First of all let me say I am not really very good at putting words down on paper, let alone trying to describe how an audio product sounds in any particular system., but I would like to try and give my impressions on Graham Slees Elevator EXP that I borrowed via Grahams Slee Loaner Program (Australia), in combination with my own Era Gold V phono amp . Prior to trying the Elevator EXP I had mainly used MM carts in my system, which included a Stanton 681 EEE with both standard and shibata stylus, Denon DL 160 and my main cartridge, an Amber (Grado) Europa. I would like to point out in my opinion the Amber cartridge is quite capable of producing some very good quality sound reproduction. 

Despite being very happy with the MM carts, I started to consider trying a MC cart, and after reading many threads on SNA (Stereonet Australia) I decided to order a Denon DL103R via eBay. At this stage I did not have a phono amp to be able to use my new Denon cartridge so I started looking in the classifieds for a used phono amp. After around 5 weeks I saw Keiths (Phibes) thread announcing that he had just become the Australian loan facilitator for Graham Slee Products. I promptly contacted Keith (Phibes) and within days had the Slee Elevator EXP and the Denon DL 103r connected up to my system. Once the Elevator EXP and MC Denon DL103R were connected, I immediately noticed a significant increase in the soundstage, both in width and height and the imaging become more detailed and precise with instrument positioning being very well defined, I also noticed a greater depth and clarity to the music, there was a definite improvement all round to the SQ I was now hearing.  My SGR CX3B speakers are extremely resolving and I can say that with the addition of both the Slee Elevator EXP and the Denon DL 103R cartridge, the detail and imaging I’m hearing now is just brilliant. 

I had to return the Elevator EXP unfortunately, and have had to refit the Amber (Grado) Europa cartridge to my system and I immediately noticed the music shrink and become duller, with less life and richness, There was a definate improvment with the Slee Elevator EXP / Denon DL103R combination, that I am now missing. 

I would like to thank Graham Slee and Keith (Phibes) for the opportunity to be able to audition the Elevator EXP in my system prior to committing to any purchase. The Elevator EXP is a first class product, that I can happily recommend with out hesitation to any one looking to upgrade from MM to MC cartridges. and I’m now saving and I hope to have my own unit very soon. 

Cheers:

Mark

I think you have done a pretty good job here, quite succinct and informative.

Thank you for taking the time to gather your thoughts and share them here.

The Exp is indeed a fine headamp, Keith could tell you that I was indecisive for many months before replacing my SUT with one, but I have never regretted the extra cost, which it has repaid many times over.

The initiative of the loan program would have obviated that indecision, had it been available then.