Another new member

So when I switched to the Reflex-M I was not sure what to expect; I will say it was not a "night and day" difference but there was a difference and an improvement but I had to listen to try and work out what it was. It took a lot of listening to really work out what differences I could hear, but the more I listened the more I could determine.

The first thing I noticed was a more even balance across the low, mid and high frequencies. Previously the highs were perhaps a bit more forward, which may have given the impression of the cartridge being bright; this was toned down and I certainly did not have any sense of being fatigued. I had several hours of listening through speakers and later via headphones.

The high frequencies were still there and very well revealed, I could clearly hear cymbals and hi-hat being struck with a nice decay and snare drum was crisp, but they were not so forward, more balanced.

The bass also appeared deeper and fuller. I previously had good articulation and drive in the bass, this was still present but just felt 'richer' for want of a better description. 

The mids appeared more present, and voices really shone through with a smoothness to them; on one track I know that had some sibilance or sharpness to the female vocal, this seemed smoothed out. However I did notice on one record when listening through headphones that the male vocal (Peter Gabriel) was very forward and did cause some fatigue, but it may have been that one record.

The next thing I noticed was the sound stage. As said I had a wide sound stage previously with quite defined stereo imaging, but now the sound stage seemed more 3D. The stereo imaging was still present and there was air around instruments and good separation, but I could now hear more in between the speakers. 

It was as if the separate instruments had consolidated, it sounded more like having the musicians perform together rather than layers of instruments being mixed for the recording. Somehow the playback seemed warmer and more analogue.

I also thought I could hear more into the recording. As I said the 2M Bronze is revealing and I have always heard a lot being extracted from a record, but now I was able to hear a few subtleties I had not heard previously, particularly background or backing vocals and instruments. 

I listened to some live recordings, and there was more of a feeling of being present with the audience rather than just listening to a recording, and in particular with BB King live at Cook County Jail, I could hear more nuances in his fingering, bends and vibrato.

By the time I finished I was convinced there is an improvement using the Reflex-M, but I still have to be sure the differences will justify the potential outlay. I don't mind spending on something that provides an enhancement and value - that is the beauty of a home trial to determine that value to you.

I plan on using the Reflex-M in my system over the next couple of weeks and then switch back to the Rega phono; if I notice a major difference, or just feel that there is something missing when I switch back, that should let me know.

Cheers

Derek

I received a brand new Reflex M this week; now just waiting for it to Burn-in; although it still sounds good out of the box.

I can certainly recommend the loaner program for anyone considering a GSP product; there is nothing like trying it for yourself in your own system.

Now I just have to save up for another phono stage for my 2nd TT 

Cheers Andy,

I look forward to reading your view of the Accession compared to the Reflex in terms of sound quality; I will be looking for a 2nd phono stage, but all my records are post 1960 and I don't archive so I won't use the extra features on the Accession, so any decision on my next stage would be based only on SQ, and I am very happy with the Reflex