@ Sollies Frederic: I really like matching amp/pre from the same manufacturer. From my experience it just works. The DV2 with the Mephisto (as you must know is fantastic). I love this combo!! The Pandora with the separate power supply is what distinguishes this combo. Head room is off the charts, not to mention the bias cable between the Mephisto and Pandora. Soundstage is spot on, these REL Carbon Specials help with that. Typically I'm always in medium bias unless I really want to Jack the volume up. I don't imagine you get out of medium bias? What power cables are you using on the Mephisto? The Zena was good but the Pandora brings it all to another level. I had EMM's Ref pre but not with Mephisto.
Gryphon Mephisto
Here is an update with my Gryphon Mephisto: Connectivity was directly from my EMM LABS DV2. After some time I found it too edgy and forward. Lowering the gain on the DV2 helped, but still not to my liking. Couldn't find a Pandora anywhere. I called John at Audio Salon, (Great guy to Do business with) never had any dealings with him before. He had a Zena. I figured the Zena would give me a pretty good sonic presentation as to what to expect from the Pandora. Sure enough I knew in the first 5 minutes. Fantastic presentation, its a very good preamp. Separate PS with the Pandora, dual AC power, will only make things better. I ordered a new Pandora. Gryphon is making one. If anyone is interested in a Zena PM me. Only thing is the Pandora will take 2-3 weeks. I'll update this after the Pandora arrives. My room is huge 30 X 26 X 26H. Big A-Frame. This creates denominators that are not typical.
Showing 15 responses by jakesnak
For sure he has enough juice with those Westminster's! I would bet that the Pandora with the Mephisto would provide a much better sonic delivery. Keep in mind I am a dealer for EMM! Their REF preamp is very good, but if a client came to me with the Mephisto I would strongly recommend the Pandora. I am not a dealer for Gryphon! The DAC is another story, because of the neutrality of the Mephisto, the DA2/DV2 is a perfect match. As @lalitk mentioned about Antileon/Mephisto. Perhaps with Antileon DA2/DV2 may not be the best pairing? A small amount of evaluating can go a long way! |
@lalitk Not to mention saving a few Green Backs!!
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Onahighernote used to be the distributer. They are no longer involved with distribution. They had several pieces left from demos and inventory. As Maxwave noted they still have that Essence pair. Interesting to note the Zena preamp and the Essence are exactly the same but with different chassis. I could not find a Pandora anywhere in the country including Canada. I would have gladly purchased a demo unit if one was available. Most gear, you need to go through a dealer, unless you find something on the used market. Gryphon gear is not usually found on the used market. |
Lawyer203, its common knowledge that the Essence/Zena are exactly the same. Inside! its just an Aesthetic "thing". Its not like they did it to fool anyone. On a higher note is no longer the distributer. They announced it on the website, back in April I think? You can read if you go on the higher note site. Scott Walker, if I knew I would have called. I even called Anthony to inquire as to who has a Pandora in stock! Damn it! Havocman, lots of good Preamps including the 850p, I like matching amps and preamps from the same company. |
Bob, its an obsession. Friends have boats, fancy cars, and spend money in areas that I have no interest in. Your observation in regards to expectations on what one will spend is accurate. The deeper one go’s into this hobby or obsession the higher the spending bar. I got bit by this bug when I was 19 years old. I was in the Army during the mid seventies (Cold War) and GI’s could buy audio gear at 1/2 the price. I was 19-20 years old with a world class system. Over 40 years later and I am still involved. I think its some genetic thing! LOL! Look at it like this. I’m a winemaker, I don’t drink crappy wine, I brewed beer for years because I could make better beer than what I could buy, I’m a bit of a foody, I like good food, I’m a coffee roaster, I like good coffee. The point I am clumsily attempting to make is, I think certain people demand certain kinds of quality in return? Their are different quality’s of musical presentations. When I play a piece and the hairs on my arm stand up, I have an emotional connection to the music. I hope this provides a glimpse into an audiophile’s obsession. John |
William Blake: "The road of access leads to the palace of wisdom" Audio is just another branch of access. I imagine many people are cultivating the things they enjoy due to this covid situation. Its never too late to enjoy good music. You can sift through things and perhaps find some good used gear? I will post some pics after the Pandora Preamp gets in position. With what ever means one has Be Grateful And Enjoy...John |
@cycles2, Thanks for the input. I'm expecting the Mephisto/Pandora to be a great pairing. John's a good guy, he makes things easy and uncomplicated. I have spoken with Gryphon a few times, they made it very clear as to place the power supply separate from the Pandora Pre. Bigger sound stage and more separation. Because of the size of my room, that's a good thing. Best of luck to you as well...John |
Agreed George it is not the Mephisto. I talked with other Mephisto owners, DCS Vivaldi direct and they had similar observations. He has Rockport Lyra's. I know from a electronic engineering aspect the numbers from the DV2 should align. When you run it direct its less forgiving to a large degree. With the pre its also not forgiving. Nature of a good system. The Mephisto is very neutral. I've heard slightly darker comments, tube like. That is not my take at all. My set-up is extremely transparent. The Mephisto is the most neutral, transparent, detailed amp I have had. This topic of Direct Vs Pre has been dissected over and over again. No one would have been happier than me, if Direct sounded best. I always value your opinion George. John |
@cycle2: Brian, What Gryphon told me was physically separate the power supply from the pre, separate shelf. I always attempt to place my gear on individual circuits. I will not be able to do this when the Pandora/Power Supply Arrives. If the Pandora and Power Supply are on the same circuit I doubt if that diminishes anything. Hope this helps...John |
Lalitk, is correct. I should have phrased my response with a little more thought. Actually a lot more thought! I thought what cycle2 meant was splitting the AC power from the PS to separate circuits. What I should have stated is I doubt if running the power supply from the same circuit would diminish anything. I run the Mephisto from 2 separate circuits. As Lalitk said, it would be difficult to run power from the Pandora Pre as there is NO IEC! Sorry for the confusing post...John |