Van den Hul Grail SX Phonograph stage latest version.  This is not your typical phono stage. Unlike the majority of other phonograph preamplifiers seen today, this is a current based phonograph preamp, also known as trans-impedance, which inherently, by design, does not require any additional cartridge loading (ie. resistance tuning damping) to be implemented, therefore the typical user tweaking and searching for just the right sounding tuning load for your low output moving coil cartridge is not required. Simply put, the Grail SX automatically senses exactly the internal coil resistance requirements through its current sensing circuit for your cartridge in real-time then matches voltage perfectly for precise electromechanical matching. The resulting playback results are superlative, inky black backgrounds, unbridled dynamics, enormous sound stage, organic tonal purity and sheer musical transparency without any hint of solid state glare, you really must hear it for yourself to fully appreciate what this model brings to the listening landscape.

Features:

• Specifically designed balanced Phonograph preamplifier section, unique in the world.
• Phonograph RIAA - equalization with coils only, no sound impairing capacitors in filters.

• Mixed operation for both input and output connections. The new Grail SX allows for mixed-mode operation of the inputs and outputs. When receiving a symmetrical (XLR) input signal, the output can be used simultaneously in symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) modes. The same applies to the asymmetrical (RCA) input, where both outputs can now be used independently and simultaneously.

• Special printed circuit board material with gold conducting paths.
• The printed circuit board has a special seating to evade microphonics.
• Special equipment foot design avoids mechanical energy storage.
• Low noise moving coil input stage, no annoying noise even with low-output cartridges.
• Automatic adapting current based input stage for moving coil cartridges, no matching resistors needed.
• Possibility to compensate phonograph cartridge sensivity (level adjustment).
• Cut out of coupling capacitors in the signal path as far as possible.
• Strictly separated amplifier sections and circuit layout deliver a very natural soundstage.
• A shielded transformer is placed in an external housing to avoid hum and EMI noise
• Power supply with Gyrators for each amplifier stage deliver very high noise cancellation

Only a handful of well respected, ultra high end phonograph preamp manufacturers utilize similar current based design topology, some examples being CH Precision and Sutherland Engineering.

Cosmetic condition is conservatively rated as 8/10, due to a couple of tiny, superficial scuff marks at the rear chassis edge which I tried to show in the photographs but in reality are almost impossible to see, when viewed in person this Grail SX easily rates 9/10 cosmetically and functions flawlessly.

Some additional background history for the sake of full disclosure, this was originally an industry demonstrator unit sold earlier this year to a client of ours as a used model with full warranty who presently owns another Grail SX, but has recently decided to downsize his system negating the need for a secondary stand alone phono stage.  This demonstrator Grail SX was never actually removed from the packing box and used in our client's system, after delivery, it was kept sealed in dry storage for a very brief time, then sent directly back to us for consignment sale. Full manufacturers warranty is included.   

We accept credit card, bank wire, personal check, PayPal and Zelle payments.

Chicagoland area pickup welcome.  Please call or email me directly with questions. 

Artisan Fidelity

Preowned Inventory

Christopher Thornton
www.artisanfidelity.com
[email protected]
219.933.8115

 

Michael Fremer Tracking Angle Magazine Review

The Grail SX is one of those rare and most attractive "gets out of the way and lets your transducer of choice do its thing" phono preamplifier. If you want yours to add a "touch of warmth" or "a bit of sparkle", The Grail SX might not be for you. it's as neutral an arbiter of timber, texture and transient attack as you're going to hear from a MC phono preamplifier. Its rhythmic authority produces the desired toe taps. When I plugged various cartridges into the very fine phono input of my darTzeel NHB-18NS preamplifier, the overall sound got somewhat more supple and soft and some might prefer that to The Grail SX. On some records I did as well. It's a very good "built in" phono preamp but for rhythmic drive, and tightly sprung drive, The Grail SX was the clear winner.

The Grail will bring to the picture quiet, black backgrounds, rhythmic organization, macrodynamic "slam" and solidity, sophisticated textural performance, solid, three-dimensional imaging, generously wide and deep sound staging and very little if any of a sonic personality of its own.

van den Hul Grail SX

A new model, a new circuit board

In developing our flagship phono preamplifier, we have also redesigned the circuit board. With the new circuit board, the overall sound quality has significantly improved. The Grail SX delivers notable enhancements, particularly in terms of soundstage and airiness.

Mixed operation for input and output

The new Grail SX allows for mixed-mode operation of the inputs and outputs. When receiving a symmetrical (XLR) input signal, the output can be used simultaneously in symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) modes. The same applies to the asymmetrical (RCA) input, where both outputs can now be used independently and simultaneously.

Automatic load impedance

Similar to its predecessor, the Grail SX features automatic load impedance adjustment for cartridges, ranging from 10 Ohms to 400 Ohms.

Designed and made in Europe

Like all other van den Hul products, the Grail SX is designed and manufactured in Europe.

Specifications:

Input

Two MC inputs

MC-1 (balanced or unbalanced)

MC-2 (unbalanced only)(

One MM input (or high level output MC cartridge)

MM-1 (unbalanced only)

MM input - Amplification factor

32dB 6,2mV

40dB 2,5mV

46,5dB 1,2mV

Input impedance 47kOhm / 50pF

MC input - Amplification factor

52dB 0,62mV

60dB 0,25mV

66,5dB 0,12mV

Input impedance from 10 Ohm till 400 Ohm (approx. Moving Coil internal impedance range)

Max. undistorted output voltage (<1%) 15Vss for MM signal path, 8,5Vss for MC signal path

Output impedance 330 Ohms (real resistive), 600 Ohms at balanced out

Input sensitivity values (given for 250mV RMS resp. 0,707Vss output level on amplifier output)

Signal to noise Over 80dB(A) with the lowest amplification factor.

Input impedance - Automatic matching in milliseconds from appr. 10 Ohms up to 400 Ohms

Temperature operating range from 15deg. Celsius up to 35deg. Celsius room temperature. No condensing on item allowed. Use only in dry rooms

Size (W x H x L, incl. feet) 475 x 95 x 335mm

Weight - 13,5KG (appr.30lbs) without the ext. power supply. (Estimated shipping weight 47lbs.)

Mains power - Available with 115/120Volts or 230Volts, 50/60Hz.