Gryphon Commander line preamplifier

Are well-heeled audiophiles ready for a knob-free future? Gryphon Audio Designs thinks so. In contrast to Gryphon’s volume knob–dominated Pandora preamplifier, the Danish company’s new Commander offers nothing on its bold front panel to grab or turn.

Instead, there’s a large, extra-thick, triangular glass protuberance that extends dramatically below the chassis’s vertical dimension. That’s where you’ll find an “on/off” button, the main unit’s only physical switch.