The
Gryphon Exorcist - System Demag
'The Exorcist is a beautifully finished metal
extrusion which looks like a minimalist hand-held remote controller.
It measures 70x48x22, it's jet black and it bears all sorts
of text on its upper surface. At the top end are two phono
sockets; on the top plate above the text, there's
a tiny toggle switch marked 'Engage'. Unscrew the bottom plate
for access to the 9V battery which powers
the unit. As the legends on the upper surface state so clearly,
you connect the Exorcist to a line input - NOT PHONO!!!!!
- via the RCAs, select that input, click the toggle and turn
up the pre-amp or amp's gain to the 'highest normal SPL'.
You'll hear a steady 1kHZ tone, which fades away after 35
seconds or so.'
'The Exorcist, and I quote, 'Dispels magnetic build
up in sensitive audio circuits.'' KK/HFN
The Problem
The entire signal path from preamplifier input to speaker
drivers contains conductive parts that can be magnetized.
Connectors, component pins and even circuit board copper traces
may contain nickel or steel. In addition to being poor conductors,
these materials may be magnetized by DC current.
Most electronic devices have constant DC leakage,
ranging from negligible to considerable, depending on the
design. Many preamps and power amps generate a DC pulse when
switched on, before stabilizing. This is particularly true
of tube equipment. It has also been suggested that even the
copper in cables contains oxides that may be magnetized.
The application of DC current is precisely
the technique employed in the manufacture of magnets. High
end connector manufacturers and others are very much aware
of this and subjective listening tests have often pinpointed
the degrading sonic effects of nickel. We would estimate that
95% of all gold-plated connectors have a nickel base beneath
the gold plating.
When an audio signal passes through a magnetic
field, it is prone to magnetically induced distortion (MID)
that manifests itself as a - whiteness -, a lack of inter-transient
silence and reduced soundstage depth.
The Solution
Those of you old enough to remember the venerable phono cartridge
will also recall the indisputable benefits of frequent use
of a cartridge demagnetizer. The Gryphon Exorcist
applies the same principle to the entire audio system at line-level.
(Do NOT use it on your cartridge or preamplifier MC/MM phono
input. For cartridge demagnetization, contact your authorized
Gryphon dealer to audition the Gryphon Black Exorcist.)
How?
- Turn your system on with the volume all the way down.
- Connect the Exorcist to any line-level preamplifier input
(Tuner, Tape, CD, DVD, Aux). NEVER connect the Exorcist to
a phono cartridge or to preamplifier inputs for phono/MC/MM/RIAA.
- Press the switch on the Exorcist for a second.
- Turn the volume up to a normal listening level.
You may choose to leave the room or protect
your ears by other means during the process. The signal fades
after approximately 35 seconds. When treatment is completed,
you will immediately experience the improvement that this
process can bring.
How often?
If you turn your system on and off, we suggest that you use
the Exorcist every fifth time you turn on your system. If
your system is permanently powered up, use the Exorcist once
a week.
To
order this product from our secure online store please click
here
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