/freight prepaid and insured. The unit will be repaired or replaced at no charge for parts and labor. This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of the unit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are performed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors. It does not cover damage due to misuse, accident or neglect. The distributor or manufacturer, Gryphon Audio Designs, Denmark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement on the basis of inspection. The retailer, distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shall not be double for consequential damage arising from the use, misuse or failure of this product, including injuries to persons or property. To qualify the warranty registration card must be filled out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of purchase. The warranty of your Gryphon TABU Century is effective only if you fill out the enclosed registration card and return it to us. Your comments are highly appreciated. When we receive the card from you, we will send you a small token gift and keep you informed of future product development. Thank you. If you attend Hi Fi Shows, please look us up. We always welcome the opportunity to meet people who live with our products and share our love of music.

ACRYLIC

WARRANTY

WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD