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Gryphon Mirage Preamplifier - As Traded
Condition: Used. Good, some marks and scratches and scratch on remote (See photos)
Includes: Remote, Umbilical and Power Cables (No Box)
SN: 1906148
Made in Denmark
Includes 90 day (3 month) warranty
Overview
From the mind of Gryphon’s founder and designer Flemming E. Rasmusssen, Mirage offers a host of tried-and-true audio design standards, to strive for endgame preamplifier status. From the initial set-up ("How do I connect the control unit to the main chassis?"), it's obvious no expense has been spared.
Built upon a double-sided military spec printed circuit board, and using the highest quality componentry including Holmgren toroidal transformers, Gold-plated PCB-mounted Swiss Neutric XLR sockets and Vishay Bulk Metal Foil ultra-precision resistors, Mirage is unlikely to end up bottlenecking your signal flow while providing Gryphon's beloved black-as-night signature sound profile.
• True Dual Mono configuration
• Pure Class A operation
• 63,000 microFarad capacity
• Ultra-wideband 3 MHz frequency response
• Zero negative feedback
• DC-coupling with servo-control
• Isolated power supply for non-audio circuits
• Extensive mechanical decoupling
• Extensive local voltage regulation
• Microprocessor-controlled 50-step relay volume attenuator for best sonic performance featuring Vishay Bulk Metal Foil ultra-precision resistors and ultra low capacitance relays
• Fully discrete circuitry using Ultra-short signal path
• Military spec. double-sided up to 70um copper printed circuit boards
• Two separate Holmgren toroidal transformers, one for each channel
• Gold-plated input-isolating relays
• PCB-mounted sockets eliminate wiring and shorten signal path
• Gold-plated PCB-mounted Swiss Neutric XLR sockets for three balanced sources and two outputs
• Gold-plated PCB-mounted phono sockets with Teflon insulation for 2 inputs and one Tape output
• Wireless communication between Mirage Control unit and Mirage Preamplifier
• Fixed-level AV throughput for uncompromising integration with surround systems
• Microprocessor-controlled menu functions
• Adjustable channel balance, source level matching, start-up and maximum level
• Green Bias control for Gryphon Power Amplifiers
• Vacuum Fluorescent Display with 2 lines and 50 characters
• Adjustable display Lighting (High, Medium, Low or Off)
• Non-magnetic, non-resonant aluminum cabinets
• 12VDC link input and output
• Infrared remote control
• Designed and built in Denmark
Specification
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.007%
Inputs : 3 x XLR, 2 x RCA
Gain: 29.5dB (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 94dB (line)
Input impedance, balanced (20-20000Hz 50KOhm
Input impedance, single ended (20-20000Hz)) 25KOhm
Output: 23V (Pre out Max)
Power Supply Capacity, preamp 2 x 25000uF
Power Supply Capacity 2 x 47000 uF
Dimensions: 480 x 130 x 400mm
Weight: 16.5kg
AUDIO CONNECTION QUALITY GUARANTEE
✔️Comprehensive three month warranty on Trade In's*
✔️Passed our checks for functionality
✔️A full inspection noting for any defects
✔️A full completeness check for all included parts and accessories
Is this one priced where a serious preamp buyer should jump, or is it just comfortably in the market? At A$12,400, it sits above the A$9,109 median and well above the A$18,828 75th percentile? No—sorry, that benchmark means this asking price is actually below the upper quartile and reads as strong value rather than ambitious.
That makes it worth a close look, especially since Gryphon preamps are prized for resolving power, grip, and a very low-noise, high-end presentation that scales beautifully with better sources and power amps. If the unit is clean, complete, and from careful ownership, this looks like a real buying opportunity rather than a risky stretch; the main thing to confirm is normal used-condition basics and that all accessories, remote, and service history are in order.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Gryphon Audio Designs emerged from Denmark in 1985, founded by Flemming E. Rasmussen as a passionate offshoot of his distribution company, 2R Marketing. What began as a spare-time project—a compact, dual-mono phono preamplifier known as the Gryphon Head Amp—quickly gained acclaim after debuting at the 1986 Chicago Consumer Electronics Show. Japanese distributors snapped it up, and the audio press hailed it as a "Best Buy," propelling Rasmussen to establish Gryphon as a dedicated entity by the early 1990s, free from import distractions. The brand's name draws from the mythical gryphon, symbolizing the fusion of lion-like power and eagle-like grace in music reproduction.
Gryphon specializes in uncompromising high-end electronics, starting with its legendary class-A phono stages and evolving into high-power amplifiers, preamplifiers, and integrated systems. The company expanded into full-system solutions with the 2002 Cantata stand-mount speakers, followed by flagship models like the massive Poseidon in 2004. Today, its portfolio encompasses speakers, the groundbreaking Apollo turntable—a collaboration with Helmut Brinkmann and Ortofon—and even cables, ensuring every link in the audio chain aligns with Gryphon's neutral, optimized design philosophy.
Positioned firmly at the pinnacle of high-end audio, Gryphon commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its visionary engineering and sonic purity, often setting benchmarks since its inception as one of Europe's earliest true high-end pioneers. Rasmussen's team-driven approach yields products that prioritize musical essence over compromise, attracting buyers who demand reference-level performance in home systems.
See all Gryphon listings on RADAR.
