Van den Hul Grail SB Phonostage

[Tuckers]

I just got a Van den Hul Grail SB phonostage for a song, and I am wondering what the general impression is of this from the WBF?

To give some info: It is a transimpedance design, and The Grail SE/SX is the top of the line model at about $29K USD, the Grail SB is a fully balanced version with much of the tech of the top model (including external PS) and is $18K USD, the entry version (which has the most reviews) is currently at $12K USD.

Also, has anyone used the Grail with a moving magnet cartridge? I'm going to use it mostly with a Hana Umami Red, but I have a good MM as well.

 

[djsina2]

$29k.

 

[DasguteOhr]

$29k.

View attachment 160179

Isn't something missing? Normally, it's an accu phonostage.

 

[Tuckers]

Isn't something missing? Normally, it's an accu phonostage.

I think this is an older version, they stopped using the batteries in favor of an external power supply some time ago.

 

[bonzo75]

I just got a Van den Hul Grail SB phonostage for a song, and I am wondering what the general impression is of this from the WBF?

To give some info: It is a transimpedance design, and The Grail SE/SX is the top of the line model at about $29K USD, the Grail SB is a fully balanced version with much of the tech of the top model (including external PS) and is $18K USD, the entry version (which has the most reviews) is currently at $12K USD.

Also, has anyone used the Grail with a moving magnet cartridge? I'm going to use it mostly with a Hana Umami Red, but I have a good MM as well.

View attachment 160176

Fremer wrote it was close to the CH he had at that time which was much more expensive. Not sure which model of vdh you can google and check

 

[DasguteOhr]

I think this is an older version, they stopped using the batteries in favor of an external power supply some time ago.

That's right, nobody uses batteries anymore. Supercapacitor power supply is the battery of today.First start-up takes 20 minutes to fully charge the capacitors.

Temple Audio Supercharger Power Supply. Linear, Regulated, super capacitor buffered power supply.

www.templeaudio.net

 

[TooCool4]

Also, has anyone used the Grail with a moving magnet cartridge?

View attachment 160176

As far as I know, transimpedance phonostages aren’t meant for MM cartridges, they’re designed specifically for MC cartridges only. I’m using a transimpedance phonostage myself, the Lino C 3.3.

 

[Tuckers]

As far as I know, transimpedance phonostages aren’t meant for MM cartridges

True! But the Grail also has a voltage gain section for MMS.