van den hul Grail SX
The Titan Grande Complication 12“ – the absolute tonearm. Every possible setting/alignment on a tonearm can be set bThe van den Hul Grail SX is the successor to the Grail SE and is the company’s new flagship phono amplifier.
“…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.”
~ Michael Fremer – The Absolute Sound – March 2024
They also redesigned the circuit board in developing their flagship phono preamplifier. With the new circuit board, the overall sound quality has significantly improved. The Grail SX delivers notable enhancements, particularly regarding 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
Like its predecessor, the Grail SX features automatic load impedance adjustment for cartridges, ranging from 10 to 400 Ohms.
Designed and made in Europe
Like all other van den Hul products, the Grail SX is designed and manufactured in Europe.
“…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.”
~ Michael Fremer – The Absolute Sound – March 2024 Read The Absolute Sound review here.
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 to 400 Ohm: 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 items 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