Owners manualTrident ll

This speaker system consists

of a combination of different

materials that respond to tem-

perature and humidity

For prolonged life maximum

performance and reliability we

recommend that it is placed in

a room without any large varia-

tions in temperature and humi-

dity

本扬声器系统以多重物料制作可能受温度和湿度影响请将本扬声器系统放置于温度和湿度比较稳定的房间以确保其最佳表现耐用性及可靠性本揚聲器系統以多重物料製作可能受溫度和濕度影響請將本揚聲器系統放置於溫度和濕度比較穩定的房間以確保其最佳表現耐用性及可靠性

A Message from the FounderBy Flemming E Rasmussen CEO Gryphon Audio Designs

As the thirtieth anniversary of Gryphon Audio Designs loomslarge on the horizon it is as good an occasion as any to lookback and reflect on how we came this far on what we haveachieved and what we have learned

It is now widely acknowledged that Gryphon has built its repu-tation on a singularly iconoclastic approach to the design of lu-xury High End home audio equipment perhaps bestdescribed in the kind and generous words of audio critic KenKessler ldquoa code of perfectionism the likes of which Irsquove onlyever seen at the Bugatti atelier in Alsace or at the great watchhouses in Switzerland It is the result of not accepting the no-tion of compromise on any levelrdquo

In retrospect the history of Gryphon Audio Designs has beenan exploration of the complex art of simplicity taking as ourconceptual foundation the words of Albert Einstein widely re-ferred to as Einsteinrsquos Razor ldquoThe supreme goal of all theory isto make the irreducible basic elements as simple and as fewas possible without having to surrender the adequate repre-sentation of a single datum of experiencerdquo

Fortunately during the Gryphonrsquos lifetime dedicated music lo-vers in ever increasing numbers have come to demand morefrom their home entertainment systems in recognition andappreciation of the crucial musical contribution of natural un-doctored realistic sound that conveys the integrity and fullemotional impact of the original performance

More and more serious listeners recognise the validity of theGryphon approach A loudspeaker must not be an instrumentor an interpreter with a voice of its own only a neutral conduitthat lets us hear what is there no more and no less for betteror for worse

Trident llRarely have we designet a speakerproject that from the verybeginning had something rdquorightrdquo about it It was like this spea-ker was trying to show us the direction to follow in its creationfrom the organic shaped individual baffels to the exceptionalmarriage between the AMT and the conedrivers Everythingfell into its right place and no drivers needed rdquoagressive coa-chingrdquo ( read lots of adittional correcting components ) toshine in all its glory This feeling of rdquorightrdquo is what peoplecomment when they hear this speaker they praise its seamlessand coherent presentation with amazing dynamics and detailbut alwayst in a way that makes you appreciate the music theway it should be something that moves us and let us escapeinto a another world for a while

Flemming E RasmussenRy Denmark March 2014

The Final FrontierHaving earned a global reputation for technological masteryand unsurpassed excellence in audio amplification and CDplayback it was a natural evolutionary move for GryphonAudio Designs to broaden its scope and apply the uncompro-mising Gryphon philosophy to the final link in the chain Butthis decision was by no means made on the spur of the mo-ment

The Gryphon loudspeaker story begins with a chance encoun-ter between Gryphon founder Flemming E Rasmussen andDanish loudspeaker legend Steen Duelund a Danish mathe-matician who dedicated his life to the advancement of louds-peaker theory Duelund was a man on a mission whose manytheories and discoveries continue to inspire professional de-signers and DIY speaker builders long after his passing

On a strictly informal basis they began an in-depth explora-tion that would take full advantage of Rasmussenrsquos extensiveexperience in design and manufacturing to transform Due-lundrsquos theories into real-world products with scant regard forsuch minor details as pricing parts availability prevailing atti-tudes and preconceived notions

Imperfect DriversDuelundrsquos revolutionary theories on constant phase in crosso-ver networks can be summed up in a single statement ldquoAlldrivers must be in phase at all times at all frequenciesrdquo Follo-wing this theoretical ldquoEurekardquo the hard part then became ma-king that happen with a real loudspeaker in a real room Thefirst step was to acknowledge that the greatest challenge fa-cing loudspeaker designers was the simple fact that dynamicdrive units are by nature flawed and compromised

Steen Duelund

Many driver designs defy all sound design principles be-cause they are the result of penny-pinching exercises underheavy market pressure to deliver ldquoacceptablerdquo performance atthe lowest price There is little motivation to allocate resourcesto making drivers truly the best that they can be

In order to succeed in their mission now assigned the workingtitle Project 30 Rasmussen and Duelund returned to first con-cepts literally building by hand individual drivers with ba-skets that did not introduce compression handmademulti-laminate cones exotic home-brew coatings adjustablewire suspension to replace the conventional spider heavy-duty magnetic systems ventilated pole pieces machinedphase plugs and special surrounds to optimize the transitionbetween cone and baffle All edges were beveled for a delibe-rate aerodynamic profile Double wiring was employed on thecones to ensure perfect symmetry The list of breakthroughsgoes on

Every aspect of driver design assembly and function was tho-roughly investigated without prejudice and with scant respectfor received wisdom which often proved to be ill-foundeddogma formulated by individuals promoting their own specificagendas

The end result was drive units with extremely low Q highpower handling no dynamic compression and a linear pistonicrange that pushed back the limits of driver designIn order to live up to the uncompromising design goal of per-fect phase at all times at all frequencies the enclosure incor-porated a concave curved front to form a direct angledtime-aligned system with identical distance from the listenerto the acoustic centre of each driverThe finished loudspeaker can only be described as an openwindow utterly transparent to the original recorded event withequally remarkable dynamic headroom that re-creates thetrue power and full weight of live music both in details such asa drum rimshot and in the effortless expansion of an orchestralcrescendo in a large-scale symphonic piece

Gone were the sluggishness and ldquowhitewashedrdquo uniformity ty-pical of loudspeakers with complex crossovers where 60 ofthe components are dedicated to the thankless task of com-pensating for the basic imperfections of inferior drivers Insuch speakers the crossover becomes a virtual ldquoblack holerdquosucking up energy instead of conveying it to the drivers

At this stage a respected German audio reviewer visitedGryphon In the Gryphon listening room he auditioned Gryp-hon amplifiers using the companyrsquos usual reference loudspea-kers a well-known American full-range system Suitablyimpressed with what he heard he happened to notice somelarge enclosures concealed beneath a sheet off to one side

His curiosity aroused he persuaded Flemming to hook themup for an off the record listening session with the clear under-standing that this was not a commercial product

To make a long story short the reviewer had a revelatory ex-perience and rumours quickly began to circulate about a my-stery speaker that Gryphon were keeping to themselves

Despite the unique quality of the project Rasmussen decidednot to pursue it as a commercial venture using the loudspea-kers only as a valued tool in the companyrsquos electronics devel-opment work The decision was based on the fact that themany hand-tweaked non-standard components made it a slowexpensive and exceedingly complex system to build Toomany of its geeky off-the-wall solutions were conceived andexecuted without regard for the real-world problems of consi-stent day-to-day production and long-term reliability More-over this was at a time in the High End industry whenelectronics manufacturers and speaker makers politely playedin their own sandboxes rarely invading each otherrsquos turfToday things have changed considerably

The Cantata Reference Monitor SystemBy the millennium Gryphon had become firmly established asa major international player with a range of amplification com-ponents and CD players widely regarded as among the verybest in the esoteric world of High End audio

Gryphon innovations included the worlds first single-chassisCD player with onboard upsampling and critical system en-hancements such as the acclaimed Exorcist the worlds firstsystem demagnetizer as well as a range of cables and acces-sories

Still demand for a Gryphon loudspeaker continued to grow asdistributors dealers and enthusiasts wanted to share in thegreat secret Electing not to fall into the same trap as so manyothers who rush to market with a ldquome toordquo loudspeaker sy-stem in an attempt to cash in on the goodwill of an establishedelectronics brand name Rasmussen decided to address anunacknowledged problem that he had frequently observedMost audiophiles select loudspeakers that are simply too largeto work well in their room and wind up fighting a losing battleagainst room acoustics with inadequate tools

Rasmussen already knew what they would have to learn frombitter expensive experience Not even the best amplifier androom treatments can turn things around once you have instal-led the wrong speaker in the wrong room To help enthusiastswith limited living space overcome these obstacles a morecompact loudspeaker became Gryphonrsquos top priority becauseit was felt to fill the greatest need

The Gryphon Cantata

Driven by his decade-long vision of a loudspeaker that wouldfinally get things right Rasmussen conceived the GryphonCantata to set new standards for sonic performance in a two-way system of modest dimensions With Steen Duelundrsquos theo-ries as inspiration acoustician Lars Matthiesen Rasmussen setabout the task of translating theory into workable practical so-lutions Rasmussen and the Gryphon design team created theproductrsquos conceptual and physical framework while Rasmus-sen and Gryphon chairman Valdemar Boslashrsting were responsi-ble for final voicing Exploiting Gryphonrsquos home courtadvantage in the field of electronics it was natural to incorpo-rate a high tech active Q control a concept introduced in the1950rsquos by Linkwitz and Greiner but never successfully imple-mented

The Cantata received a rave reception from press and ownersalike winning numerous awards including Product of the Yearfrom UK magazine HiFi+ Gryphon was immediately acceptedas a loudspeaker manufacturer and praised for tackling theendeavour with innovative flair and bravery

Gryphon PoseidonThe development and in particular the actual production ofCantata with its innumerable tailor-made components gaveGryphon valuable experience and the courage to revive andcomplete Project 30 Auditioning confirmed that the systemhad been well ahead of its time Equally important Gryphonrsquosaccrued experience and good working relations with drivermanufacturers now meant that the project could be fully reali-sed to an even higher standard

Special drive units would still be required but Gryphonrsquos unq-uestioned High End stature and the success of the Cantata at-tracted the interest of an internationally respected Danishdriver manufacturer willing to build drive units to Gryphonrsquosstrict specifications Jensen Capacitors manufactured induc-tors and capacitors to Gryphonrsquos specifications A German ma-nufacturer supplied a surround that matched the conegeometry The list of specialists involved continued to expand

As was once the norm in the High End Gryphon is still run byenthusiasts able and willing to take risks and push back boun-daries not because the marketplace demands it or becauseanyone asked them to but out of sheer curiosity as to whatawaits in the uncharted territories where no one has gone be-fore

Consequently Project 30 began to grow in scope and ambi-tion bearing out Flemming E Rasmussenrsquos bold declarationldquoThe reason we make products is to finance our research anddevelopment This is our true passionrdquo

In August 2004 the final fruit of Project 30 was unveiled Gryp-hon Poseidon Lavishly built by even the most extravagantHigh End standards the exquisitely finished Gryphon Posei-don offered expressive musical communication and a grippingsensation of involvement in the performance as it unfolds

Gryphon Poseidon redefined loudspeaker performance insuch crucial areas as sonic continuity and integrity allowingthe listener to create a more vivid mental image of the musicalevent with a greater sense of wholeness and consummateease

Followed by the more accessible Trident Atlantis and Mojo sy-stems Poseidon immediately established Gryphon Audio De-signs as a force to be reckoned with in the field of High Endloudspeakers

Enter the Trident llNow Gryphon Trident ll builds on what has gone before ex-ploring the complex art of simplicity even further in the ser-vice of music

The sculptural towers are built just down the road from Gryp-hon by a woodworking company specializing in custom designwork for recording studios and musicians Their staff includesseveral musicians who combine a perfectionist approach totheir craft with an open mind to untraditional solutions Ras-mussen frequently tested the limits of their open-mindednessin executing an undertaking on the grand scale of the Tridentll while maintaining structural and aesthetic integrity

Assembled using proprietary techniques Trident ll offer a ser-vice unique in the audio field access to virtually unlimitedpersonalised custom finish options not only at the time of ori-ginal purchase but also at any later date to keep pace withevolving personal style and interior deacutecor

Available panel options are limited only by the customersimagination However requests may not include rain forestwood or any endangered restricted or illegal materials

The Quest for SimplicityNo single drive unit is capable of properly reproducing theentire audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz No diaphragm canmove fast enough to reproduce 20 kHz overtones and at thesame time move enough air to reproduce deep bass at con-cert hall levels

For this reason loudspeaker manufacturers devote considera-ble resources during product development to selecting speci-alised drivers for each frequency section and moreimportantly to designing a crossover network to coerce themall to work together To do so the frequency spectrum is slicedup electronically and each piece is directed to the appropriatedriver where things are hopefully reassembled to form a cohe-rent acoustic event

It is at this point that so much can go wrong

Are the selected crossover components good enough to dotheir job without signal loss or distortion

Are the drivers sufficiently similar in tonal quality and speedthat they can create the illusion of a single coherent source ofsound

Does the crossover network properly compensate for the dri-versrsquo varying sensitivities so that the resulting sound is cor-rectly balanced from top to bottom

Have the crossover points between the drivers been properlytuned for undetectable seamless transitions with no frequencydips or peaks or phase anomalies

Is the cabinet designed to prevent resonances and delete-rious interaction between the drivers

The Gryphon Audio design team possesses unique experi-ence in the solution of such arcane audio problems having le-arned the most valuable lesson of all that eliminating aproblem before it arises is always far better than trying tosolve it

Or to put it in the vernacular ndash An ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure

In accordance with this guiding principle Gryphon Trident lleliminates the cabinet altogether in the midhigh frequencyrange Instead an extremely rigid panel houses a verticalarray of four Air Motion Transformer (AMT) super-tweetersalongside a single two meter tall dipolar planar magneticthin-film ribbon transducer

With ideal sound reproduction and mechanical behaviouracross more than seven octaves from 200 Hz to 18 kHz theGryphon Trident ll ribbon eliminates multiple crossover filtersections in the critical mid frequency range preserving spec-tral and temporal integrity

The crossover consists of the finest Duelund parts and solid

silver components encased in a heavily damped aluminiumblock suspended freely behind the panels At the extremehigh frequency transition between the ribbon and the AMTsuper-tweeter array the ribbon rolls off naturally with no low-pass filter section in the signal path

The high frequency systemrsquos innate wide and even horizontaldispersion with virtually nil vertical dispersion creates a largestable sweet spot with none of the floor and ceiling reflectionsthat muddy the sound of conventional multi-way systems Eli-minating this major source of interference allows Gryphon Tri-dent ll to achieve new levels of room-independent clarity andresolution

Bass FoundationSignificant effort and resources have been focused on delive-ring extended deep bass with articulation force and authoritycompletely independent of the acoustic environment

To keep pace with the extraordinary speed and openness ofour midrange drivers and AMT tweeters the Trident llacutes activebass offers elegantly simple original Gryphon solutions to anumber of complicated problems

Deep bass is perhaps counter-intuitively the most difficultpart of the audio spectrum to reproduce with both accuracyand seamless integration with the upper frequency range Afull-range speaker with bass drivers built into the main enclo-sure has its own set of demons to exorcise as does the cur-rently popular approach of tacking on a so-called ldquosubwooferrdquofor bottom end dutiesEach Trident ll cabinet houses 4 custom designed 8rdquo driveunits and a built-in specially designed Gryphon Class ABpower amplifier capable of 1000 Watts continuous output Forextended headroom available peak power is approximately4000 Watts or 45 horsepower

Unlike compromised ldquouniversalrdquo amplifiers the Trident ll bassamp has been conceived and built exclusively for optimal in-tegration with the systemrsquos custom-built drive units rigid cabi-net and flexible user-adjustable room integration controls fora level of performance unachievable by any standard mix-and-match approach

The Trident ll amplifiers incorporate 18 high current bipolaroutput transistors a 200000 microFarad capacitor bank DCservo-coupling zero global negative feedback no output re-lays output coupling via massive copper bussbars decoupledtransformer castings military spec double-sided printed circ-uit boards and Holmgren toroidal transformers with internalmagnetic shielding

Trident ll custom bass driver

In addition to the advantages of an active bass system withpurpose-built amplification designed for optimal operationwith the drive units and with the array of adjustable parame-ters active bass allows the owner to select a dedicated ampli-fier for the high frequency panels without having to worryabout the power demands of the massive Trident ll bass sy-stem

Conventional passive loudspeakers must be designed forcompatibility with a wide range of commercially availablepower amplifiers and active subwoofers are typically drivenby an off-the-shelf ldquodigitalrdquo power module that could fit in onehand

By way of comparison the purpose-built onboard Trident llpower amplifier weighs in at 70 kg per tower

Naturally ideal integration with the Trident ll high frequencypanel is assured

To achieve this ambitious goal the amplifier incorporates sop-histicated Q Control circuitry to fine-tune bass response aswell as additional adjustments to ensure ideal room interfaceThe bass remote control allows adjustment of bass level Q lowcut and other parameters directly from the listening position

The bass module offers Standby mode and provides effectivedriver protection via a comprehensive non-invasive systemthat monitors all functions more than 100 times per second The singular bass performance of the Gryphon Trident ll sy-stem heightens awareness of rhythmic subtleties and nuancesas it immerses the listener in musicrsquos rhythmic powerPassive Upper Frequency PanelBy physically separating the bass and upper frequency sec-tions Gryphon Trident ll elegantly sidesteps issues that inevi-tably arise in a full-range cabinet or in a satellitesubwooferconfiguration

Reproduction of deep bass from a dedicated cabinet comple-tely eliminates bass vibrations resonances and internal bass

Amplifier module for 1 bass

tower

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

A Message from the FounderBy Flemming E Rasmussen CEO Gryphon Audio Designs

As the thirtieth anniversary of Gryphon Audio Designs loomslarge on the horizon it is as good an occasion as any to lookback and reflect on how we came this far on what we haveachieved and what we have learned

It is now widely acknowledged that Gryphon has built its repu-tation on a singularly iconoclastic approach to the design of lu-xury High End home audio equipment perhaps bestdescribed in the kind and generous words of audio critic KenKessler ldquoa code of perfectionism the likes of which Irsquove onlyever seen at the Bugatti atelier in Alsace or at the great watchhouses in Switzerland It is the result of not accepting the no-tion of compromise on any levelrdquo

In retrospect the history of Gryphon Audio Designs has beenan exploration of the complex art of simplicity taking as ourconceptual foundation the words of Albert Einstein widely re-ferred to as Einsteinrsquos Razor ldquoThe supreme goal of all theory isto make the irreducible basic elements as simple and as fewas possible without having to surrender the adequate repre-sentation of a single datum of experiencerdquo

Fortunately during the Gryphonrsquos lifetime dedicated music lo-vers in ever increasing numbers have come to demand morefrom their home entertainment systems in recognition andappreciation of the crucial musical contribution of natural un-doctored realistic sound that conveys the integrity and fullemotional impact of the original performance

More and more serious listeners recognise the validity of theGryphon approach A loudspeaker must not be an instrumentor an interpreter with a voice of its own only a neutral conduitthat lets us hear what is there no more and no less for betteror for worse

Trident llRarely have we designet a speakerproject that from the verybeginning had something rdquorightrdquo about it It was like this spea-ker was trying to show us the direction to follow in its creationfrom the organic shaped individual baffels to the exceptionalmarriage between the AMT and the conedrivers Everythingfell into its right place and no drivers needed rdquoagressive coa-chingrdquo ( read lots of adittional correcting components ) toshine in all its glory This feeling of rdquorightrdquo is what peoplecomment when they hear this speaker they praise its seamlessand coherent presentation with amazing dynamics and detailbut alwayst in a way that makes you appreciate the music theway it should be something that moves us and let us escapeinto a another world for a while

Flemming E RasmussenRy Denmark March 2014

The Final FrontierHaving earned a global reputation for technological masteryand unsurpassed excellence in audio amplification and CDplayback it was a natural evolutionary move for GryphonAudio Designs to broaden its scope and apply the uncompro-mising Gryphon philosophy to the final link in the chain Butthis decision was by no means made on the spur of the mo-ment

The Gryphon loudspeaker story begins with a chance encoun-ter between Gryphon founder Flemming E Rasmussen andDanish loudspeaker legend Steen Duelund a Danish mathe-matician who dedicated his life to the advancement of louds-peaker theory Duelund was a man on a mission whose manytheories and discoveries continue to inspire professional de-signers and DIY speaker builders long after his passing

On a strictly informal basis they began an in-depth explora-tion that would take full advantage of Rasmussenrsquos extensiveexperience in design and manufacturing to transform Due-lundrsquos theories into real-world products with scant regard forsuch minor details as pricing parts availability prevailing atti-tudes and preconceived notions

Imperfect DriversDuelundrsquos revolutionary theories on constant phase in crosso-ver networks can be summed up in a single statement ldquoAlldrivers must be in phase at all times at all frequenciesrdquo Follo-wing this theoretical ldquoEurekardquo the hard part then became ma-king that happen with a real loudspeaker in a real room Thefirst step was to acknowledge that the greatest challenge fa-cing loudspeaker designers was the simple fact that dynamicdrive units are by nature flawed and compromised

Steen Duelund

Many driver designs defy all sound design principles be-cause they are the result of penny-pinching exercises underheavy market pressure to deliver ldquoacceptablerdquo performance atthe lowest price There is little motivation to allocate resourcesto making drivers truly the best that they can be

In order to succeed in their mission now assigned the workingtitle Project 30 Rasmussen and Duelund returned to first con-cepts literally building by hand individual drivers with ba-skets that did not introduce compression handmademulti-laminate cones exotic home-brew coatings adjustablewire suspension to replace the conventional spider heavy-duty magnetic systems ventilated pole pieces machinedphase plugs and special surrounds to optimize the transitionbetween cone and baffle All edges were beveled for a delibe-rate aerodynamic profile Double wiring was employed on thecones to ensure perfect symmetry The list of breakthroughsgoes on

Every aspect of driver design assembly and function was tho-roughly investigated without prejudice and with scant respectfor received wisdom which often proved to be ill-foundeddogma formulated by individuals promoting their own specificagendas

The end result was drive units with extremely low Q highpower handling no dynamic compression and a linear pistonicrange that pushed back the limits of driver designIn order to live up to the uncompromising design goal of per-fect phase at all times at all frequencies the enclosure incor-porated a concave curved front to form a direct angledtime-aligned system with identical distance from the listenerto the acoustic centre of each driverThe finished loudspeaker can only be described as an openwindow utterly transparent to the original recorded event withequally remarkable dynamic headroom that re-creates thetrue power and full weight of live music both in details such asa drum rimshot and in the effortless expansion of an orchestralcrescendo in a large-scale symphonic piece

Gone were the sluggishness and ldquowhitewashedrdquo uniformity ty-pical of loudspeakers with complex crossovers where 60 ofthe components are dedicated to the thankless task of com-pensating for the basic imperfections of inferior drivers Insuch speakers the crossover becomes a virtual ldquoblack holerdquosucking up energy instead of conveying it to the drivers

At this stage a respected German audio reviewer visitedGryphon In the Gryphon listening room he auditioned Gryp-hon amplifiers using the companyrsquos usual reference loudspea-kers a well-known American full-range system Suitablyimpressed with what he heard he happened to notice somelarge enclosures concealed beneath a sheet off to one side

His curiosity aroused he persuaded Flemming to hook themup for an off the record listening session with the clear under-standing that this was not a commercial product

To make a long story short the reviewer had a revelatory ex-perience and rumours quickly began to circulate about a my-stery speaker that Gryphon were keeping to themselves

Despite the unique quality of the project Rasmussen decidednot to pursue it as a commercial venture using the loudspea-kers only as a valued tool in the companyrsquos electronics devel-opment work The decision was based on the fact that themany hand-tweaked non-standard components made it a slowexpensive and exceedingly complex system to build Toomany of its geeky off-the-wall solutions were conceived andexecuted without regard for the real-world problems of consi-stent day-to-day production and long-term reliability More-over this was at a time in the High End industry whenelectronics manufacturers and speaker makers politely playedin their own sandboxes rarely invading each otherrsquos turfToday things have changed considerably

The Cantata Reference Monitor SystemBy the millennium Gryphon had become firmly established asa major international player with a range of amplification com-ponents and CD players widely regarded as among the verybest in the esoteric world of High End audio

Gryphon innovations included the worlds first single-chassisCD player with onboard upsampling and critical system en-hancements such as the acclaimed Exorcist the worlds firstsystem demagnetizer as well as a range of cables and acces-sories

Still demand for a Gryphon loudspeaker continued to grow asdistributors dealers and enthusiasts wanted to share in thegreat secret Electing not to fall into the same trap as so manyothers who rush to market with a ldquome toordquo loudspeaker sy-stem in an attempt to cash in on the goodwill of an establishedelectronics brand name Rasmussen decided to address anunacknowledged problem that he had frequently observedMost audiophiles select loudspeakers that are simply too largeto work well in their room and wind up fighting a losing battleagainst room acoustics with inadequate tools

Rasmussen already knew what they would have to learn frombitter expensive experience Not even the best amplifier androom treatments can turn things around once you have instal-led the wrong speaker in the wrong room To help enthusiastswith limited living space overcome these obstacles a morecompact loudspeaker became Gryphonrsquos top priority becauseit was felt to fill the greatest need

The Gryphon Cantata

Driven by his decade-long vision of a loudspeaker that wouldfinally get things right Rasmussen conceived the GryphonCantata to set new standards for sonic performance in a two-way system of modest dimensions With Steen Duelundrsquos theo-ries as inspiration acoustician Lars Matthiesen Rasmussen setabout the task of translating theory into workable practical so-lutions Rasmussen and the Gryphon design team created theproductrsquos conceptual and physical framework while Rasmus-sen and Gryphon chairman Valdemar Boslashrsting were responsi-ble for final voicing Exploiting Gryphonrsquos home courtadvantage in the field of electronics it was natural to incorpo-rate a high tech active Q control a concept introduced in the1950rsquos by Linkwitz and Greiner but never successfully imple-mented

The Cantata received a rave reception from press and ownersalike winning numerous awards including Product of the Yearfrom UK magazine HiFi+ Gryphon was immediately acceptedas a loudspeaker manufacturer and praised for tackling theendeavour with innovative flair and bravery

Gryphon PoseidonThe development and in particular the actual production ofCantata with its innumerable tailor-made components gaveGryphon valuable experience and the courage to revive andcomplete Project 30 Auditioning confirmed that the systemhad been well ahead of its time Equally important Gryphonrsquosaccrued experience and good working relations with drivermanufacturers now meant that the project could be fully reali-sed to an even higher standard

Special drive units would still be required but Gryphonrsquos unq-uestioned High End stature and the success of the Cantata at-tracted the interest of an internationally respected Danishdriver manufacturer willing to build drive units to Gryphonrsquosstrict specifications Jensen Capacitors manufactured induc-tors and capacitors to Gryphonrsquos specifications A German ma-nufacturer supplied a surround that matched the conegeometry The list of specialists involved continued to expand

As was once the norm in the High End Gryphon is still run byenthusiasts able and willing to take risks and push back boun-daries not because the marketplace demands it or becauseanyone asked them to but out of sheer curiosity as to whatawaits in the uncharted territories where no one has gone be-fore

Consequently Project 30 began to grow in scope and ambi-tion bearing out Flemming E Rasmussenrsquos bold declarationldquoThe reason we make products is to finance our research anddevelopment This is our true passionrdquo

In August 2004 the final fruit of Project 30 was unveiled Gryp-hon Poseidon Lavishly built by even the most extravagantHigh End standards the exquisitely finished Gryphon Posei-don offered expressive musical communication and a grippingsensation of involvement in the performance as it unfolds

Gryphon Poseidon redefined loudspeaker performance insuch crucial areas as sonic continuity and integrity allowingthe listener to create a more vivid mental image of the musicalevent with a greater sense of wholeness and consummateease

Followed by the more accessible Trident Atlantis and Mojo sy-stems Poseidon immediately established Gryphon Audio De-signs as a force to be reckoned with in the field of High Endloudspeakers

Enter the Trident llNow Gryphon Trident ll builds on what has gone before ex-ploring the complex art of simplicity even further in the ser-vice of music

The sculptural towers are built just down the road from Gryp-hon by a woodworking company specializing in custom designwork for recording studios and musicians Their staff includesseveral musicians who combine a perfectionist approach totheir craft with an open mind to untraditional solutions Ras-mussen frequently tested the limits of their open-mindednessin executing an undertaking on the grand scale of the Tridentll while maintaining structural and aesthetic integrity

Assembled using proprietary techniques Trident ll offer a ser-vice unique in the audio field access to virtually unlimitedpersonalised custom finish options not only at the time of ori-ginal purchase but also at any later date to keep pace withevolving personal style and interior deacutecor

Available panel options are limited only by the customersimagination However requests may not include rain forestwood or any endangered restricted or illegal materials

The Quest for SimplicityNo single drive unit is capable of properly reproducing theentire audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz No diaphragm canmove fast enough to reproduce 20 kHz overtones and at thesame time move enough air to reproduce deep bass at con-cert hall levels

For this reason loudspeaker manufacturers devote considera-ble resources during product development to selecting speci-alised drivers for each frequency section and moreimportantly to designing a crossover network to coerce themall to work together To do so the frequency spectrum is slicedup electronically and each piece is directed to the appropriatedriver where things are hopefully reassembled to form a cohe-rent acoustic event

It is at this point that so much can go wrong

Are the selected crossover components good enough to dotheir job without signal loss or distortion

Are the drivers sufficiently similar in tonal quality and speedthat they can create the illusion of a single coherent source ofsound

Does the crossover network properly compensate for the dri-versrsquo varying sensitivities so that the resulting sound is cor-rectly balanced from top to bottom

Have the crossover points between the drivers been properlytuned for undetectable seamless transitions with no frequencydips or peaks or phase anomalies

Is the cabinet designed to prevent resonances and delete-rious interaction between the drivers

The Gryphon Audio design team possesses unique experi-ence in the solution of such arcane audio problems having le-arned the most valuable lesson of all that eliminating aproblem before it arises is always far better than trying tosolve it

Or to put it in the vernacular ndash An ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure

In accordance with this guiding principle Gryphon Trident lleliminates the cabinet altogether in the midhigh frequencyrange Instead an extremely rigid panel houses a verticalarray of four Air Motion Transformer (AMT) super-tweetersalongside a single two meter tall dipolar planar magneticthin-film ribbon transducer

With ideal sound reproduction and mechanical behaviouracross more than seven octaves from 200 Hz to 18 kHz theGryphon Trident ll ribbon eliminates multiple crossover filtersections in the critical mid frequency range preserving spec-tral and temporal integrity

The crossover consists of the finest Duelund parts and solid

silver components encased in a heavily damped aluminiumblock suspended freely behind the panels At the extremehigh frequency transition between the ribbon and the AMTsuper-tweeter array the ribbon rolls off naturally with no low-pass filter section in the signal path

The high frequency systemrsquos innate wide and even horizontaldispersion with virtually nil vertical dispersion creates a largestable sweet spot with none of the floor and ceiling reflectionsthat muddy the sound of conventional multi-way systems Eli-minating this major source of interference allows Gryphon Tri-dent ll to achieve new levels of room-independent clarity andresolution

Bass FoundationSignificant effort and resources have been focused on delive-ring extended deep bass with articulation force and authoritycompletely independent of the acoustic environment

To keep pace with the extraordinary speed and openness ofour midrange drivers and AMT tweeters the Trident llacutes activebass offers elegantly simple original Gryphon solutions to anumber of complicated problems

Deep bass is perhaps counter-intuitively the most difficultpart of the audio spectrum to reproduce with both accuracyand seamless integration with the upper frequency range Afull-range speaker with bass drivers built into the main enclo-sure has its own set of demons to exorcise as does the cur-rently popular approach of tacking on a so-called ldquosubwooferrdquofor bottom end dutiesEach Trident ll cabinet houses 4 custom designed 8rdquo driveunits and a built-in specially designed Gryphon Class ABpower amplifier capable of 1000 Watts continuous output Forextended headroom available peak power is approximately4000 Watts or 45 horsepower

Unlike compromised ldquouniversalrdquo amplifiers the Trident ll bassamp has been conceived and built exclusively for optimal in-tegration with the systemrsquos custom-built drive units rigid cabi-net and flexible user-adjustable room integration controls fora level of performance unachievable by any standard mix-and-match approach

The Trident ll amplifiers incorporate 18 high current bipolaroutput transistors a 200000 microFarad capacitor bank DCservo-coupling zero global negative feedback no output re-lays output coupling via massive copper bussbars decoupledtransformer castings military spec double-sided printed circ-uit boards and Holmgren toroidal transformers with internalmagnetic shielding

Trident ll custom bass driver

In addition to the advantages of an active bass system withpurpose-built amplification designed for optimal operationwith the drive units and with the array of adjustable parame-ters active bass allows the owner to select a dedicated ampli-fier for the high frequency panels without having to worryabout the power demands of the massive Trident ll bass sy-stem

Conventional passive loudspeakers must be designed forcompatibility with a wide range of commercially availablepower amplifiers and active subwoofers are typically drivenby an off-the-shelf ldquodigitalrdquo power module that could fit in onehand

By way of comparison the purpose-built onboard Trident llpower amplifier weighs in at 70 kg per tower

Naturally ideal integration with the Trident ll high frequencypanel is assured

To achieve this ambitious goal the amplifier incorporates sop-histicated Q Control circuitry to fine-tune bass response aswell as additional adjustments to ensure ideal room interfaceThe bass remote control allows adjustment of bass level Q lowcut and other parameters directly from the listening position

The bass module offers Standby mode and provides effectivedriver protection via a comprehensive non-invasive systemthat monitors all functions more than 100 times per second The singular bass performance of the Gryphon Trident ll sy-stem heightens awareness of rhythmic subtleties and nuancesas it immerses the listener in musicrsquos rhythmic powerPassive Upper Frequency PanelBy physically separating the bass and upper frequency sec-tions Gryphon Trident ll elegantly sidesteps issues that inevi-tably arise in a full-range cabinet or in a satellitesubwooferconfiguration

Reproduction of deep bass from a dedicated cabinet comple-tely eliminates bass vibrations resonances and internal bass

Amplifier module for 1 bass

tower

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

Trident llRarely have we designet a speakerproject that from the verybeginning had something rdquorightrdquo about it It was like this spea-ker was trying to show us the direction to follow in its creationfrom the organic shaped individual baffels to the exceptionalmarriage between the AMT and the conedrivers Everythingfell into its right place and no drivers needed rdquoagressive coa-chingrdquo ( read lots of adittional correcting components ) toshine in all its glory This feeling of rdquorightrdquo is what peoplecomment when they hear this speaker they praise its seamlessand coherent presentation with amazing dynamics and detailbut alwayst in a way that makes you appreciate the music theway it should be something that moves us and let us escapeinto a another world for a while

Flemming E RasmussenRy Denmark March 2014

The Final FrontierHaving earned a global reputation for technological masteryand unsurpassed excellence in audio amplification and CDplayback it was a natural evolutionary move for GryphonAudio Designs to broaden its scope and apply the uncompro-mising Gryphon philosophy to the final link in the chain Butthis decision was by no means made on the spur of the mo-ment

The Gryphon loudspeaker story begins with a chance encoun-ter between Gryphon founder Flemming E Rasmussen andDanish loudspeaker legend Steen Duelund a Danish mathe-matician who dedicated his life to the advancement of louds-peaker theory Duelund was a man on a mission whose manytheories and discoveries continue to inspire professional de-signers and DIY speaker builders long after his passing

On a strictly informal basis they began an in-depth explora-tion that would take full advantage of Rasmussenrsquos extensiveexperience in design and manufacturing to transform Due-lundrsquos theories into real-world products with scant regard forsuch minor details as pricing parts availability prevailing atti-tudes and preconceived notions

Imperfect DriversDuelundrsquos revolutionary theories on constant phase in crosso-ver networks can be summed up in a single statement ldquoAlldrivers must be in phase at all times at all frequenciesrdquo Follo-wing this theoretical ldquoEurekardquo the hard part then became ma-king that happen with a real loudspeaker in a real room Thefirst step was to acknowledge that the greatest challenge fa-cing loudspeaker designers was the simple fact that dynamicdrive units are by nature flawed and compromised

Steen Duelund

Many driver designs defy all sound design principles be-cause they are the result of penny-pinching exercises underheavy market pressure to deliver ldquoacceptablerdquo performance atthe lowest price There is little motivation to allocate resourcesto making drivers truly the best that they can be

In order to succeed in their mission now assigned the workingtitle Project 30 Rasmussen and Duelund returned to first con-cepts literally building by hand individual drivers with ba-skets that did not introduce compression handmademulti-laminate cones exotic home-brew coatings adjustablewire suspension to replace the conventional spider heavy-duty magnetic systems ventilated pole pieces machinedphase plugs and special surrounds to optimize the transitionbetween cone and baffle All edges were beveled for a delibe-rate aerodynamic profile Double wiring was employed on thecones to ensure perfect symmetry The list of breakthroughsgoes on

Every aspect of driver design assembly and function was tho-roughly investigated without prejudice and with scant respectfor received wisdom which often proved to be ill-foundeddogma formulated by individuals promoting their own specificagendas

The end result was drive units with extremely low Q highpower handling no dynamic compression and a linear pistonicrange that pushed back the limits of driver designIn order to live up to the uncompromising design goal of per-fect phase at all times at all frequencies the enclosure incor-porated a concave curved front to form a direct angledtime-aligned system with identical distance from the listenerto the acoustic centre of each driverThe finished loudspeaker can only be described as an openwindow utterly transparent to the original recorded event withequally remarkable dynamic headroom that re-creates thetrue power and full weight of live music both in details such asa drum rimshot and in the effortless expansion of an orchestralcrescendo in a large-scale symphonic piece

Gone were the sluggishness and ldquowhitewashedrdquo uniformity ty-pical of loudspeakers with complex crossovers where 60 ofthe components are dedicated to the thankless task of com-pensating for the basic imperfections of inferior drivers Insuch speakers the crossover becomes a virtual ldquoblack holerdquosucking up energy instead of conveying it to the drivers

At this stage a respected German audio reviewer visitedGryphon In the Gryphon listening room he auditioned Gryp-hon amplifiers using the companyrsquos usual reference loudspea-kers a well-known American full-range system Suitablyimpressed with what he heard he happened to notice somelarge enclosures concealed beneath a sheet off to one side

His curiosity aroused he persuaded Flemming to hook themup for an off the record listening session with the clear under-standing that this was not a commercial product

To make a long story short the reviewer had a revelatory ex-perience and rumours quickly began to circulate about a my-stery speaker that Gryphon were keeping to themselves

Despite the unique quality of the project Rasmussen decidednot to pursue it as a commercial venture using the loudspea-kers only as a valued tool in the companyrsquos electronics devel-opment work The decision was based on the fact that themany hand-tweaked non-standard components made it a slowexpensive and exceedingly complex system to build Toomany of its geeky off-the-wall solutions were conceived andexecuted without regard for the real-world problems of consi-stent day-to-day production and long-term reliability More-over this was at a time in the High End industry whenelectronics manufacturers and speaker makers politely playedin their own sandboxes rarely invading each otherrsquos turfToday things have changed considerably

The Cantata Reference Monitor SystemBy the millennium Gryphon had become firmly established asa major international player with a range of amplification com-ponents and CD players widely regarded as among the verybest in the esoteric world of High End audio

Gryphon innovations included the worlds first single-chassisCD player with onboard upsampling and critical system en-hancements such as the acclaimed Exorcist the worlds firstsystem demagnetizer as well as a range of cables and acces-sories

Still demand for a Gryphon loudspeaker continued to grow asdistributors dealers and enthusiasts wanted to share in thegreat secret Electing not to fall into the same trap as so manyothers who rush to market with a ldquome toordquo loudspeaker sy-stem in an attempt to cash in on the goodwill of an establishedelectronics brand name Rasmussen decided to address anunacknowledged problem that he had frequently observedMost audiophiles select loudspeakers that are simply too largeto work well in their room and wind up fighting a losing battleagainst room acoustics with inadequate tools

Rasmussen already knew what they would have to learn frombitter expensive experience Not even the best amplifier androom treatments can turn things around once you have instal-led the wrong speaker in the wrong room To help enthusiastswith limited living space overcome these obstacles a morecompact loudspeaker became Gryphonrsquos top priority becauseit was felt to fill the greatest need

The Gryphon Cantata

Driven by his decade-long vision of a loudspeaker that wouldfinally get things right Rasmussen conceived the GryphonCantata to set new standards for sonic performance in a two-way system of modest dimensions With Steen Duelundrsquos theo-ries as inspiration acoustician Lars Matthiesen Rasmussen setabout the task of translating theory into workable practical so-lutions Rasmussen and the Gryphon design team created theproductrsquos conceptual and physical framework while Rasmus-sen and Gryphon chairman Valdemar Boslashrsting were responsi-ble for final voicing Exploiting Gryphonrsquos home courtadvantage in the field of electronics it was natural to incorpo-rate a high tech active Q control a concept introduced in the1950rsquos by Linkwitz and Greiner but never successfully imple-mented

The Cantata received a rave reception from press and ownersalike winning numerous awards including Product of the Yearfrom UK magazine HiFi+ Gryphon was immediately acceptedas a loudspeaker manufacturer and praised for tackling theendeavour with innovative flair and bravery

Gryphon PoseidonThe development and in particular the actual production ofCantata with its innumerable tailor-made components gaveGryphon valuable experience and the courage to revive andcomplete Project 30 Auditioning confirmed that the systemhad been well ahead of its time Equally important Gryphonrsquosaccrued experience and good working relations with drivermanufacturers now meant that the project could be fully reali-sed to an even higher standard

Special drive units would still be required but Gryphonrsquos unq-uestioned High End stature and the success of the Cantata at-tracted the interest of an internationally respected Danishdriver manufacturer willing to build drive units to Gryphonrsquosstrict specifications Jensen Capacitors manufactured induc-tors and capacitors to Gryphonrsquos specifications A German ma-nufacturer supplied a surround that matched the conegeometry The list of specialists involved continued to expand

As was once the norm in the High End Gryphon is still run byenthusiasts able and willing to take risks and push back boun-daries not because the marketplace demands it or becauseanyone asked them to but out of sheer curiosity as to whatawaits in the uncharted territories where no one has gone be-fore

Consequently Project 30 began to grow in scope and ambi-tion bearing out Flemming E Rasmussenrsquos bold declarationldquoThe reason we make products is to finance our research anddevelopment This is our true passionrdquo

In August 2004 the final fruit of Project 30 was unveiled Gryp-hon Poseidon Lavishly built by even the most extravagantHigh End standards the exquisitely finished Gryphon Posei-don offered expressive musical communication and a grippingsensation of involvement in the performance as it unfolds

Gryphon Poseidon redefined loudspeaker performance insuch crucial areas as sonic continuity and integrity allowingthe listener to create a more vivid mental image of the musicalevent with a greater sense of wholeness and consummateease

Followed by the more accessible Trident Atlantis and Mojo sy-stems Poseidon immediately established Gryphon Audio De-signs as a force to be reckoned with in the field of High Endloudspeakers

Enter the Trident llNow Gryphon Trident ll builds on what has gone before ex-ploring the complex art of simplicity even further in the ser-vice of music

The sculptural towers are built just down the road from Gryp-hon by a woodworking company specializing in custom designwork for recording studios and musicians Their staff includesseveral musicians who combine a perfectionist approach totheir craft with an open mind to untraditional solutions Ras-mussen frequently tested the limits of their open-mindednessin executing an undertaking on the grand scale of the Tridentll while maintaining structural and aesthetic integrity

Assembled using proprietary techniques Trident ll offer a ser-vice unique in the audio field access to virtually unlimitedpersonalised custom finish options not only at the time of ori-ginal purchase but also at any later date to keep pace withevolving personal style and interior deacutecor

Available panel options are limited only by the customersimagination However requests may not include rain forestwood or any endangered restricted or illegal materials

The Quest for SimplicityNo single drive unit is capable of properly reproducing theentire audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz No diaphragm canmove fast enough to reproduce 20 kHz overtones and at thesame time move enough air to reproduce deep bass at con-cert hall levels

For this reason loudspeaker manufacturers devote considera-ble resources during product development to selecting speci-alised drivers for each frequency section and moreimportantly to designing a crossover network to coerce themall to work together To do so the frequency spectrum is slicedup electronically and each piece is directed to the appropriatedriver where things are hopefully reassembled to form a cohe-rent acoustic event

It is at this point that so much can go wrong

Are the selected crossover components good enough to dotheir job without signal loss or distortion

Are the drivers sufficiently similar in tonal quality and speedthat they can create the illusion of a single coherent source ofsound

Does the crossover network properly compensate for the dri-versrsquo varying sensitivities so that the resulting sound is cor-rectly balanced from top to bottom

Have the crossover points between the drivers been properlytuned for undetectable seamless transitions with no frequencydips or peaks or phase anomalies

Is the cabinet designed to prevent resonances and delete-rious interaction between the drivers

The Gryphon Audio design team possesses unique experi-ence in the solution of such arcane audio problems having le-arned the most valuable lesson of all that eliminating aproblem before it arises is always far better than trying tosolve it

Or to put it in the vernacular ndash An ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure

In accordance with this guiding principle Gryphon Trident lleliminates the cabinet altogether in the midhigh frequencyrange Instead an extremely rigid panel houses a verticalarray of four Air Motion Transformer (AMT) super-tweetersalongside a single two meter tall dipolar planar magneticthin-film ribbon transducer

With ideal sound reproduction and mechanical behaviouracross more than seven octaves from 200 Hz to 18 kHz theGryphon Trident ll ribbon eliminates multiple crossover filtersections in the critical mid frequency range preserving spec-tral and temporal integrity

The crossover consists of the finest Duelund parts and solid

silver components encased in a heavily damped aluminiumblock suspended freely behind the panels At the extremehigh frequency transition between the ribbon and the AMTsuper-tweeter array the ribbon rolls off naturally with no low-pass filter section in the signal path

The high frequency systemrsquos innate wide and even horizontaldispersion with virtually nil vertical dispersion creates a largestable sweet spot with none of the floor and ceiling reflectionsthat muddy the sound of conventional multi-way systems Eli-minating this major source of interference allows Gryphon Tri-dent ll to achieve new levels of room-independent clarity andresolution

Bass FoundationSignificant effort and resources have been focused on delive-ring extended deep bass with articulation force and authoritycompletely independent of the acoustic environment

To keep pace with the extraordinary speed and openness ofour midrange drivers and AMT tweeters the Trident llacutes activebass offers elegantly simple original Gryphon solutions to anumber of complicated problems

Deep bass is perhaps counter-intuitively the most difficultpart of the audio spectrum to reproduce with both accuracyand seamless integration with the upper frequency range Afull-range speaker with bass drivers built into the main enclo-sure has its own set of demons to exorcise as does the cur-rently popular approach of tacking on a so-called ldquosubwooferrdquofor bottom end dutiesEach Trident ll cabinet houses 4 custom designed 8rdquo driveunits and a built-in specially designed Gryphon Class ABpower amplifier capable of 1000 Watts continuous output Forextended headroom available peak power is approximately4000 Watts or 45 horsepower

Unlike compromised ldquouniversalrdquo amplifiers the Trident ll bassamp has been conceived and built exclusively for optimal in-tegration with the systemrsquos custom-built drive units rigid cabi-net and flexible user-adjustable room integration controls fora level of performance unachievable by any standard mix-and-match approach

The Trident ll amplifiers incorporate 18 high current bipolaroutput transistors a 200000 microFarad capacitor bank DCservo-coupling zero global negative feedback no output re-lays output coupling via massive copper bussbars decoupledtransformer castings military spec double-sided printed circ-uit boards and Holmgren toroidal transformers with internalmagnetic shielding

Trident ll custom bass driver

In addition to the advantages of an active bass system withpurpose-built amplification designed for optimal operationwith the drive units and with the array of adjustable parame-ters active bass allows the owner to select a dedicated ampli-fier for the high frequency panels without having to worryabout the power demands of the massive Trident ll bass sy-stem

Conventional passive loudspeakers must be designed forcompatibility with a wide range of commercially availablepower amplifiers and active subwoofers are typically drivenby an off-the-shelf ldquodigitalrdquo power module that could fit in onehand

By way of comparison the purpose-built onboard Trident llpower amplifier weighs in at 70 kg per tower

Naturally ideal integration with the Trident ll high frequencypanel is assured

To achieve this ambitious goal the amplifier incorporates sop-histicated Q Control circuitry to fine-tune bass response aswell as additional adjustments to ensure ideal room interfaceThe bass remote control allows adjustment of bass level Q lowcut and other parameters directly from the listening position

The bass module offers Standby mode and provides effectivedriver protection via a comprehensive non-invasive systemthat monitors all functions more than 100 times per second The singular bass performance of the Gryphon Trident ll sy-stem heightens awareness of rhythmic subtleties and nuancesas it immerses the listener in musicrsquos rhythmic powerPassive Upper Frequency PanelBy physically separating the bass and upper frequency sec-tions Gryphon Trident ll elegantly sidesteps issues that inevi-tably arise in a full-range cabinet or in a satellitesubwooferconfiguration

Reproduction of deep bass from a dedicated cabinet comple-tely eliminates bass vibrations resonances and internal bass

Amplifier module for 1 bass

tower

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

Many driver designs defy all sound design principles be-cause they are the result of penny-pinching exercises underheavy market pressure to deliver ldquoacceptablerdquo performance atthe lowest price There is little motivation to allocate resourcesto making drivers truly the best that they can be

In order to succeed in their mission now assigned the workingtitle Project 30 Rasmussen and Duelund returned to first con-cepts literally building by hand individual drivers with ba-skets that did not introduce compression handmademulti-laminate cones exotic home-brew coatings adjustablewire suspension to replace the conventional spider heavy-duty magnetic systems ventilated pole pieces machinedphase plugs and special surrounds to optimize the transitionbetween cone and baffle All edges were beveled for a delibe-rate aerodynamic profile Double wiring was employed on thecones to ensure perfect symmetry The list of breakthroughsgoes on

Every aspect of driver design assembly and function was tho-roughly investigated without prejudice and with scant respectfor received wisdom which often proved to be ill-foundeddogma formulated by individuals promoting their own specificagendas

The end result was drive units with extremely low Q highpower handling no dynamic compression and a linear pistonicrange that pushed back the limits of driver designIn order to live up to the uncompromising design goal of per-fect phase at all times at all frequencies the enclosure incor-porated a concave curved front to form a direct angledtime-aligned system with identical distance from the listenerto the acoustic centre of each driverThe finished loudspeaker can only be described as an openwindow utterly transparent to the original recorded event withequally remarkable dynamic headroom that re-creates thetrue power and full weight of live music both in details such asa drum rimshot and in the effortless expansion of an orchestralcrescendo in a large-scale symphonic piece

Gone were the sluggishness and ldquowhitewashedrdquo uniformity ty-pical of loudspeakers with complex crossovers where 60 ofthe components are dedicated to the thankless task of com-pensating for the basic imperfections of inferior drivers Insuch speakers the crossover becomes a virtual ldquoblack holerdquosucking up energy instead of conveying it to the drivers

At this stage a respected German audio reviewer visitedGryphon In the Gryphon listening room he auditioned Gryp-hon amplifiers using the companyrsquos usual reference loudspea-kers a well-known American full-range system Suitablyimpressed with what he heard he happened to notice somelarge enclosures concealed beneath a sheet off to one side

His curiosity aroused he persuaded Flemming to hook themup for an off the record listening session with the clear under-standing that this was not a commercial product

To make a long story short the reviewer had a revelatory ex-perience and rumours quickly began to circulate about a my-stery speaker that Gryphon were keeping to themselves

Despite the unique quality of the project Rasmussen decidednot to pursue it as a commercial venture using the loudspea-kers only as a valued tool in the companyrsquos electronics devel-opment work The decision was based on the fact that themany hand-tweaked non-standard components made it a slowexpensive and exceedingly complex system to build Toomany of its geeky off-the-wall solutions were conceived andexecuted without regard for the real-world problems of consi-stent day-to-day production and long-term reliability More-over this was at a time in the High End industry whenelectronics manufacturers and speaker makers politely playedin their own sandboxes rarely invading each otherrsquos turfToday things have changed considerably

The Cantata Reference Monitor SystemBy the millennium Gryphon had become firmly established asa major international player with a range of amplification com-ponents and CD players widely regarded as among the verybest in the esoteric world of High End audio

Gryphon innovations included the worlds first single-chassisCD player with onboard upsampling and critical system en-hancements such as the acclaimed Exorcist the worlds firstsystem demagnetizer as well as a range of cables and acces-sories

Still demand for a Gryphon loudspeaker continued to grow asdistributors dealers and enthusiasts wanted to share in thegreat secret Electing not to fall into the same trap as so manyothers who rush to market with a ldquome toordquo loudspeaker sy-stem in an attempt to cash in on the goodwill of an establishedelectronics brand name Rasmussen decided to address anunacknowledged problem that he had frequently observedMost audiophiles select loudspeakers that are simply too largeto work well in their room and wind up fighting a losing battleagainst room acoustics with inadequate tools

Rasmussen already knew what they would have to learn frombitter expensive experience Not even the best amplifier androom treatments can turn things around once you have instal-led the wrong speaker in the wrong room To help enthusiastswith limited living space overcome these obstacles a morecompact loudspeaker became Gryphonrsquos top priority becauseit was felt to fill the greatest need

The Gryphon Cantata

Driven by his decade-long vision of a loudspeaker that wouldfinally get things right Rasmussen conceived the GryphonCantata to set new standards for sonic performance in a two-way system of modest dimensions With Steen Duelundrsquos theo-ries as inspiration acoustician Lars Matthiesen Rasmussen setabout the task of translating theory into workable practical so-lutions Rasmussen and the Gryphon design team created theproductrsquos conceptual and physical framework while Rasmus-sen and Gryphon chairman Valdemar Boslashrsting were responsi-ble for final voicing Exploiting Gryphonrsquos home courtadvantage in the field of electronics it was natural to incorpo-rate a high tech active Q control a concept introduced in the1950rsquos by Linkwitz and Greiner but never successfully imple-mented

The Cantata received a rave reception from press and ownersalike winning numerous awards including Product of the Yearfrom UK magazine HiFi+ Gryphon was immediately acceptedas a loudspeaker manufacturer and praised for tackling theendeavour with innovative flair and bravery

Gryphon PoseidonThe development and in particular the actual production ofCantata with its innumerable tailor-made components gaveGryphon valuable experience and the courage to revive andcomplete Project 30 Auditioning confirmed that the systemhad been well ahead of its time Equally important Gryphonrsquosaccrued experience and good working relations with drivermanufacturers now meant that the project could be fully reali-sed to an even higher standard

Special drive units would still be required but Gryphonrsquos unq-uestioned High End stature and the success of the Cantata at-tracted the interest of an internationally respected Danishdriver manufacturer willing to build drive units to Gryphonrsquosstrict specifications Jensen Capacitors manufactured induc-tors and capacitors to Gryphonrsquos specifications A German ma-nufacturer supplied a surround that matched the conegeometry The list of specialists involved continued to expand

As was once the norm in the High End Gryphon is still run byenthusiasts able and willing to take risks and push back boun-daries not because the marketplace demands it or becauseanyone asked them to but out of sheer curiosity as to whatawaits in the uncharted territories where no one has gone be-fore

Consequently Project 30 began to grow in scope and ambi-tion bearing out Flemming E Rasmussenrsquos bold declarationldquoThe reason we make products is to finance our research anddevelopment This is our true passionrdquo

In August 2004 the final fruit of Project 30 was unveiled Gryp-hon Poseidon Lavishly built by even the most extravagantHigh End standards the exquisitely finished Gryphon Posei-don offered expressive musical communication and a grippingsensation of involvement in the performance as it unfolds

Gryphon Poseidon redefined loudspeaker performance insuch crucial areas as sonic continuity and integrity allowingthe listener to create a more vivid mental image of the musicalevent with a greater sense of wholeness and consummateease

Followed by the more accessible Trident Atlantis and Mojo sy-stems Poseidon immediately established Gryphon Audio De-signs as a force to be reckoned with in the field of High Endloudspeakers

Enter the Trident llNow Gryphon Trident ll builds on what has gone before ex-ploring the complex art of simplicity even further in the ser-vice of music

The sculptural towers are built just down the road from Gryp-hon by a woodworking company specializing in custom designwork for recording studios and musicians Their staff includesseveral musicians who combine a perfectionist approach totheir craft with an open mind to untraditional solutions Ras-mussen frequently tested the limits of their open-mindednessin executing an undertaking on the grand scale of the Tridentll while maintaining structural and aesthetic integrity

Assembled using proprietary techniques Trident ll offer a ser-vice unique in the audio field access to virtually unlimitedpersonalised custom finish options not only at the time of ori-ginal purchase but also at any later date to keep pace withevolving personal style and interior deacutecor

Available panel options are limited only by the customersimagination However requests may not include rain forestwood or any endangered restricted or illegal materials

The Quest for SimplicityNo single drive unit is capable of properly reproducing theentire audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz No diaphragm canmove fast enough to reproduce 20 kHz overtones and at thesame time move enough air to reproduce deep bass at con-cert hall levels

For this reason loudspeaker manufacturers devote considera-ble resources during product development to selecting speci-alised drivers for each frequency section and moreimportantly to designing a crossover network to coerce themall to work together To do so the frequency spectrum is slicedup electronically and each piece is directed to the appropriatedriver where things are hopefully reassembled to form a cohe-rent acoustic event

It is at this point that so much can go wrong

Are the selected crossover components good enough to dotheir job without signal loss or distortion

Are the drivers sufficiently similar in tonal quality and speedthat they can create the illusion of a single coherent source ofsound

Does the crossover network properly compensate for the dri-versrsquo varying sensitivities so that the resulting sound is cor-rectly balanced from top to bottom

Have the crossover points between the drivers been properlytuned for undetectable seamless transitions with no frequencydips or peaks or phase anomalies

Is the cabinet designed to prevent resonances and delete-rious interaction between the drivers

The Gryphon Audio design team possesses unique experi-ence in the solution of such arcane audio problems having le-arned the most valuable lesson of all that eliminating aproblem before it arises is always far better than trying tosolve it

Or to put it in the vernacular ndash An ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure

In accordance with this guiding principle Gryphon Trident lleliminates the cabinet altogether in the midhigh frequencyrange Instead an extremely rigid panel houses a verticalarray of four Air Motion Transformer (AMT) super-tweetersalongside a single two meter tall dipolar planar magneticthin-film ribbon transducer

With ideal sound reproduction and mechanical behaviouracross more than seven octaves from 200 Hz to 18 kHz theGryphon Trident ll ribbon eliminates multiple crossover filtersections in the critical mid frequency range preserving spec-tral and temporal integrity

The crossover consists of the finest Duelund parts and solid

silver components encased in a heavily damped aluminiumblock suspended freely behind the panels At the extremehigh frequency transition between the ribbon and the AMTsuper-tweeter array the ribbon rolls off naturally with no low-pass filter section in the signal path

The high frequency systemrsquos innate wide and even horizontaldispersion with virtually nil vertical dispersion creates a largestable sweet spot with none of the floor and ceiling reflectionsthat muddy the sound of conventional multi-way systems Eli-minating this major source of interference allows Gryphon Tri-dent ll to achieve new levels of room-independent clarity andresolution

Bass FoundationSignificant effort and resources have been focused on delive-ring extended deep bass with articulation force and authoritycompletely independent of the acoustic environment

To keep pace with the extraordinary speed and openness ofour midrange drivers and AMT tweeters the Trident llacutes activebass offers elegantly simple original Gryphon solutions to anumber of complicated problems

Deep bass is perhaps counter-intuitively the most difficultpart of the audio spectrum to reproduce with both accuracyand seamless integration with the upper frequency range Afull-range speaker with bass drivers built into the main enclo-sure has its own set of demons to exorcise as does the cur-rently popular approach of tacking on a so-called ldquosubwooferrdquofor bottom end dutiesEach Trident ll cabinet houses 4 custom designed 8rdquo driveunits and a built-in specially designed Gryphon Class ABpower amplifier capable of 1000 Watts continuous output Forextended headroom available peak power is approximately4000 Watts or 45 horsepower

Unlike compromised ldquouniversalrdquo amplifiers the Trident ll bassamp has been conceived and built exclusively for optimal in-tegration with the systemrsquos custom-built drive units rigid cabi-net and flexible user-adjustable room integration controls fora level of performance unachievable by any standard mix-and-match approach

The Trident ll amplifiers incorporate 18 high current bipolaroutput transistors a 200000 microFarad capacitor bank DCservo-coupling zero global negative feedback no output re-lays output coupling via massive copper bussbars decoupledtransformer castings military spec double-sided printed circ-uit boards and Holmgren toroidal transformers with internalmagnetic shielding

Trident ll custom bass driver

In addition to the advantages of an active bass system withpurpose-built amplification designed for optimal operationwith the drive units and with the array of adjustable parame-ters active bass allows the owner to select a dedicated ampli-fier for the high frequency panels without having to worryabout the power demands of the massive Trident ll bass sy-stem

Conventional passive loudspeakers must be designed forcompatibility with a wide range of commercially availablepower amplifiers and active subwoofers are typically drivenby an off-the-shelf ldquodigitalrdquo power module that could fit in onehand

By way of comparison the purpose-built onboard Trident llpower amplifier weighs in at 70 kg per tower

Naturally ideal integration with the Trident ll high frequencypanel is assured

To achieve this ambitious goal the amplifier incorporates sop-histicated Q Control circuitry to fine-tune bass response aswell as additional adjustments to ensure ideal room interfaceThe bass remote control allows adjustment of bass level Q lowcut and other parameters directly from the listening position

The bass module offers Standby mode and provides effectivedriver protection via a comprehensive non-invasive systemthat monitors all functions more than 100 times per second The singular bass performance of the Gryphon Trident ll sy-stem heightens awareness of rhythmic subtleties and nuancesas it immerses the listener in musicrsquos rhythmic powerPassive Upper Frequency PanelBy physically separating the bass and upper frequency sec-tions Gryphon Trident ll elegantly sidesteps issues that inevi-tably arise in a full-range cabinet or in a satellitesubwooferconfiguration

Reproduction of deep bass from a dedicated cabinet comple-tely eliminates bass vibrations resonances and internal bass

Amplifier module for 1 bass

tower

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

His curiosity aroused he persuaded Flemming to hook themup for an off the record listening session with the clear under-standing that this was not a commercial product

To make a long story short the reviewer had a revelatory ex-perience and rumours quickly began to circulate about a my-stery speaker that Gryphon were keeping to themselves

Despite the unique quality of the project Rasmussen decidednot to pursue it as a commercial venture using the loudspea-kers only as a valued tool in the companyrsquos electronics devel-opment work The decision was based on the fact that themany hand-tweaked non-standard components made it a slowexpensive and exceedingly complex system to build Toomany of its geeky off-the-wall solutions were conceived andexecuted without regard for the real-world problems of consi-stent day-to-day production and long-term reliability More-over this was at a time in the High End industry whenelectronics manufacturers and speaker makers politely playedin their own sandboxes rarely invading each otherrsquos turfToday things have changed considerably

The Cantata Reference Monitor SystemBy the millennium Gryphon had become firmly established asa major international player with a range of amplification com-ponents and CD players widely regarded as among the verybest in the esoteric world of High End audio

Gryphon innovations included the worlds first single-chassisCD player with onboard upsampling and critical system en-hancements such as the acclaimed Exorcist the worlds firstsystem demagnetizer as well as a range of cables and acces-sories

Still demand for a Gryphon loudspeaker continued to grow asdistributors dealers and enthusiasts wanted to share in thegreat secret Electing not to fall into the same trap as so manyothers who rush to market with a ldquome toordquo loudspeaker sy-stem in an attempt to cash in on the goodwill of an establishedelectronics brand name Rasmussen decided to address anunacknowledged problem that he had frequently observedMost audiophiles select loudspeakers that are simply too largeto work well in their room and wind up fighting a losing battleagainst room acoustics with inadequate tools

Rasmussen already knew what they would have to learn frombitter expensive experience Not even the best amplifier androom treatments can turn things around once you have instal-led the wrong speaker in the wrong room To help enthusiastswith limited living space overcome these obstacles a morecompact loudspeaker became Gryphonrsquos top priority becauseit was felt to fill the greatest need

The Gryphon Cantata

Driven by his decade-long vision of a loudspeaker that wouldfinally get things right Rasmussen conceived the GryphonCantata to set new standards for sonic performance in a two-way system of modest dimensions With Steen Duelundrsquos theo-ries as inspiration acoustician Lars Matthiesen Rasmussen setabout the task of translating theory into workable practical so-lutions Rasmussen and the Gryphon design team created theproductrsquos conceptual and physical framework while Rasmus-sen and Gryphon chairman Valdemar Boslashrsting were responsi-ble for final voicing Exploiting Gryphonrsquos home courtadvantage in the field of electronics it was natural to incorpo-rate a high tech active Q control a concept introduced in the1950rsquos by Linkwitz and Greiner but never successfully imple-mented

The Cantata received a rave reception from press and ownersalike winning numerous awards including Product of the Yearfrom UK magazine HiFi+ Gryphon was immediately acceptedas a loudspeaker manufacturer and praised for tackling theendeavour with innovative flair and bravery

Gryphon PoseidonThe development and in particular the actual production ofCantata with its innumerable tailor-made components gaveGryphon valuable experience and the courage to revive andcomplete Project 30 Auditioning confirmed that the systemhad been well ahead of its time Equally important Gryphonrsquosaccrued experience and good working relations with drivermanufacturers now meant that the project could be fully reali-sed to an even higher standard

Special drive units would still be required but Gryphonrsquos unq-uestioned High End stature and the success of the Cantata at-tracted the interest of an internationally respected Danishdriver manufacturer willing to build drive units to Gryphonrsquosstrict specifications Jensen Capacitors manufactured induc-tors and capacitors to Gryphonrsquos specifications A German ma-nufacturer supplied a surround that matched the conegeometry The list of specialists involved continued to expand

As was once the norm in the High End Gryphon is still run byenthusiasts able and willing to take risks and push back boun-daries not because the marketplace demands it or becauseanyone asked them to but out of sheer curiosity as to whatawaits in the uncharted territories where no one has gone be-fore

Consequently Project 30 began to grow in scope and ambi-tion bearing out Flemming E Rasmussenrsquos bold declarationldquoThe reason we make products is to finance our research anddevelopment This is our true passionrdquo

In August 2004 the final fruit of Project 30 was unveiled Gryp-hon Poseidon Lavishly built by even the most extravagantHigh End standards the exquisitely finished Gryphon Posei-don offered expressive musical communication and a grippingsensation of involvement in the performance as it unfolds

Gryphon Poseidon redefined loudspeaker performance insuch crucial areas as sonic continuity and integrity allowingthe listener to create a more vivid mental image of the musicalevent with a greater sense of wholeness and consummateease

Followed by the more accessible Trident Atlantis and Mojo sy-stems Poseidon immediately established Gryphon Audio De-signs as a force to be reckoned with in the field of High Endloudspeakers

Enter the Trident llNow Gryphon Trident ll builds on what has gone before ex-ploring the complex art of simplicity even further in the ser-vice of music

The sculptural towers are built just down the road from Gryp-hon by a woodworking company specializing in custom designwork for recording studios and musicians Their staff includesseveral musicians who combine a perfectionist approach totheir craft with an open mind to untraditional solutions Ras-mussen frequently tested the limits of their open-mindednessin executing an undertaking on the grand scale of the Tridentll while maintaining structural and aesthetic integrity

Assembled using proprietary techniques Trident ll offer a ser-vice unique in the audio field access to virtually unlimitedpersonalised custom finish options not only at the time of ori-ginal purchase but also at any later date to keep pace withevolving personal style and interior deacutecor

Available panel options are limited only by the customersimagination However requests may not include rain forestwood or any endangered restricted or illegal materials

The Quest for SimplicityNo single drive unit is capable of properly reproducing theentire audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz No diaphragm canmove fast enough to reproduce 20 kHz overtones and at thesame time move enough air to reproduce deep bass at con-cert hall levels

For this reason loudspeaker manufacturers devote considera-ble resources during product development to selecting speci-alised drivers for each frequency section and moreimportantly to designing a crossover network to coerce themall to work together To do so the frequency spectrum is slicedup electronically and each piece is directed to the appropriatedriver where things are hopefully reassembled to form a cohe-rent acoustic event

It is at this point that so much can go wrong

Are the selected crossover components good enough to dotheir job without signal loss or distortion

Are the drivers sufficiently similar in tonal quality and speedthat they can create the illusion of a single coherent source ofsound

Does the crossover network properly compensate for the dri-versrsquo varying sensitivities so that the resulting sound is cor-rectly balanced from top to bottom

Have the crossover points between the drivers been properlytuned for undetectable seamless transitions with no frequencydips or peaks or phase anomalies

Is the cabinet designed to prevent resonances and delete-rious interaction between the drivers

The Gryphon Audio design team possesses unique experi-ence in the solution of such arcane audio problems having le-arned the most valuable lesson of all that eliminating aproblem before it arises is always far better than trying tosolve it

Or to put it in the vernacular ndash An ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure

In accordance with this guiding principle Gryphon Trident lleliminates the cabinet altogether in the midhigh frequencyrange Instead an extremely rigid panel houses a verticalarray of four Air Motion Transformer (AMT) super-tweetersalongside a single two meter tall dipolar planar magneticthin-film ribbon transducer

With ideal sound reproduction and mechanical behaviouracross more than seven octaves from 200 Hz to 18 kHz theGryphon Trident ll ribbon eliminates multiple crossover filtersections in the critical mid frequency range preserving spec-tral and temporal integrity

The crossover consists of the finest Duelund parts and solid

silver components encased in a heavily damped aluminiumblock suspended freely behind the panels At the extremehigh frequency transition between the ribbon and the AMTsuper-tweeter array the ribbon rolls off naturally with no low-pass filter section in the signal path

The high frequency systemrsquos innate wide and even horizontaldispersion with virtually nil vertical dispersion creates a largestable sweet spot with none of the floor and ceiling reflectionsthat muddy the sound of conventional multi-way systems Eli-minating this major source of interference allows Gryphon Tri-dent ll to achieve new levels of room-independent clarity andresolution

Bass FoundationSignificant effort and resources have been focused on delive-ring extended deep bass with articulation force and authoritycompletely independent of the acoustic environment

To keep pace with the extraordinary speed and openness ofour midrange drivers and AMT tweeters the Trident llacutes activebass offers elegantly simple original Gryphon solutions to anumber of complicated problems

Deep bass is perhaps counter-intuitively the most difficultpart of the audio spectrum to reproduce with both accuracyand seamless integration with the upper frequency range Afull-range speaker with bass drivers built into the main enclo-sure has its own set of demons to exorcise as does the cur-rently popular approach of tacking on a so-called ldquosubwooferrdquofor bottom end dutiesEach Trident ll cabinet houses 4 custom designed 8rdquo driveunits and a built-in specially designed Gryphon Class ABpower amplifier capable of 1000 Watts continuous output Forextended headroom available peak power is approximately4000 Watts or 45 horsepower

Unlike compromised ldquouniversalrdquo amplifiers the Trident ll bassamp has been conceived and built exclusively for optimal in-tegration with the systemrsquos custom-built drive units rigid cabi-net and flexible user-adjustable room integration controls fora level of performance unachievable by any standard mix-and-match approach

The Trident ll amplifiers incorporate 18 high current bipolaroutput transistors a 200000 microFarad capacitor bank DCservo-coupling zero global negative feedback no output re-lays output coupling via massive copper bussbars decoupledtransformer castings military spec double-sided printed circ-uit boards and Holmgren toroidal transformers with internalmagnetic shielding

Trident ll custom bass driver

In addition to the advantages of an active bass system withpurpose-built amplification designed for optimal operationwith the drive units and with the array of adjustable parame-ters active bass allows the owner to select a dedicated ampli-fier for the high frequency panels without having to worryabout the power demands of the massive Trident ll bass sy-stem

Conventional passive loudspeakers must be designed forcompatibility with a wide range of commercially availablepower amplifiers and active subwoofers are typically drivenby an off-the-shelf ldquodigitalrdquo power module that could fit in onehand

By way of comparison the purpose-built onboard Trident llpower amplifier weighs in at 70 kg per tower

Naturally ideal integration with the Trident ll high frequencypanel is assured

To achieve this ambitious goal the amplifier incorporates sop-histicated Q Control circuitry to fine-tune bass response aswell as additional adjustments to ensure ideal room interfaceThe bass remote control allows adjustment of bass level Q lowcut and other parameters directly from the listening position

The bass module offers Standby mode and provides effectivedriver protection via a comprehensive non-invasive systemthat monitors all functions more than 100 times per second The singular bass performance of the Gryphon Trident ll sy-stem heightens awareness of rhythmic subtleties and nuancesas it immerses the listener in musicrsquos rhythmic powerPassive Upper Frequency PanelBy physically separating the bass and upper frequency sec-tions Gryphon Trident ll elegantly sidesteps issues that inevi-tably arise in a full-range cabinet or in a satellitesubwooferconfiguration

Reproduction of deep bass from a dedicated cabinet comple-tely eliminates bass vibrations resonances and internal bass

Amplifier module for 1 bass

tower

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

Driven by his decade-long vision of a loudspeaker that wouldfinally get things right Rasmussen conceived the GryphonCantata to set new standards for sonic performance in a two-way system of modest dimensions With Steen Duelundrsquos theo-ries as inspiration acoustician Lars Matthiesen Rasmussen setabout the task of translating theory into workable practical so-lutions Rasmussen and the Gryphon design team created theproductrsquos conceptual and physical framework while Rasmus-sen and Gryphon chairman Valdemar Boslashrsting were responsi-ble for final voicing Exploiting Gryphonrsquos home courtadvantage in the field of electronics it was natural to incorpo-rate a high tech active Q control a concept introduced in the1950rsquos by Linkwitz and Greiner but never successfully imple-mented

The Cantata received a rave reception from press and ownersalike winning numerous awards including Product of the Yearfrom UK magazine HiFi+ Gryphon was immediately acceptedas a loudspeaker manufacturer and praised for tackling theendeavour with innovative flair and bravery

Gryphon PoseidonThe development and in particular the actual production ofCantata with its innumerable tailor-made components gaveGryphon valuable experience and the courage to revive andcomplete Project 30 Auditioning confirmed that the systemhad been well ahead of its time Equally important Gryphonrsquosaccrued experience and good working relations with drivermanufacturers now meant that the project could be fully reali-sed to an even higher standard

Special drive units would still be required but Gryphonrsquos unq-uestioned High End stature and the success of the Cantata at-tracted the interest of an internationally respected Danishdriver manufacturer willing to build drive units to Gryphonrsquosstrict specifications Jensen Capacitors manufactured induc-tors and capacitors to Gryphonrsquos specifications A German ma-nufacturer supplied a surround that matched the conegeometry The list of specialists involved continued to expand

As was once the norm in the High End Gryphon is still run byenthusiasts able and willing to take risks and push back boun-daries not because the marketplace demands it or becauseanyone asked them to but out of sheer curiosity as to whatawaits in the uncharted territories where no one has gone be-fore

Consequently Project 30 began to grow in scope and ambi-tion bearing out Flemming E Rasmussenrsquos bold declarationldquoThe reason we make products is to finance our research anddevelopment This is our true passionrdquo

In August 2004 the final fruit of Project 30 was unveiled Gryp-hon Poseidon Lavishly built by even the most extravagantHigh End standards the exquisitely finished Gryphon Posei-don offered expressive musical communication and a grippingsensation of involvement in the performance as it unfolds

Gryphon Poseidon redefined loudspeaker performance insuch crucial areas as sonic continuity and integrity allowingthe listener to create a more vivid mental image of the musicalevent with a greater sense of wholeness and consummateease

Followed by the more accessible Trident Atlantis and Mojo sy-stems Poseidon immediately established Gryphon Audio De-signs as a force to be reckoned with in the field of High Endloudspeakers

Enter the Trident llNow Gryphon Trident ll builds on what has gone before ex-ploring the complex art of simplicity even further in the ser-vice of music

The sculptural towers are built just down the road from Gryp-hon by a woodworking company specializing in custom designwork for recording studios and musicians Their staff includesseveral musicians who combine a perfectionist approach totheir craft with an open mind to untraditional solutions Ras-mussen frequently tested the limits of their open-mindednessin executing an undertaking on the grand scale of the Tridentll while maintaining structural and aesthetic integrity

Assembled using proprietary techniques Trident ll offer a ser-vice unique in the audio field access to virtually unlimitedpersonalised custom finish options not only at the time of ori-ginal purchase but also at any later date to keep pace withevolving personal style and interior deacutecor

Available panel options are limited only by the customersimagination However requests may not include rain forestwood or any endangered restricted or illegal materials

The Quest for SimplicityNo single drive unit is capable of properly reproducing theentire audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz No diaphragm canmove fast enough to reproduce 20 kHz overtones and at thesame time move enough air to reproduce deep bass at con-cert hall levels

For this reason loudspeaker manufacturers devote considera-ble resources during product development to selecting speci-alised drivers for each frequency section and moreimportantly to designing a crossover network to coerce themall to work together To do so the frequency spectrum is slicedup electronically and each piece is directed to the appropriatedriver where things are hopefully reassembled to form a cohe-rent acoustic event

It is at this point that so much can go wrong

Are the selected crossover components good enough to dotheir job without signal loss or distortion

Are the drivers sufficiently similar in tonal quality and speedthat they can create the illusion of a single coherent source ofsound

Does the crossover network properly compensate for the dri-versrsquo varying sensitivities so that the resulting sound is cor-rectly balanced from top to bottom

Have the crossover points between the drivers been properlytuned for undetectable seamless transitions with no frequencydips or peaks or phase anomalies

Is the cabinet designed to prevent resonances and delete-rious interaction between the drivers

The Gryphon Audio design team possesses unique experi-ence in the solution of such arcane audio problems having le-arned the most valuable lesson of all that eliminating aproblem before it arises is always far better than trying tosolve it

Or to put it in the vernacular ndash An ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure

In accordance with this guiding principle Gryphon Trident lleliminates the cabinet altogether in the midhigh frequencyrange Instead an extremely rigid panel houses a verticalarray of four Air Motion Transformer (AMT) super-tweetersalongside a single two meter tall dipolar planar magneticthin-film ribbon transducer

With ideal sound reproduction and mechanical behaviouracross more than seven octaves from 200 Hz to 18 kHz theGryphon Trident ll ribbon eliminates multiple crossover filtersections in the critical mid frequency range preserving spec-tral and temporal integrity

The crossover consists of the finest Duelund parts and solid

silver components encased in a heavily damped aluminiumblock suspended freely behind the panels At the extremehigh frequency transition between the ribbon and the AMTsuper-tweeter array the ribbon rolls off naturally with no low-pass filter section in the signal path

The high frequency systemrsquos innate wide and even horizontaldispersion with virtually nil vertical dispersion creates a largestable sweet spot with none of the floor and ceiling reflectionsthat muddy the sound of conventional multi-way systems Eli-minating this major source of interference allows Gryphon Tri-dent ll to achieve new levels of room-independent clarity andresolution

Bass FoundationSignificant effort and resources have been focused on delive-ring extended deep bass with articulation force and authoritycompletely independent of the acoustic environment

To keep pace with the extraordinary speed and openness ofour midrange drivers and AMT tweeters the Trident llacutes activebass offers elegantly simple original Gryphon solutions to anumber of complicated problems

Deep bass is perhaps counter-intuitively the most difficultpart of the audio spectrum to reproduce with both accuracyand seamless integration with the upper frequency range Afull-range speaker with bass drivers built into the main enclo-sure has its own set of demons to exorcise as does the cur-rently popular approach of tacking on a so-called ldquosubwooferrdquofor bottom end dutiesEach Trident ll cabinet houses 4 custom designed 8rdquo driveunits and a built-in specially designed Gryphon Class ABpower amplifier capable of 1000 Watts continuous output Forextended headroom available peak power is approximately4000 Watts or 45 horsepower

Unlike compromised ldquouniversalrdquo amplifiers the Trident ll bassamp has been conceived and built exclusively for optimal in-tegration with the systemrsquos custom-built drive units rigid cabi-net and flexible user-adjustable room integration controls fora level of performance unachievable by any standard mix-and-match approach

The Trident ll amplifiers incorporate 18 high current bipolaroutput transistors a 200000 microFarad capacitor bank DCservo-coupling zero global negative feedback no output re-lays output coupling via massive copper bussbars decoupledtransformer castings military spec double-sided printed circ-uit boards and Holmgren toroidal transformers with internalmagnetic shielding

Trident ll custom bass driver

In addition to the advantages of an active bass system withpurpose-built amplification designed for optimal operationwith the drive units and with the array of adjustable parame-ters active bass allows the owner to select a dedicated ampli-fier for the high frequency panels without having to worryabout the power demands of the massive Trident ll bass sy-stem

Conventional passive loudspeakers must be designed forcompatibility with a wide range of commercially availablepower amplifiers and active subwoofers are typically drivenby an off-the-shelf ldquodigitalrdquo power module that could fit in onehand

By way of comparison the purpose-built onboard Trident llpower amplifier weighs in at 70 kg per tower

Naturally ideal integration with the Trident ll high frequencypanel is assured

To achieve this ambitious goal the amplifier incorporates sop-histicated Q Control circuitry to fine-tune bass response aswell as additional adjustments to ensure ideal room interfaceThe bass remote control allows adjustment of bass level Q lowcut and other parameters directly from the listening position

The bass module offers Standby mode and provides effectivedriver protection via a comprehensive non-invasive systemthat monitors all functions more than 100 times per second The singular bass performance of the Gryphon Trident ll sy-stem heightens awareness of rhythmic subtleties and nuancesas it immerses the listener in musicrsquos rhythmic powerPassive Upper Frequency PanelBy physically separating the bass and upper frequency sec-tions Gryphon Trident ll elegantly sidesteps issues that inevi-tably arise in a full-range cabinet or in a satellitesubwooferconfiguration

Reproduction of deep bass from a dedicated cabinet comple-tely eliminates bass vibrations resonances and internal bass

Amplifier module for 1 bass

tower

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

In August 2004 the final fruit of Project 30 was unveiled Gryp-hon Poseidon Lavishly built by even the most extravagantHigh End standards the exquisitely finished Gryphon Posei-don offered expressive musical communication and a grippingsensation of involvement in the performance as it unfolds

Gryphon Poseidon redefined loudspeaker performance insuch crucial areas as sonic continuity and integrity allowingthe listener to create a more vivid mental image of the musicalevent with a greater sense of wholeness and consummateease

Followed by the more accessible Trident Atlantis and Mojo sy-stems Poseidon immediately established Gryphon Audio De-signs as a force to be reckoned with in the field of High Endloudspeakers

Enter the Trident llNow Gryphon Trident ll builds on what has gone before ex-ploring the complex art of simplicity even further in the ser-vice of music

The sculptural towers are built just down the road from Gryp-hon by a woodworking company specializing in custom designwork for recording studios and musicians Their staff includesseveral musicians who combine a perfectionist approach totheir craft with an open mind to untraditional solutions Ras-mussen frequently tested the limits of their open-mindednessin executing an undertaking on the grand scale of the Tridentll while maintaining structural and aesthetic integrity

Assembled using proprietary techniques Trident ll offer a ser-vice unique in the audio field access to virtually unlimitedpersonalised custom finish options not only at the time of ori-ginal purchase but also at any later date to keep pace withevolving personal style and interior deacutecor

Available panel options are limited only by the customersimagination However requests may not include rain forestwood or any endangered restricted or illegal materials

The Quest for SimplicityNo single drive unit is capable of properly reproducing theentire audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz No diaphragm canmove fast enough to reproduce 20 kHz overtones and at thesame time move enough air to reproduce deep bass at con-cert hall levels

For this reason loudspeaker manufacturers devote considera-ble resources during product development to selecting speci-alised drivers for each frequency section and moreimportantly to designing a crossover network to coerce themall to work together To do so the frequency spectrum is slicedup electronically and each piece is directed to the appropriatedriver where things are hopefully reassembled to form a cohe-rent acoustic event

It is at this point that so much can go wrong

Are the selected crossover components good enough to dotheir job without signal loss or distortion

Are the drivers sufficiently similar in tonal quality and speedthat they can create the illusion of a single coherent source ofsound

Does the crossover network properly compensate for the dri-versrsquo varying sensitivities so that the resulting sound is cor-rectly balanced from top to bottom

Have the crossover points between the drivers been properlytuned for undetectable seamless transitions with no frequencydips or peaks or phase anomalies

Is the cabinet designed to prevent resonances and delete-rious interaction between the drivers

The Gryphon Audio design team possesses unique experi-ence in the solution of such arcane audio problems having le-arned the most valuable lesson of all that eliminating aproblem before it arises is always far better than trying tosolve it

Or to put it in the vernacular ndash An ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure

In accordance with this guiding principle Gryphon Trident lleliminates the cabinet altogether in the midhigh frequencyrange Instead an extremely rigid panel houses a verticalarray of four Air Motion Transformer (AMT) super-tweetersalongside a single two meter tall dipolar planar magneticthin-film ribbon transducer

With ideal sound reproduction and mechanical behaviouracross more than seven octaves from 200 Hz to 18 kHz theGryphon Trident ll ribbon eliminates multiple crossover filtersections in the critical mid frequency range preserving spec-tral and temporal integrity

The crossover consists of the finest Duelund parts and solid

silver components encased in a heavily damped aluminiumblock suspended freely behind the panels At the extremehigh frequency transition between the ribbon and the AMTsuper-tweeter array the ribbon rolls off naturally with no low-pass filter section in the signal path

The high frequency systemrsquos innate wide and even horizontaldispersion with virtually nil vertical dispersion creates a largestable sweet spot with none of the floor and ceiling reflectionsthat muddy the sound of conventional multi-way systems Eli-minating this major source of interference allows Gryphon Tri-dent ll to achieve new levels of room-independent clarity andresolution

Bass FoundationSignificant effort and resources have been focused on delive-ring extended deep bass with articulation force and authoritycompletely independent of the acoustic environment

To keep pace with the extraordinary speed and openness ofour midrange drivers and AMT tweeters the Trident llacutes activebass offers elegantly simple original Gryphon solutions to anumber of complicated problems

Deep bass is perhaps counter-intuitively the most difficultpart of the audio spectrum to reproduce with both accuracyand seamless integration with the upper frequency range Afull-range speaker with bass drivers built into the main enclo-sure has its own set of demons to exorcise as does the cur-rently popular approach of tacking on a so-called ldquosubwooferrdquofor bottom end dutiesEach Trident ll cabinet houses 4 custom designed 8rdquo driveunits and a built-in specially designed Gryphon Class ABpower amplifier capable of 1000 Watts continuous output Forextended headroom available peak power is approximately4000 Watts or 45 horsepower

Unlike compromised ldquouniversalrdquo amplifiers the Trident ll bassamp has been conceived and built exclusively for optimal in-tegration with the systemrsquos custom-built drive units rigid cabi-net and flexible user-adjustable room integration controls fora level of performance unachievable by any standard mix-and-match approach

The Trident ll amplifiers incorporate 18 high current bipolaroutput transistors a 200000 microFarad capacitor bank DCservo-coupling zero global negative feedback no output re-lays output coupling via massive copper bussbars decoupledtransformer castings military spec double-sided printed circ-uit boards and Holmgren toroidal transformers with internalmagnetic shielding

Trident ll custom bass driver

In addition to the advantages of an active bass system withpurpose-built amplification designed for optimal operationwith the drive units and with the array of adjustable parame-ters active bass allows the owner to select a dedicated ampli-fier for the high frequency panels without having to worryabout the power demands of the massive Trident ll bass sy-stem

Conventional passive loudspeakers must be designed forcompatibility with a wide range of commercially availablepower amplifiers and active subwoofers are typically drivenby an off-the-shelf ldquodigitalrdquo power module that could fit in onehand

By way of comparison the purpose-built onboard Trident llpower amplifier weighs in at 70 kg per tower

Naturally ideal integration with the Trident ll high frequencypanel is assured

To achieve this ambitious goal the amplifier incorporates sop-histicated Q Control circuitry to fine-tune bass response aswell as additional adjustments to ensure ideal room interfaceThe bass remote control allows adjustment of bass level Q lowcut and other parameters directly from the listening position

The bass module offers Standby mode and provides effectivedriver protection via a comprehensive non-invasive systemthat monitors all functions more than 100 times per second The singular bass performance of the Gryphon Trident ll sy-stem heightens awareness of rhythmic subtleties and nuancesas it immerses the listener in musicrsquos rhythmic powerPassive Upper Frequency PanelBy physically separating the bass and upper frequency sec-tions Gryphon Trident ll elegantly sidesteps issues that inevi-tably arise in a full-range cabinet or in a satellitesubwooferconfiguration

Reproduction of deep bass from a dedicated cabinet comple-tely eliminates bass vibrations resonances and internal bass

Amplifier module for 1 bass

tower

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

For this reason loudspeaker manufacturers devote considera-ble resources during product development to selecting speci-alised drivers for each frequency section and moreimportantly to designing a crossover network to coerce themall to work together To do so the frequency spectrum is slicedup electronically and each piece is directed to the appropriatedriver where things are hopefully reassembled to form a cohe-rent acoustic event

It is at this point that so much can go wrong

Are the selected crossover components good enough to dotheir job without signal loss or distortion

Are the drivers sufficiently similar in tonal quality and speedthat they can create the illusion of a single coherent source ofsound

Does the crossover network properly compensate for the dri-versrsquo varying sensitivities so that the resulting sound is cor-rectly balanced from top to bottom

Have the crossover points between the drivers been properlytuned for undetectable seamless transitions with no frequencydips or peaks or phase anomalies

Is the cabinet designed to prevent resonances and delete-rious interaction between the drivers

The Gryphon Audio design team possesses unique experi-ence in the solution of such arcane audio problems having le-arned the most valuable lesson of all that eliminating aproblem before it arises is always far better than trying tosolve it

Or to put it in the vernacular ndash An ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure

In accordance with this guiding principle Gryphon Trident lleliminates the cabinet altogether in the midhigh frequencyrange Instead an extremely rigid panel houses a verticalarray of four Air Motion Transformer (AMT) super-tweetersalongside a single two meter tall dipolar planar magneticthin-film ribbon transducer

With ideal sound reproduction and mechanical behaviouracross more than seven octaves from 200 Hz to 18 kHz theGryphon Trident ll ribbon eliminates multiple crossover filtersections in the critical mid frequency range preserving spec-tral and temporal integrity

The crossover consists of the finest Duelund parts and solid

silver components encased in a heavily damped aluminiumblock suspended freely behind the panels At the extremehigh frequency transition between the ribbon and the AMTsuper-tweeter array the ribbon rolls off naturally with no low-pass filter section in the signal path

The high frequency systemrsquos innate wide and even horizontaldispersion with virtually nil vertical dispersion creates a largestable sweet spot with none of the floor and ceiling reflectionsthat muddy the sound of conventional multi-way systems Eli-minating this major source of interference allows Gryphon Tri-dent ll to achieve new levels of room-independent clarity andresolution

Bass FoundationSignificant effort and resources have been focused on delive-ring extended deep bass with articulation force and authoritycompletely independent of the acoustic environment

To keep pace with the extraordinary speed and openness ofour midrange drivers and AMT tweeters the Trident llacutes activebass offers elegantly simple original Gryphon solutions to anumber of complicated problems

Deep bass is perhaps counter-intuitively the most difficultpart of the audio spectrum to reproduce with both accuracyand seamless integration with the upper frequency range Afull-range speaker with bass drivers built into the main enclo-sure has its own set of demons to exorcise as does the cur-rently popular approach of tacking on a so-called ldquosubwooferrdquofor bottom end dutiesEach Trident ll cabinet houses 4 custom designed 8rdquo driveunits and a built-in specially designed Gryphon Class ABpower amplifier capable of 1000 Watts continuous output Forextended headroom available peak power is approximately4000 Watts or 45 horsepower

Unlike compromised ldquouniversalrdquo amplifiers the Trident ll bassamp has been conceived and built exclusively for optimal in-tegration with the systemrsquos custom-built drive units rigid cabi-net and flexible user-adjustable room integration controls fora level of performance unachievable by any standard mix-and-match approach

The Trident ll amplifiers incorporate 18 high current bipolaroutput transistors a 200000 microFarad capacitor bank DCservo-coupling zero global negative feedback no output re-lays output coupling via massive copper bussbars decoupledtransformer castings military spec double-sided printed circ-uit boards and Holmgren toroidal transformers with internalmagnetic shielding

Trident ll custom bass driver

In addition to the advantages of an active bass system withpurpose-built amplification designed for optimal operationwith the drive units and with the array of adjustable parame-ters active bass allows the owner to select a dedicated ampli-fier for the high frequency panels without having to worryabout the power demands of the massive Trident ll bass sy-stem

Conventional passive loudspeakers must be designed forcompatibility with a wide range of commercially availablepower amplifiers and active subwoofers are typically drivenby an off-the-shelf ldquodigitalrdquo power module that could fit in onehand

By way of comparison the purpose-built onboard Trident llpower amplifier weighs in at 70 kg per tower

Naturally ideal integration with the Trident ll high frequencypanel is assured

To achieve this ambitious goal the amplifier incorporates sop-histicated Q Control circuitry to fine-tune bass response aswell as additional adjustments to ensure ideal room interfaceThe bass remote control allows adjustment of bass level Q lowcut and other parameters directly from the listening position

The bass module offers Standby mode and provides effectivedriver protection via a comprehensive non-invasive systemthat monitors all functions more than 100 times per second The singular bass performance of the Gryphon Trident ll sy-stem heightens awareness of rhythmic subtleties and nuancesas it immerses the listener in musicrsquos rhythmic powerPassive Upper Frequency PanelBy physically separating the bass and upper frequency sec-tions Gryphon Trident ll elegantly sidesteps issues that inevi-tably arise in a full-range cabinet or in a satellitesubwooferconfiguration

Reproduction of deep bass from a dedicated cabinet comple-tely eliminates bass vibrations resonances and internal bass

Amplifier module for 1 bass

tower

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

silver components encased in a heavily damped aluminiumblock suspended freely behind the panels At the extremehigh frequency transition between the ribbon and the AMTsuper-tweeter array the ribbon rolls off naturally with no low-pass filter section in the signal path

The high frequency systemrsquos innate wide and even horizontaldispersion with virtually nil vertical dispersion creates a largestable sweet spot with none of the floor and ceiling reflectionsthat muddy the sound of conventional multi-way systems Eli-minating this major source of interference allows Gryphon Tri-dent ll to achieve new levels of room-independent clarity andresolution

Bass FoundationSignificant effort and resources have been focused on delive-ring extended deep bass with articulation force and authoritycompletely independent of the acoustic environment

To keep pace with the extraordinary speed and openness ofour midrange drivers and AMT tweeters the Trident llacutes activebass offers elegantly simple original Gryphon solutions to anumber of complicated problems

Deep bass is perhaps counter-intuitively the most difficultpart of the audio spectrum to reproduce with both accuracyand seamless integration with the upper frequency range Afull-range speaker with bass drivers built into the main enclo-sure has its own set of demons to exorcise as does the cur-rently popular approach of tacking on a so-called ldquosubwooferrdquofor bottom end dutiesEach Trident ll cabinet houses 4 custom designed 8rdquo driveunits and a built-in specially designed Gryphon Class ABpower amplifier capable of 1000 Watts continuous output Forextended headroom available peak power is approximately4000 Watts or 45 horsepower

Unlike compromised ldquouniversalrdquo amplifiers the Trident ll bassamp has been conceived and built exclusively for optimal in-tegration with the systemrsquos custom-built drive units rigid cabi-net and flexible user-adjustable room integration controls fora level of performance unachievable by any standard mix-and-match approach

The Trident ll amplifiers incorporate 18 high current bipolaroutput transistors a 200000 microFarad capacitor bank DCservo-coupling zero global negative feedback no output re-lays output coupling via massive copper bussbars decoupledtransformer castings military spec double-sided printed circ-uit boards and Holmgren toroidal transformers with internalmagnetic shielding

Trident ll custom bass driver

In addition to the advantages of an active bass system withpurpose-built amplification designed for optimal operationwith the drive units and with the array of adjustable parame-ters active bass allows the owner to select a dedicated ampli-fier for the high frequency panels without having to worryabout the power demands of the massive Trident ll bass sy-stem

Conventional passive loudspeakers must be designed forcompatibility with a wide range of commercially availablepower amplifiers and active subwoofers are typically drivenby an off-the-shelf ldquodigitalrdquo power module that could fit in onehand

By way of comparison the purpose-built onboard Trident llpower amplifier weighs in at 70 kg per tower

Naturally ideal integration with the Trident ll high frequencypanel is assured

To achieve this ambitious goal the amplifier incorporates sop-histicated Q Control circuitry to fine-tune bass response aswell as additional adjustments to ensure ideal room interfaceThe bass remote control allows adjustment of bass level Q lowcut and other parameters directly from the listening position

The bass module offers Standby mode and provides effectivedriver protection via a comprehensive non-invasive systemthat monitors all functions more than 100 times per second The singular bass performance of the Gryphon Trident ll sy-stem heightens awareness of rhythmic subtleties and nuancesas it immerses the listener in musicrsquos rhythmic powerPassive Upper Frequency PanelBy physically separating the bass and upper frequency sec-tions Gryphon Trident ll elegantly sidesteps issues that inevi-tably arise in a full-range cabinet or in a satellitesubwooferconfiguration

Reproduction of deep bass from a dedicated cabinet comple-tely eliminates bass vibrations resonances and internal bass

Amplifier module for 1 bass

tower

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

In addition to the advantages of an active bass system withpurpose-built amplification designed for optimal operationwith the drive units and with the array of adjustable parame-ters active bass allows the owner to select a dedicated ampli-fier for the high frequency panels without having to worryabout the power demands of the massive Trident ll bass sy-stem

Conventional passive loudspeakers must be designed forcompatibility with a wide range of commercially availablepower amplifiers and active subwoofers are typically drivenby an off-the-shelf ldquodigitalrdquo power module that could fit in onehand

By way of comparison the purpose-built onboard Trident llpower amplifier weighs in at 70 kg per tower

Naturally ideal integration with the Trident ll high frequencypanel is assured

To achieve this ambitious goal the amplifier incorporates sop-histicated Q Control circuitry to fine-tune bass response aswell as additional adjustments to ensure ideal room interfaceThe bass remote control allows adjustment of bass level Q lowcut and other parameters directly from the listening position

The bass module offers Standby mode and provides effectivedriver protection via a comprehensive non-invasive systemthat monitors all functions more than 100 times per second The singular bass performance of the Gryphon Trident ll sy-stem heightens awareness of rhythmic subtleties and nuancesas it immerses the listener in musicrsquos rhythmic powerPassive Upper Frequency PanelBy physically separating the bass and upper frequency sec-tions Gryphon Trident ll elegantly sidesteps issues that inevi-tably arise in a full-range cabinet or in a satellitesubwooferconfiguration

Reproduction of deep bass from a dedicated cabinet comple-tely eliminates bass vibrations resonances and internal bass

Amplifier module for 1 bass

tower

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

pressure waves in the upper frequency enclosures for cleanerclearer mid and high frequencies By reducing the enclosureto its most basic form a floor-standing open panel GryphonTrident ll takes mid and high frequency clarity and articulationto an entirely new level

AMT super tweeterThe extreme high-frequency range is handled by an array offour extraordinary Air Motion Transformers that move air bydriving an extremely low-mass folded sheet in a semi-perpen-dicular motion via a powerful magnetic field Following exten-sive research into materials and diaphragm geometry theTrident ll AMT employs a heat-resistant Kapton film base alu-minium conductor traces and an innovative fold geometry

Because of their large surface area and pleated structure theAir Motion Transformers move a large air volume with minimaldiaphragm motion for lightning fast transients with flat freq-uency response well beyond the audible range with negligibledistortion and a total absence of compression

The AMT array incorporates an attenuator for ideal fine-tuningand integration with the acoustics of the listening space ( +1 ndashneutral ndash 1 db )

The Trident ll high frequency panel presents a purely resistiveload significantly reducing demands on the partnering ampli-fier although the systemrsquos unrivalled transparency and resolu-tion deserve to be mated with the finest amplification andsource components

The radical passive crossover network design ensures idealphase at all frequencies a perfect result achieved only byGryphon loudspeaker

The Trident ll systems low-frequency cut-off is room-depen-dent and is also a result of the user-selected Q setting but use-able room response from the systems 26 drivers will cover therange from 16 Hz to 40 kHz

The transparency speed and spine-tingling musical realism ofthe Gryphon Trident ll system set new standards for audio vir-tues such as resolution timbre and soundstaging illuminatingthe music in ways previously experienced only occasionallyin glimpses or fragments of a speakerrsquos overall performancebut rarely in a true full-range system

Like every Gryphon product Gryphon Trident ll is designedby Gryphon founder and CEO Flemming E Rasmussen andmanufactured in Denmark The Gryphon Trident ll is a decla-ration of love to music and a finely crafted sculptural elementto grace even the most luxurious of surroundings

AMT tweeter

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

Trident ll set-upUnpackingThe Trident ll system arrives in 4 large and heavy wood cratesThe system will be set up by your dealers or Gryphon distribu-tor Do not attempt to unpack the system yourself We know the almost uncontrollable urge to get the system upand listening but the Trident ll is a complex system that requiresa predefined set-up by experts with special tools and severe da-mage can be done to your investment ndash and back - if mistakesare made

The 4 boxes include

1048713 1 Trident ll Master cabinet1048713 1 Trident ll Slave cabinet1048713 1 display unit1048713 1 remote control1048713 1 Gryphon anniversary book and brochure1048713 1 Dealers assembly guide1048713 1 x Trident ll Accessory box inside Slave box1048713 1 data cable1048713 2 power cords1048713 1 hex socket key 6 mm1048713 1 hex socket key 5 mm

A box in a Box

The differences between rooms are often bigger and moreprofound than the differences between speakers This is thereason why a speaker with a great subjective review can di-sappoint greatly when placed in another room Often it is morea test of how a certain speaker interacts with a certain roomrather than the actual quality of the speaker In short you listen to the combination of speaker and room

In real life it is easier to buy a new speaker than to buy a newroom Depending on the individual situation ndash is it a dedicatedsound room or is it a living room with other considerations totake and respect ndash but acoustics can be greatly improved inmost rooms and can basically be divided into 2 directions ndashabsorption or diffusion

a Absorption is reducing the sound level at certain frequen-cies

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

b Diffraction is scattering reflections and removing negativeeffects of reflections from the walls that interfere with the di-rect sound from the speaker system

At Gryphon we are biased towards diffusion as we find that ab-sorption in its extreme is killing dynamics and live feeling andis often pushing the system to hard because of the loos ofsound level Damping may be required to control an excess ofenergy in a certain frequency area Diffusion can not do thatThe Trident ll is a dipole speaker system where the midrangeand tweeter panels is radiating sound forward and backwardsConsequently it is interacting with the back wall more than abox speakerIt is not possible to give plug and play directions to any spea-ker system A large degree is the individual ndash and often mi-nute ndash adjustments of position of speaker and listeningposition that is crucial for optimum performanceIn the following we will describe a starting- point set-up basedon our experience and it should only serve as a guidelineKeep in mind that the set-up that sound right ndash is rightAs speakers run in minor adjustments may be required forfinal set-upThe bass is a huge challenge in set-up and reason for muchaggravation However the Trident ll active woofer with its ad-justments to the room is making that part more easyIn our reference room ( 60 sq m ) we do not have any damping( absorption ) behind the speakers but some diffusion on thisand more on the rest of the walls Often some damping on theback wall may be the right solution ndash the live dead end phi-losophy ndash If ceiling is low damping at first reflection is sugge-sted For a ultimate-take-no-prisoners- approach thetraditional table in front of the listener should be avoided as itcan generate reflections just as the close ceelingThe Trident ll may at first sight look very much as some of theold 4 column systems such as the Infinity IRS models that wasoutstanding at its time They were usually set up with very littlerespect to the woofer towers that was just placed somewherebehind the panels and just supposed to provide some oomphto the sound

The Trident ll is a different generation of speakers and shineswith its seamless integration between bass and the MT panelsthat was the weakness of the older generations of 4 tower sy-stems So forget about the old school set-ups

Notes on sound reflectionsBehind speakerThe farther away the system is from back wall then less diffu-sion ( if any ) is requiredSide walls Diffusion should be used ( if any ) at sidewalls where first re-

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

flection will enter ndash in this example between 13 and 23Behind listenerIf distance is large little or perhaps moderate damping can beapplied If it is closer diffusion can be applied could be com-bined with damping

Speaker Toe-in ( se fig 1 )Note that the system is set up in a curve so all drivers are onsame line and pointing direct at the listenerToe-InIf the room is narrow it may be necessary to use the bass to-wers on the outside of the MT panels to increase distance frompanels to sidewalls In this case it is advisable that the AMTsuper tweeters are kept on the outer side of themidrangetweeter panelIn a short room a set-up where the ldquofocusrdquo of the speakers isslightly behind the speaker may be requiredReducing toe-in ndash opening up ndash may increase soundstage sizeopening to much can reduce focus and often headroom

Adjusting lean angleThe feet on the panels can be adjusted in height a back leanwill often result in a higher placed soundstage If you are sea-ted low a forward lean may be requiredThe bass towers are not sensitive to thisSpikesDue to the weight of the system and consequently its solidcontact to the floor Spikes are not offering any performancegain unless the floor is very lively or the carpet is thick andsoftThe woofer towersIn the old school systems the woffers was often underestima-ted and viewed as devises that should provide some ldquoumphrdquoto the sound They lived their own life often unhappily mar-ried to a inferior muscle amp with PA qualities ( a contradic-tion of words perhaps )The Trident ll is a speaker system and shines with its rare inte-gration between the piston drivers and the planar drivers Thisis achieved by using a number of special developed driversthat due to its size are lightening fast to respond to commandLarge drivers are heavy and takes time to start and most of thetime has trouble stopping thus creating the dreaded ldquoover-hangrdquo ndash the woofer is playing something that it was not told toby the amplifier By using this responsive drivers in a largenumbers in combination with a Gryphon amplifier designedspecifically to this purpose ndash rather than a all-round perfor-mance - a exceptional degree of bass control is achieveddown to the notes that are more felt than heard The signatureof a deep bass system in absolute control is the absence ofbass unless the bass is required ndash it is never a constant ldquorum-blerdquo creating a illusion of a bass that is not telling if it is a cello

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

or a bass ndash at best it is just a deep sluggish tone

The Bass tower electronicsEach tower has a amplifier capable of delivering 1000 watts tothe driversIt also has some adjustments to support precise integrationwith panels and the roomOne of the towers is the master and the other is the slave The master tower houses all the intelligent circuits that res-ponds to the remote control or other functions these com-mands are communicated to the slave with a data-only cablebetween them This set-up with only one master in charge se-cure that no misunderstandings can occur

Master tower controlAdjustments applies to both towers automaticallyWarningBe aware that there is 1000 watt amplifier in each tower thatcan deliver a huge output in very low frequencies if instruc-tions are not observed Please be very careful when handlingthis system

View from above

viev from side

Note that the curve of the baf-fel is duplicated as the curve oftoe-in of the speakersThis system is designed for on-axis listening and the curve onthe baffel is providing true timeallignement and maxiumdynamics The default distanceis to speakers is 5 meters de-pending on where the rdquohotseatrdquo is preferred

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

Vol+Vol-Bass level up or down Q+Q-Optimizing bass performance to the specific roomLow cutUse this with turntable use to prevent overloading the systemwith low level noise from turntable ( rumble) or to prevent di-sasters with a dropped tone arm

MUTEAlways if you change cables ndash or turn the towers off

1000 Watts releassed in the basse is a scary experience

In amp out putsXLR inConnect to balanced output from balanced preamplifier XLR -AES standard- ( pin 2 positive Pin 3 negative Pin 1 shield )XLR outCan be used to loop to MidHi amplifier if preamplifier do nothave 2 outputsXLRRCAToggle Switch between balanced or single ended connectionCONNECT ONLY TRIDENT LL TOWER TO PREAMPLIFIERSWITH ABSOLUTELY STABLE DC OPERATION NEVER TURNPREAMPLIFIER ON OR OFF OR MOVE TOWER UNLESS THETRIDENT LL MASTER IS TURNED OFFRCAinConnect to single ended output from preamplifierRCA outCan be used to loop to the MidHi amplifier if your preampli-fier do not have 2 sets of outputs

PortsDisplayConnect LED display hereData InterfaceLink between Master and SlaveErrorIndication of malfunction

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

12 v LinkAuto power-on if connected to a Gryphon link systemStdbyFlashes when starting up Blue led on front of bass tower is in-dicating that tower is ready

AC powerDo not use filters or ldquosound enhancingrdquo AC devises

FUSEReplace only with fuses of same value and typeNo serviceable parts inside

OnOff Mains switch both towers must be turned on

The Benefits of A Semi-Active Speaker System

bull Complete control (remote) of bass level and other settings for idealroom integration (Level Acoustic Q Low Cut High Cut)

bull 1000 Watt Class AB power amplifier developed especially for thisbass system (No traditional external amplifier can do this as well)

bull Greater flexibillity Active bass takes a huge load off the midhighamplifier consequently a smaller amplifier can be selected - the number ofpotential amplifiers is much higher

bull Less costly than traditional bi-amplification which requires an addi-tional external amplifier

bull No speaker cables for bi-amplification are required - The best cablein the world is no cable at all

bull No interconnect cables for bi-amplification are required - The bestcable in the world is no cable at all

bull Space saving

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

Most audiophiles understand that getting the bass exactly right is usuallythe single greatest challenge in setting up a speaker system

Especially at the bottom end of the audio spectrum room interaction has pro-found impact and the desired balance is extremely difficult to achieve

Speakers with dual sets of input terminals invite people to experiment withbi-wiring using different cables for each frequency range or with bi-ampingusing special bass amps

Gryphon actually coined the expression vertical bi-amping way back in theday suggesting the use of two identical stereo amplifiers one for each spea-ker rather than traditional horizontal bi-amping where one stereo amp hand-les left and right uppermid frequencies while a second amp often of adifferent power rating and brand handles left and right bass

However in many of the old school systems such as the big infinityacutes thechoice was often a favourite tube amplifier for the uppermid and a big andbold solid state amplifier for the bass because of the widespread notion thatpower was all that mattered in this application To a surprisingly large extentthat misconception lives on today

Specialist Bass AmplificationWhen a manufacturer designs an amplifier it is for an existence where it willface all kinds of speaker loads and ideally drive them all equally well Sincespeaker systems are very very different to drive (sensitivity impedancephase tonality) such an amplifier must be universally compatible Rather thanbeing a dedicated specialist it must offer one size fits all functionality Andnaturally it must be at its best from the very highest frequencies to the verylowest

Now imagine instead designing an amplifier that is conceived and born witha single purpose in life - to drive one specific speaker and never anythingelse It will also be required only to give its best within a very narrowly defi-ned frequency band This is the specialist amplifier at its ultimate extremeand when it is properly executed any normal amplifier will inevitably fallshort in comparison

Because this amplifier is integrated in the system from its conception it canalso offer highly desirable features such as remote adjustment of bass levelfrom the listening position low and high cut filters and a less known but eq-ually valuable feature user-selectable bass system Q an extremely importantfactor as matching system Q to the listening roomrsquos own Q is the gateway tosuperior bass performance

We all know the frustrations of struggling to control the bass by moving thespeakers around the room to get the best bass performance Unfortunatelythat position often also provides the poorest soundstage or a less coherenttonal balance

Gryphon has always been a firm believer in smaller bass drivers with biggermotors (built to Gryphons specs) as vastly superior to the traditional largebass drivers that often are slow to start and slow to stop resulting in over-hang or an area where the driver is doing something other than what it is in-structed to do by the amp To ensure that the cone surface area is sufficient togenerate the appropriate quantity and quality of deep bass multiple bass dri-vers are employed

With Gryphonrsquos special (fully analogue) bass amplifier capable of delivering1000 Watts continuously to the drivers the bass drivers are held in an irongrip at all times This system responds with such exceptional speed that con-ventional bass systems appear sluggish and wet in comparison

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

With the bass well in hand the owner has the added bonus of far greater free-dom in selecting an amplifier for the rest of the system which becomes somuch easier to drive Most amplifiers greatly appreciate being relieved ofbass duties allowing them to shine within a more limited range

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II Reference Loudspeaker Systemswith Integral Self-Powered Bass System Q Controller and Active CrossoverBias

Like every loudspeaker ever made by Gryphon the critically acclaimed topof the range Pendragon and Trident II incorporate specially developed con-stant phase technologies to ensure that all drivers are in phase at all frequen-cies at all times

The Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II systems both take full advantage ofour ground-breaking semi-active configuration with specially developed bassamplification as an integral part of system design As one of the very few HighEnd manufacturers of complete system solutions from source components toamplification to loudspeakers Gryphon has a uniquely valuable perspectiveon all relevant compatibilitysynergy issues

Unlike compromised universal external amplifiers Pendragon and Trident IIpurpose-built on-board bass amps are conceived and built exclusively foroptimal integration with our custom-built drive units advanced crossover net-works handmade crossover components non-resonant enclosures and pro-prietary user-adjustable room integration parameters This extraordinarydegree of integration delivers a level of performance unattainable via anystandard mix-and-match approach

Gryphon Pendragon and Trident II bass amps incorporate custom developedparts the finest Sanken high current bipolar output transistors linear powersupply large capacitor banks DC servo-coupling no output relays outputcoupling via massive copper bussbars decoupled transformer castings mili-tary spec double-sided printed circuit boards and Holmgren toroidal trans-formers with internal magnetic shielding Ultra-wide bandwidth and zeronegative feedback contribute to extreme speed and unconditional stabilityFor extended headroom available peak power is approximately 4000 Wattsor 45 horsepower The dedicated Gryphon bass power amplifier weighs in at70 kg per speakerIn addition Pendragon and Trident II both employ Gryphon Q Controllerroom-adaptive technology that allows user adjustment of the total system re-sonance frequency and of system Q for ideal coupling to any room As a theoretical concept active Q control was discussed in the 1950rsquos by Link-witz and Greiner but never successfully implemented prior to the breakth-rough Gryphon Cantata stand-mount loudspeaker in 2002 offering powerfulnew opportunities for extensive low-frequency adjustment and room integra-tion

Bass parameters can be optimised for fast seamless integration of the basssection with the uppermid in any listening roomSet-up of the Gryphon Q Controller via remote control is simplicity itselfwith a separate display that can be placed for clear visibility from the liste-ning position

Active Crossover BiasIn addition to increasing low-frequency extension for a given cabinet volumeand improving bass control by direct-coupling the driving amp to the driversthe Gryphon active approach also provides permanent 28 V biasing of cros-sover capacitors to eliminate crossover distortion at zero electric potentialOriginally introduced in the Gryphon Cantata where bias voltage was ap-plied by battery the considerable benefits include improved stability bodytonal colour and image coherence

This extraordinary level of coordination and integration ensures an exceptio-

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

nal degree of bass control all the way down to the notes that are felt morethan heard The signature of a Gryphon active deep bass system is absolutecontrol and speed

Thanks to the development and implementation of active integrated bass am-plification Q control and active crossover bias Gryphon Pendragon and Tri-dent II elegantly and effectively resolve electrical mechanical and acousticalissues delivering extended deep bass with articulation force and authorityindependent of the acoustic environment

Gryphon Trident II ndash Laser-Sharp Clarity Alacrity and Precision

The Trident II self-powered bass system employs four 8rdquo drivers in a singlemassively braced stylish enclosure per channel with precisely contoured baf-fle and driver surrounds and baffle covering carefully selected and applied toeliminate baffle reflections and diffraction phenomena

The massive air displacement of the bass system is complemented by two ex-tensively modified Danish 5rdquo midrange units and the Air Motion Transformerhigh frequency driver with minimal mass and virtually instantaneous res-ponse in a symmetrical vertical array for an ideal point source presentation ofthe musical event with unparalleled speed and accuracy

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product

SERIAL No__________________________________________

WarrantyThe Gryphon Trident ll is warranted against failures arisingthrough faulty workmanship and materials for a period of 3year from date of purchase

The warranty is not transferable

This warranty is only valid in the country where the productwas purchased

All claims under this warranty must be made to the distributorin the buyer`s country by returning the unit securely packed inthe original box with all accessories postagefreight prepaidand insured The unit will be repaired or replaced at no chargefor parts and labor

This warranty remains valid only if the serial number of theunit has not been defaced or removed and if repairs are per-formed only by authorized Gryphon dealers or distributors

The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse accidentor neglect This warranty is not valid if the operation voltageof the product has been changed

The distributor or manufacturer Gryphon Audio Designs Den-mark retains the exclusive right to make such judgement onthe basis of inspection

The retailer distributor or manufacturer of the Gryphon shallnot be liable for consequential damage arising from the usemisuse or failure of this product including injuries to personsor property

To qualify the enclosed warranty registration card must be fil-led out and returned to the manufacturer within 10 days of pur-chase

Service warranty claims or questionsPlease contact the dealer where you purchased the product