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TABU CENTURYINTEGRATED AMPLIFIERBy Gryphon Audio Designs

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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 DenmarkBreaking the rulesThere seems to be along-standing tacit agreement amongmanufacturers of audio amplifiers as to exactly at which price andquality level the integrated amplifier must cease to exist and give wayto separate preamplifier and power amplifier components, Many so-called high end designers refuse to even seriously consider thenotion of an audiophile integrated amplifier.

At Gryphon, our engineers decided to break these unwritten rulesand see what would happen when we applied our skills to pushingback the performance envelope in a true high end integratedamplifier.The Gryphon TABU Century is the end result of these efforts, makingaudiophile performance available at a new level of affordable costand minimal complexity.One step down from no compromise, build-it-now-and-calculate-the-price-later separate audio amplifiers, the Gryphon TABU Century

clearly demonstrates the viability of the integrated amplifier as a highend concept. Because the Gryphon TABU Century is a properlydesigned unit from the ground up, savings from building on a singlechassis do not have significant negative impact on performance andthe advantages of shortening the signal path substantially byeliminating a number of signal junctions such as sockets, plugs,soldering points as well as an expensive exposed interconnect areindisputable. Naturally, the electrical and sonic compatibility of thepreamp stage and power output section are assured, Although thismay seem a trivial point, it is definitely not a foregone conclusion

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

A Genuine Gryphon Audio DesignHigh end manufacturers, daunted by the challenge ofachieving high performance at reduced cost, yet desirous of gaininga share of the lower high end market, sometimes give up and simplybuy finished designs from outside engineers more experienced in thearea of cost-effectively production. Naturally, this means that thesonic performance normally associated with the brand name isentirely absent from their entry level products.The Gryphon TABU Century, however, is designed by the very sameteam of award-winning engineers responsible for theconceptualization, 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 tocommercially available CD's or LP's, the Gryphon TABU Century isthe result of extensive listening sessions with selections from ourexclusive collection of more than 1,000 first or second generationstudio master tapes from the Golden Age of stereo recording. Thesetapes represent the closest approximation to the original liveperformance, providing a more reliable reference which allows us towork to a much higher standard.

Higher StandardsThose familiar with the acclaimed musicality and advanced designphilosophy of Gryphon Audio Designs will instantly recognize thesound, look and feel of the Gryphon TABU Century. Carefulattention has been paid to component selection and interaction,circuit design, PCB layout, grounding, assembly and quality controlin every phase of the design process.The Gryphon TABU Century is essentially two independent monodevices for reduced crosstalk and interchannel interaction.The short signal path employs extra thick copper traces and anabsolute minimum of wiring. Balanced inputs fully exploit

transmission in the balanced mode for improved immunity tointerference.The mechanical design of the cabinet and assembly methods are allcarefully calculated to provide an ideal, non-resonant environmentfor vibration-sensitive components, through mechanical groundingand decoupling of the transformers.For your peace of mind, the Gryphon TABU Century employs acomprehensive non-invasive protection system to protect youramplifier and loudspeakers under the vast majority of situations withno adverse effect on sonic performance.

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Musicality and PracticalityThe full-function remote control included with the Gryphon TABUCentury brings a new level of convenience and functionality to high

end audio. Flexible, modular design allows the option of purchasingthe TABU Century in a line-only version or with an optionalaudiophile-grade phonostage. The phonostage module may also beadded at a later date. The Gryphon TABU Century is an elegantcombination of outstanding musical performance, ease of use anddistinctive cosmetic design.

USERS GUIDE Because the TABU Century is an integrated amplifier, connectingand using the unit is very straightforward.

Important instructions regarding fuses and balanced connections areprinted on the rear panel of the TABU Century.

The Tabu remote control was chosen because it is a reliableinexpensive unit. This choice was based on the fact that most

Audiophiles prefer using a multifunction remote control rather thanhaving a battery of different remote controls for their complete AVsystem.Depending on the type of multi remote control that you hove, yourremote control may learn from the TABU remote control or you mayprogram your remote control directly by using the TABU data code.

The data code for the TABU remote control is:

DATA CODE FORREMOTE CONTROL

Code format, RECS 80 Low voltage.System address 02Function Data CodeON/OFF 01HMUTE 02H

VOL. up 2EHVOL. down 2FHINPUT up 07H

INPUT down 08H

Please refer to the user guide that came with your multifunctionremote control for further instructions.

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

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

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AC CONNECTION Use only a dedicated AC power cord. Do NOT use loudspeakercable or other wire not expressly designed for AC purposes. Avoidusing long extension cords.Your AC supply must be able to deliver a peak power of 1.100Watts. The TABU Century uses 110 Watts at idle.

TABU Century FUSES Fuse values are printed on the back of the TABU Century, do onlyreplace with fuses of same value.

BURN IN / WARM UP Your TABU Century has been tested and burned in before delivery,however it is our experience that the TABU Century will continue toimprove over the next 100 hours of use.

FRONT PANEL 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 froma tape recorder.

When using the remote control you can choose input by the up anddown buttom. Up and down is going from left to right as seen from

the front of the TABU Century.

REAR PANELCONNECTIONS

Not only is the TABU Century a true dual mono Integrated Amplifierbut it is designed with mirror imaged circuit boards. This makes therear panel connections a little unusual compared to ordinaryproducts.

Input 5 Left and Input 5 Right are close together at the center of therear panel. All connection are to be made from center and out insymmetry.

PHONO INPUT(Optional)

If phono module is installed, your turntable should be connected toinput nr. 5

MAINTENANCE We take great pride in the finish of every Gryphon product and ourmeticulous inspection procedures ensure that every product thatreaches the consumer lives up to the highest standard humanlypossible. Gryphon products are not made by robots on automatedassembly lines. They are handcrafted and built by real people whocare.

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ALUMINIUM Aluminum surfaces may be cleaned with at damp cloth. Someproducts made for restoration of vinyl interiors in cars may prove tobe very useful.

ACRYLIC Acrylic surfaces should only be wiped with a very soft, dry cloth.Small scratches may be removed with fiber-glass polish. Fingerprintsmay be removed with a damp cloth. Do not use spirits or papertissue.

WARRANTY The Gryphon TABU Century amplifier is warranted against failuresarising through faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 1year from date of purchase. The warranty is not transferable.All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributor in thebuyers country by returning the unit securely packed in the originalbox with all accessories postage/freight prepaid and insured. Theunit will be repaired or replaced at no charge for parts and labor.This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of the unit hasnot been defaced or removed and if repairs are performed only byauthorized Gryphon dealers or distributors. It does not cover damagedue to misuse accident or neglect.The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Denmarkretains the exclusive right to make such judgement on the basis ofinspection.The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shall not bedouble for consequential damage arising from the use misuse orfailure of this product including injuries to persons or property.To qualify the warranty registration card must be filled out andreturned to the manufacturer within 10 days of purchase.

WARRANTYREGISTRATIONCARD

The warranty of your Gryphon TABU Century is effective only if youfill out the enclosed registration card and return it to us.

Your comments are highly appreciated. When we receive the cardfrom you, we will send you a small token gift and keep you informedof future product development. Thank you.

If you attend Hi Fi Shows, please look us up. We always welcome theopportunity to meet people who live with our products and share ourlove of music.