van den Hul Grail SE+

This is our in store demo unit and has served us well. Please note this is the PLUS model.
which means not only does it have TWO external power supplies(one for each channel) but each power supply has its own 100 watt transformer. All other Grail phonostages, including the SE, have 40 watt transformers.  This extra available power gives considerably more headroom and channel separation. Bass and foundational impact is phenomenal. When you have demanding transients or any high energy type of music, the ease and flow of the music is unmatched. Imaging is as solid and well defined as you will ever hear. This is one powerful phonostage, but it does finesse beautifully when called upon as well. Musical textures also benefits greatly. Really, everything is nicely improved from top to bottom when compared to the SE model.

Of course the Grail's current input design vs the old industry standby voltage gain circuitry is a big part of this story. Current input is so much more efficient in gain amplification than voltage.  

Other important factors in the Grail's superior sound quality is the steel chassis and over engineered circuit boards(who else uses gold?). 

Of all the phonostages I've heard, and i've been fortunate enough to have heard pretty much all of the high end models, this one has only been bested by the four box CH Precision P1/X1 combo.
$89k vs $25k. I'd say that is pretty impressive. 

I basically agree with both Jacob Heilbrunn and Michael Fremmer's reviews of the Grail SE+. That is when the Grail(any of the Grails for that matter, they all use the same feet) is used with the stock feet. IMO, that is one and ONLY area where AJ and his team failed in this design. The stock feet are ineffective at best. When you see the quality engineering all through any of the Grail phonostages, one has to be wondering why the feet were such an afterthought. 

I will include the best feet we have found for the Grail and power supplies. That is ten feet! Not an insignificant investment. Once you hear this with the proper feet, there is no going back.

Even with the stock feet, this unit is one of if not the best bang for the buck phonostage available. With the right feet, it is a true giant killer.

Another important thing to consider when getting to this level of gear and that is the importance of the power cords used. The better the gear the more the right power cord can improve the SQ.

Thank you if you read the complete listing. If you have questions, feel free to call Steve
at 208-860-9559

​​​​​​Inputs: Three unbalanced RCA jacks, three TRUE balanced  XLR jacks (one mc, one mm, one switchable between mm and mc) 
Outputs: Unbalanced RCA jacks, TRUE balanced XLR
Gain: 33, 41, 47, 50dB (mm); 56, 64, 70, 73dB (mc)
Loading settings: 47k (mm)
Signal-to-noise ratio: >70dB
Dimensions: 18.75" x 13.2" x 4", power supplies 9.2" x 7.2" x 4" each
Weight: Main chassis 43 lbs, Power supplies 9 lbs each