Description
As a necessary consequence of the introduction of the latest generation of Gryphon electronics, the Mirage preamplifier and Colosseum power amplifiers, Gryphon has created the all-new VIP Reference cable series, an audiophile range with ultra-pure conductors and select dielectric materials optimised for the free flow of music. Extreme low noise and high resolution are achieved through careful scrutiny of the electro-dynamics of field geometry.
Rigid mechanical construction and unstressed conductors of the purest metals are employed. Crystalline purity ensures fewer crystal boundaries and eliminates distortion caused by amplitude-dependent signal transmission.
Multiple layers of insulation contribute to uniform pressure on the conductors and effectively eliminate the “acoustic memory” of insulating materials, which in other cables causes smearing and degraded impulse response.
Uncompromisingly neutral with no intrinsic colourations and no bias in favour of specific frequency bands, Gryphon VIP Reference cables possess a unique level of tonal coherence from deep, detailed bass up through the rich, open midrange to the airy transparency of the highest frequencies.
The Gryphon VIP Reference Series consists of the VIP M5 Powercord, VIP Interconnect and VIP Speakercable
How can a mere two meters of super power cable make any kind of audible difference, when the electrical wiring in the walls is vastly inferior and on top of that, there are 20,000 meters of thin, aging wire between the home and an unstable power plant?”
This is certainly a valid question for a consumer embarking on the purchase of a very expensive power cable, no matter how good it sounds.
As is the case with so many things in audio, the explanations offered are often more creative than the products themselves and we have never heard anything on this subject that makes much sense.
Our theory – and the design platform behind the VIP M5 Powercord – is that the crucial aspect of a power cord is not what it does, but rather the far more important question of what it does not do.
The rear of an amplifier, preamp or any active audio component is the “busy” side. Here, sensitive signals are transported in and out; some balanced, some single-ended, some even via unshielded cables. Then there are speaker cables, carrying an amplified version of our precious message to the speakers.
In the middle of this hostile environment is the villain of our tale: the power cable carrying horrendous levels of noise and interference. In most cases it is infected by everything connected to it, washers, air conditioners, garage door openers, refrigerators, computers and their peripheral components. The long list is a nightmare and a surefire recipe for trouble.
OK, so what can we do about it?
The hardcore enthusiast has a dedicated power line that is not shared – in theory at least – with household appliances. He also has a dedicated 10 foot copper pole earth ground, because the shared ground is the common sewer for all the garbage that you do not wish to share.
He may even have power line conditioners, filters, transformers, etc., all with their own separate sets of issues. But even with all that in action, there is still a difference between power cords.
The design of the VIP M5 is based on a theory that makes sense to us: that a power cord in close proximity to sensitive interconnects and circuitry must have low radiation in order not to contaminate its surroundings. The M5 has excellent conductors, allowing it to carry high power as demanded by large amplifiers. Insulation is extremely tight to avoid any possible vibration related distortion. It also has it own dedicated ground wire in matching dimensions and materials.
The conductors and ground are effectively insulated and isolated with electrical shielding foil under a very dense, heavily braided copper screen. In the M5, this extreme shielding is connected to the dedicated ground wire as a well defined and efficient evacuation path for noise that otherwise would escape and radiate from the power cord to pollute the sensitive surroundings.
So the improvement that you hear is simply the elimination of emissions from a conventional poorly shielded power cord, allowing your other cables to perform at their best. The most obvious effect is normally an enhanced sense of “blackness” – silence, if you will, between instruments. This increased silence supports an improved experience of dynamics, as normally defined as the difference between silence and very loud.
The M5 is the fourth generation of Gryphon power cords since the introduction of the Online in the late 1980´s.
The M5 is delivered in 2 meter lengths pre-fitted with Furutech connectors. Other lengths are available as special orders.
For installation purposes the M5 is available in lengths of 30 meters. Bulk cable will only be sold without the black outer jacket and we cannot offer connectors, unless they are fitted at our factory.
