.png){kind=small}
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality and striking industrial design deviate from the standard rectangular audio component, with a focus on aesthetics and user experience
- As a CD player, it makes CD sound a lot like high-resolution audio is supposed to sound—clean, dynamic, and extended
- Dual-mono construction and a fully balanced Class-A analog output stage with zero negative feedback use high-quality components (Melf resistors, polypropylene film capacitors)
- Versatile, with user-selectable digital filters (seven for PCM, three for DSD) and asynchronous upsampling options
Product Considerations
- High price point may not be accessible to all audiophiles
- It does not play SACD discs; it is limited to Redbook CDs and external digital sources
- The unit is larger than many equipment racks
- Some running in is required to sound at its best, and the clamp is a bit too light
- Stock power cable is considered basic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to dCS combo, the Brits proving preferable each time
- Compared to Ayon Audio CD-35 HF Edition SACD, the similarities suggest that the inability to play SACD discs on Gryphon should not necessarily affect choice
Takeaway: The Gryphon Ethos is a beautifully designed and expertly engineered CD player/DAC that elevates the listening experience, particularly for those with serious CD collections, delivering a high-resolution sound quality. Its versatile DAC functionality and focus on musicality make it a worthwhile investment for the discerning audiophile.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Ethos
reviews
[{"title":"Gryphon Ethos CD player-D/A processor","link":"https://www.stereophile.com/content/gryphon-ethos-cd-player-da-processor","source":"Stereophile","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Gryphon Audio Designs Ethos CD player","link":"https://hifiplus.com/articles/gryphon-audio-designs-ethos-cd-player","source":"Hi-Fi+","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"The Gryphon ETHOS Compact Disc Player","link":"https://positive-feedback.com/high-fidelity/gryphon-ethos-compact-disc-player","source":"Positive Feedback","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Gryphon Audio Designs Ethos CD Player/DAC","link":"https://www.soundstageaustralia.com/index.php/reviews/385-gryphon-audio-ethos-cd-player-dac","source":"Soundstage! Australia","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"GRYPHON ETHOS…The DAC with the CD TRANSPORT!","link":"https://analoguefellowship.com/2020/08/07/gryphon-ethos-the-dac-with-the-cd-transport","source":"Analogue Fellowship","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Ethos","link":"https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/gryphon6","source":"6 Moons","datePublished":""},{"title":"Gryphon Ethos","link":"https://www.fidelity-magazine.com/gryphon-ethos","source":"fidelity-magazine.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Gryphon Ethos - REVIEW [HIGH END AUDIO] NEW! NEW! NEW!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8UdIZuPwZg","source":"Pursuit Perfect System","datePublished":"2021"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Exterior design by Flemming E. Rasmussen
- Electronics design by Tom Møller
- Exclusive, CD-only CD-Pro8 transport with all-metal chassis
- Extensive mechanical decoupling of the CD transport
- Dedicated ESS SABRE ES9038PRO 32-bit D/A converter for each channel
- Each ES9038Pro incorporates eight individual D/A converters in Dual Differential coupling for optimal performance
- User-selectable, 7 different PCM and 3 DSD digital roll-off filters
- User-selectable, asynchronous PCM sample rate conversion to 384kHz and PCM to DSD conversion to DSD128.
- Temperature-compensated, ultra-low jitter crystal oscillators with better than 5 parts per million accuracy
- USB input compatible with following audio formats via PC/MAC: PCM: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 and 384 kHz, up to 32 bits DSD via USB: DSD64 (up to 3.072 MHz), DSD128 (up to 6.144 MHz), DSD256 (up to 12.288 MHz) and DSD512 (up to 24.576 MHz)
- No USB driver required for LINUX or MAC OSX
- USB driver available for Windows
- Super-Capacitor (12.5 Farad!) power supply for USB module – for true battery source
- Digital BNC and XLR inputs compatible with PCM: 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz, up to 24 bits
- Balanced 110 Ohm XLR AES/EBU digital input
- Single-ended 75 Ohm BNC S/PDIF digital input
- Balanced 110 Ohm XLR AES/EBU digital output from CD transport
- Galvanic isolation of all digital BNC and XLR inputs and outputs for minimal jitter
- Comprehensive noise regulation of all digital circuits
- Modular digital audio sections for possible future upgrades
- True Class A, fully discrete analogue circuitry with zero negative feedback
- First-order PCM analogue filters and user selectable second-order DSD analogue filter with silvered Mica capacitors
- Analogue output stages with low noise +/- 23 VDC regulated voltage supplies for low THD and noise suppression
- Custom-built 32 VA toroidal transformer for each analogue channel
- 20,000 microFarad power capacitor banks for each analogue channel
- True Dual Mono analogue and DAC configuration
- Balanced XLR analogue outputs and single-ended phono outputs
- Ultra-short signal path with minimal internal wiring
- Four-layer 70 mm thick copper trace PCB’s
- Vacuum Fluorescent Display with variable illumination
- Personalised naming of each input
- Solid aluminium top plate
- Gold-plated CD clamp
- Polished acrylic base
- Brushed, aluminium arm
- Side-mounted heatsinks
- Gryphon designed Atlas adjustable feet
- Constrained layer damping vibration control
- CD well with LED lighting
- Automatic standby mode with user-selectable interval
- Standby power consumption less than 0.5W in accordance with EU regulations
- 12V link in
- Infrared remote control
- EU CE approval
- Designed and built in Denmark
Description
Handcrafted from precision-milled aluminum and acrylic, Ethos' delta-shaped chassis with arched aluminum CD lid has been praised by countless critics as 'The Most Beautiful Audio Component Ever Made.' Ethos' internals are equally remarkable: from the selection of the finest CD Transport mechanism available, to the specification of the most advanced Digital-to-Analog Converters and Digital Filters, to the creation of discrete, monaural power supplies for every active circuit, Ethos CD is actually two State-of-the-Art components sharing a single chassis, designed to be the ultimate CD Player as well as a world-class DAC.
Gryphon believes that audio should be as pleasing to the ear as to the eye, as beautiful to behold as it is to hear. The culmination of this philosophy is Ethos CD. Unique in the world of High-End consumer electronics, Ethos is a genuine “Audio Artwork” that enhances the opulence of luxury living spaces. Handcrafted from precision-milled aluminum and acrylic, Ethos’ delta-shaped chassis with arched aluminum CD lid has been praised by countless critics as “The Most Beautiful Audio Component Ever Made.”
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Gryphon amplifiers use a distinctively robust power supply featuring custom-made toroidal transformers and substantial filter capacitance, contributing to exceptional dynamic headroom and speaker control.
- The brand's industrial design, originally led by Flemming Rasmussen, combines bold aesthetics with practical functionality, creating visually striking components with user-friendly interfaces.
- Gryphon prioritizes short, direct signal paths and minimal internal wiring to maintain signal purity and transparency, enhancing sonic performance by reducing potential noise and interference.
- They offer modular designs with optional phono stage and DAC modules, allowing customers to tailor their components to their specific system needs and upgrade in the future.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Diablo 333
- Positioning: Gryphon's top integrated amplifier, succeeding the Diablo 300.
- Description: Integrates advanced technologies from Gryphon's flagship models, offering enhanced musicality and power. Features a dual mono configuration and optional phono and DAC modules, providing flexibility and high compatibility with various audio systems. This amplifier is ideal for users with a higher budget who desire a compact yet powerful system for larger rooms.
Essence
- Positioning: The entry-level high-end power amplifier in Gryphon's lineup.
- Description: Offers pure Class A operation with a focus on sonic neutrality and dynamic ease, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Features a dual mono design with separate power supplies for the output and driver stages, which is a step up from integrated designs like the Diablo 333.
Antileon Evo
- Positioning: A mid-tier power amplifier known for its high current capability.
- Description: Excels in delivering high instantaneous current, ensuring compatibility with demanding loudspeakers, which is a significant advantage over the Essence. Uses pure Class A bias and features a dual mono configuration, offering superior control and speed.
Mephisto
- Positioning: A high-end power amplifier designed for the most demanding audiophiles.
- Description: Offers exceptional current delivery and stereo separation, making it ideal for large rooms and high-end audio setups. Features a dual mono design with separate power supplies, providing superior channel separation and control compared to the Antileon Evo.
Apex
- Positioning: Gryphon's flagship power amplifier, representing the pinnacle of their design and engineering.
- Description: Delivers immense power and refinement, capable of driving any loudspeaker with ease. Features pure Class A operation with a massive power reserve, surpassing the capabilities of the Mephisto. This amplifier is for those with an unlimited budget who demand the absolute best in audio performance and are willing to invest in a statement piece for their audio system.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$40,001-$75,000
Used For Sale
15
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
115
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
27
Founding Year
1985
Our take on the brand
Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
.
Brand Page
Used
Gryphon
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
No items found.
What competes at this price?
CH Precision
D1.5
42099
/
Released
2021
Despite advances in high-resolution file-replay, the optical disc remains the reference standard for digital music replay. Those who have predicted the imminent demise of CD and who already danced on the grave of SACD might want to take a look at the rude health of the vinyl LP, a format long ago consigned by many to the dustbin of audio history. In fact, there have never been so many CD and SACD titles (or formats) available – and they have never been so affordable, making them the most consistent and stable digital source currently available – and one that is constantly evolving as superior materials and manufacturing techniques continue to improve performance.
CH Precision is known for its modular design philosophy that lets customers tailor and upgrade their units over time without replacing the entire component, with sophisticated controls accessible via tablet from the listening position. Their amplifiers offer five different operating modes (stereo, bridge, passive and active bi-amplification, and monaural) and allow users to adjust specific audio parameters like global feedback ratio and input gain settings for optimal speaker matching.
Expand Details
.svg)
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solid build with a modular design allowing for future upgrades of daughter boards
- Capable of playing CDs and SACDs
- High-mass transport mechanism (MORSe) designed to minimize vibrations
- Excellent sound quality with a neutral presentation of the music played, irrespective of music or format
Product Considerations
- The original D1 cannot be upgraded to the D1.5 due to significant changes in the transport mechanism
- The 'preproduction D1.5 supplied for review selected one of the minimum-phase filters from our library of available algorithms'
- The D1.5 had old firmware, and was using an incorrect filter
- The Android app is only available on the Android platform—no iOS (Apple) version is available
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The D1.5 is the first digital player not named Neodio or Wadax to transport the reviewer to the Musikverein without leaving the listening room
Takeaway: The CH Precision D1.5 is a robust and versatile player that delivers excellent sound across different disc formats. Its modular design and focus on time-domain performance ensure a worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking a long-term, high-quality digital source.
Video review
Our take on the brand
CH Precision is known for its modular design philosophy that lets customers tailor and upgrade their units over time without replacing the entire component, with sophisticated controls accessible via tablet from the listening position. Their amplifiers offer five different operating modes (stereo, bridge, passive and active bi-amplification, and monaural) and allow users to adjust specific audio parameters like global feedback ratio and input gain settings for optimal speaker matching.
Product Page
Product Page
How to buy
CD Players
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
