Become a test drive member!
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Administration
Forum Name: NEWS
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URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=207
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2023 at 12:12pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Become a test drive member!
Posted By: Graham Slee
Subject: Become a test drive member!
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2008 at 2:45am
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Ever wanted to take a brand new product for a test drive for free? Well here's the deal! On all the forums I've taken part in (Rockgrotto, Head-Fi, Jaben Network - correct me if I'm wrong), members take pride in being trustworthy enough to be able to loan a "beta" tester (a production unit) for a couple of weeks and then pass it on to the next member in the queue. The rules are that each member in the chain reports on a thread when he/she gets it (usually with pictures of the unit as received), their initial findings, then updates the thread after a couple of days then at each "milepost" of performance change they perceive, up to the point they've had it for a maximum of 2 weeks (less if other members pester enough...) Usually trusted members are those with at least 100 posts who have shown their commitment to a forum. However, here we are still a foundling community. How do you think this community should handle beta testers like the new NOVO headphone amp? ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Replies:
Posted By: FritzS
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2008 at 8:55am
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Graham, I want to test one  Please see PM ------------- AKG K812, K872, K712, Q701, K701, K501, K550, K271, Denon AH-D 7000 "Green" SOLO (with LME49860NA), WNA MKII Marantz SA7001 KI, Philips CD650 Revox B790, G1042, Reflex |
Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 3:26pm
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Hello from sunny Miami Beach, Florida!
Long time since we have exchanged emails. Ideally it should be for long standing memebers of this forum and that have shown a genuine interest in your products and services. Of course by my own words I am kicking myself in the but since I too would love to be a beta tester for the Novo but this being my first post it would be highly unlikely that I would get chosen.
Good luck in your new endeavor! ------------- Miguel |
Posted By: jonclancy
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 5:34pm
| I'd like to be considered, too! |
Posted By: IvanM
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2008 at 12:43am
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Hello Graham I’d love to be a beta tester for anything other than headphone stuff - headphones just aren’t my thing (except for bias setup). If the testing is to be of value though I wonder what would be used as control. I ask that because much as I love to ramble on about stuff, I was a bit stumped when I had the Elevator recently. After a little burn-in it was clear that the Reflex+Elevator combo worked great but I could not think of any practical way of assessing the Elevator. This was because even though the two MC's I used were known quantities, whatever I heard from them was via the Reflex. Since I already know that the Reflex could probably make a fist of a matchbox with nail through it, without an alternative product to compare it to, it was impossible to say what the Elevator was doing (other than teeing up the signal for the Reflex). Hope that doesn’t sound negative – on the positive side, I do live near JC - John Cadman that is: not the other JC. J ------------- I'd like to agree with you but then we'd both be wrong. |
Posted By: tg [RIP]
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2008 at 4:40am
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Well, I am sure that I live too far away to be of any use in respect of beta testing even if I do have some references for comparison. Only posted to say thank you to Ivan - even though I do often use headphones, it had never occurred to me to use their natural channel separation to use them to adjust bias - good tip. WRT to the Exp/Reflex combo, I did at least have the experience of using a SUT with the Reflex which had sounded very acceptable so was immediately able to discern the contribution of the Exp - it was NOT subtle |
Posted By: bassdude
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2008 at 9:44pm
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Graham,
If you need anyone, else - I'd be happy to participate.
I'm very interested in the Novo... if... its SQ is as good as the Solo with high impedance phones... and... is better with low impedence phones.
I loved the Solo with my Senns... but... wanted an amp that would drive Grados, ATHs and Denons as well.
Roger
StL, MO USA
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Posted By: dvv
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2008 at 11:14am
A ridiculous argument, if I ever heard one! TG, distances today are of no consequence whatsoever - quality of auditioning is a BIG thing, though.
Seven years ago, I organized a group test for the TNT site, and sure enough, one of my sites was North America with two blokes, and - gasp! - Australia as well. Why? Simple - the man in question was a truly top flight man, far too good to miss.
Trust me on this, in case of serious beta testing, and Graham knows full well what that is, take my word for it, distance is immaterial simply because the added cost of shipping is but a drop in the sea of overall model development cost. Yet, quality comments have no price tag, they are way beyond prices.
A good priest does what he preaches, so I go on record here - when I am ready to do beta testing, I will be getting in touch with you. I've listed you some time ago, as a matter of fact. Believe or disbelieve this as you will, but finding good beta testers is no less hard than developing the thing in the first place.
What I'd suggest to Graham here is that he draws up a list of his own of what should be tried and how (in brief terms), how to compare this with that, etc, then let you people come up with your own ideas, there's always a new twist on things out there well worth at least considering.
Rewards are relatively speaking automatic - in you case, simple economics ensure you get to keep the sample, shipping it back is stupid and ultimately, unfair. Surely a beta tester deserves something of a reward for his expertise. A question of honor more than economics. ------------- True audio lives on the fringes of the industry. |
tg wrote:Posted By: tg [RIP]
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2008 at 2:19pm
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@dvv - sounds like your holiday did you good - glad to hear it. It would take me longer than 8 hours to drive to the second largest Greek city in the world (Melbourne !) I think you flatter me |
Posted By: dvv
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2008 at 8:18pm
TG, I NEVER flatter anyone, not even the ladies. Old fashoned as I am, I simply believe in truth as I see it. To be able to criticize, one must also be ready to state positive facts just as well as the negative ones.
In addition to which, over the years, I have discovered that you Aussies sit damn well with me; no idea why, but there you have it. Currently, my chief ambition is to haul my butt over to Australia to discover for myself why this is so. With a bit o' luck, my good wife will have a congress there at some point, and I will get there.
Getting back to the main subject, being a beta tester is no small task. What any manufacturer is looking for is somebody capable of disregarding his own preferences and being able to say that while something may not be to his liking, it is still good, and to list what that person feels could and should be improved.
For example, I have never worked with tubes, and never want to, but I can still produce a list of tube gear I really loved listening to music with. I am no friend of MOSFET output stages, but I'd still love to own a Perraux amp I heard as many as 20 years ago, a 100 watter which sounded really amazingly absent altogether.
I would never ever make a headphone amp the way Graham does - but I am happy to say Graham makes damn good headphone amps, even if I am just about ready to launch my own and thus become Graham's competitor. Eventually I will, but even so, Graham will still be making damn good headphone amps. Good is good, period.
Even then, I will still be hounding Graham to do something better (as I see it) than he does now. Just as he will keep on telling me I tend to go for overkill. And only you, the users, will have the final word. And that's how it should be, I think. In the end, Graham and I will probably end up doing something together, hopefully before we retire.  ------------- True audio lives on the fringes of the industry. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2008 at 1:07am
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Looks like we have 7 volunteers - 6 above and "That hertz" from a different thread. @dvv, I can't afford right now to give them away... @all, the deal is 2 weeks and pass it on. If you feel happy about sending on to another country [possibility] and are happy paying the shipping to the next in line, then it's a goer. If anybody doesn't want to give it back because they like it that much, well, we can negotiate, then I'll have to put another one on the circuit. The other deal is a reasonably concise write up. Last call for boarders!!!! By the end of this week I'd like to have a rota in place. Let me know if you have any difficulties in the above. ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2008 at 9:11am
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As the impact of this thread is reaching fizzle-out point just at the time I'm wanting to establish a rota, I'm restarting it under a new thread entitled "last call for testers list"
------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: j633295
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2010 at 5:14pm
I too would like to participate please. 
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Posted By: Ewald
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2010 at 9:44am
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Hi Im about to make a decision on a headphone amp and Im trying to choose between the Solo Ultra Linear and a Tube amp. It would be great if I could be a test member and try the solo amp in combination with my Ultrasone Edition 8. Thanks ! |
Posted By: errollgarner
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2011 at 5:19am
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Hi, Being the newest member, I guess I won't qualify but if I don't try, no chance. I'm looking for a somestuff to buy and was considering (after having read tnt-audio) buying from Graham Slees'. I've done some testing a few years ago and it is always very rewarding (and sometimes a nightmare e.g. comparing and choosing valves, same for cables). The is a hudge difference between the first impression and the one one can have a few days after. Presently, I almost deaf listening to different copies of the CD "we get requests" : - ordinary one - SHM-CD one - SHM-SACD (single layer) one - K2-HD Silver - K2-HD Gold I'm doing this to try to find what, according to my taste, is worth sending much and what is not. My equipment : Korato KVP10 valve preamp (retubed many times, lately with Mullard NOS from the 60's as the Telefunken were, IMHO, to "flat") Korato KTA100 amp Audio Exclusiv TT Alphason HR100-MCS Grado Sonata low output SACD layer Yamaha S2000 Speakers : IPL SP5l Loudspeaker cable : Ecosse (sorry lol) 2.4 Interconnect cables : Chater audio verse 2 Headphone (which needs a amp) : HD 650 I'd be happy to test both on digital and analog recordings and on D2D lp's) I'm a member of the French forum AMCF forum. I think it would be nice to have opinion from various countries as we are not "used" to the same sound. I remember that abour 25 years ago, japanese brands didn't tune the samewy their product wether they were for Europe or for Japan. TDK had even designed a K7 specially made to please europen hears (guess it ws the "OD" while the standard one was the "AD". Well, I can't find any argument except being French (which is more a drawback) and used to different sounds that British people. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2011 at 1:50pm
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We accept all. We are for all people. Please watch out for the next beta test release to be announced on this owners forum. I don't know when and what but there will be something of interest coming. ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2011 at 10:45pm
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Eagerly awaiting ... ------------- Miguel |
Posted By: Jake
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 12:06pm
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Sounds good Graham, I shall keep an eye out.
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Posted By: Fernando
Date Posted: 12 May 2011 at 10:16pm
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Hi everybody
I would like participate to, but at the moment we are move to UK. Certainly after move at the end definitely maybe more easy to do it. Regards to all audiophile community
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Posted By: abjacobs
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2011 at 6:26pm
| I'd like to participate and be a test driver.... |
Posted By: mal4mac
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2011 at 12:03pm
| I'm very new, but please count me in on a provisional basis. I'm happy to give feedback, and my post count should go up when my Novo arrives! |
Posted By: Sup
Date Posted: 17 Sep 2011 at 4:25pm
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Hello I have just joined. A big thanks to Mike from Headfonia for the recommendation and to Mr. Slee for letting me in this fine community. I would like to participate in the loaner program. I am currently participating in the Hifiman HE-500 loaner program and would like to try one of your amps as well. Heard so many good things about them and was very close to buying one myself. Thanks again for the opportunity! kindest regards, Peter
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Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2011 at 11:23pm
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Peter, the HE300 and HE500 sound lovely out of the Solo SRGII. Are you located in the EU or in the USA? Cheers and welcome aboard.
------------- Miguel |
Posted By: Sup
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2011 at 11:28pm
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Hello Miguel, thanks for the welcome! I am located in Slovenia, EU. I have the HE-4 and HE-300 which I both enjoy very much. I am also hoping this would give my HD800 more bass than the SPL Auditor does. kindest regards, Peter
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Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2011 at 11:32pm
Hi Peter, I thought your avatar looked familiar!  ------------- Miguel |
Posted By: FritzS
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2011 at 4:39am
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I'd like to participate and be a test driver too .... Look at my posting http://www.gspaudio-community.activeboards.net/so-who-wants-to-beta-an-ultralinear_topic847_post9146.html#9146" rel="nofollow - http://www.gspaudio-community.activeboards.net/so-who-wants-to-beta-an-ultralinear_topic847_post9146.html#9146 ------------- AKG K812, K872, K712, Q701, K701, K501, K550, K271, Denon AH-D 7000 "Green" SOLO (with LME49860NA), WNA MKII Marantz SA7001 KI, Philips CD650 Revox B790, G1042, Reflex |
Posted By: robdeszan
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2011 at 6:36pm
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Where do I sign? I am based in Bristol, UK. I currently own a Green Solo 2008 edition amp. I use Audio Technica w5000 headphones, occasionally a pair of Etymotics ER4s. I am looking to test drive the UltraLinear amp with both the Green PSU and the PSU1 vs my 2008 Green Solo. My intention is to upgrade the setup but the question is whether I should upgrade the Ultra Linear and stick with the the Green PS or upgrade with the PSU1 and stick to the Green Solo instead. Naturally, I would be more than happy to share my findings with the group. Thanks Pat |
Posted By: hotmog
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2011 at 6:41pm
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Pat - see this thread http://www.gspaudio-community.activeboards.net/uk-loan-programme_topic1211.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.gspaudio-community.activeboards.net/uk-loan-programme_topic1211.html . I would PM Fatmangolf, who is co-ordinating the programme in the UK.
------------- http://www.victorian-breweriana.uk - Hotmog's Victorian Breweriana |
Posted By: robdeszan
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2011 at 6:49pm
| will do Hotmog, Cheers! |
Posted By: valvesnvinylfan
Date Posted: 21 Nov 2011 at 10:18pm
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Hi all, new member here and very excited to take a test drive on the the Reflex--thanks to mrarroyo for setting this up here in the states. I've been looking for a good phono stage for some time now and hear the GPS are a good match with my Lyra carts; I'll be sure to post a review once I get some time with it. ------------- Oliver Amnuayphol Reviewer Soundstage! Network, Digital Trends |
Posted By: tg [RIP]
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2011 at 12:41pm
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Welcome VVF, we look forward to hearing your impressions, will you be using the Exp also or do you have a favoured SUT ? |
Posted By: valvesnvinylfan
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2011 at 6:36pm
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Hi TG, no Exp as I got the "C" version of the Reflex so I could just hear the sound of it on its own. So far, I really like what I hear; seemed a little shut in at first, but after a week of run in I can tell it's starting to open up a bit--and there's definitely more than a bit of "tube magic" in there as GSP claims--a nice trick without any valves, and as you can probably tell from my moniker, a good thing if you ask me. Overall, the presentation is very well-balanced with excellent detail and a very natural tonality to all of the instruments.I'm actually interested in the Revelation but it looks like that was not available for a loaner, but I figure this would get me close enough. And since I do have an SUT I built that I'll be using (w/ Jensen Xformers for now), if I do decide to purchase the GSP I'll definitely get the M version to use with my SUT. I'll definitely have more to report once it's more broken in and I get more time with it.
------------- Oliver Amnuayphol Reviewer Soundstage! Network, Digital Trends |
Posted By: valvesnvinylfan
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2012 at 6:52pm
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Well it's been some time since my last post, but first of all I want to say thanks to mrarroyo for making the loaner program so easy to take advantage of. I got to spend some quality time with the Reflex and loved it. I will be posting my findings here; looks like I should post my thoughts in a different part of the forum though, so I'll meander on over there... ------------- Oliver Amnuayphol Reviewer Soundstage! Network, Digital Trends |
Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2012 at 12:03am
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Thank you sir, sure look forward to hearing your impressions. ------------- Miguel |
Posted By: Jia
Date Posted: 09 May 2012 at 1:06am
| guess its very great to do so, up up |
Posted By: gixer-k6
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2012 at 10:18pm
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Hi Mr Slee, I have been thinking about purchasing your new ultra linear headpone amp and wondered if you could supply me one to try and if so how do i loan one from you, I would also be happy to try your SRG II to compare it with my Heed can amp, Regards Neil sharp.
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Posted By: tg [RIP]
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2012 at 12:38am
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Hello Neil, welcome to the forum, the part you are looking for is http://www.gspaudio-community.activeboards.net/uk-loan-programme_topic1211_page7.html - http://www.gspaudio-community.activeboards.net/uk-loan-programme_topic1211_page7.html or just send a PM to fatmangolf (Jon) and what you want can be arranged. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2012 at 10:00am
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Welcome ot our friendly and helpful community Neil. As Tony has has already noted, please have a look at the thread about the UK loan programme and then send me a PM with your delivery details and we'll go from there.Best wishes, Jon
------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2012 at 11:30am
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How do you all know Neil is in the UK? ------------- Miguel |
Posted By: tg [RIP]
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2012 at 3:44pm
Errrrmm  - ESP ? (Entirely Spontaneous Presumption) 
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Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2012 at 4:09pm
IP address. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: TarekMahmoud
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2012 at 12:04pm
| I would love to be a test member for your new amplifier. I had till now 2 of Graham Slee Pojects (amp2 se and the elvator and I am planning to upgrade to Reflex M. Regards, Tarek |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2012 at 4:14pm
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Welcome to our friendly community Tarek. I think Graham may be beta testing the Proprius through a loan scheme near you in due course. I run the loan scheme in the United Kingdom, and I think one of our fellow forum members may be able to help you with the European scheme? Best wishes Jon ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: TarekMahmoud
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2012 at 4:25pm
| thanks, keep me posted |
Posted By: wolfman
Date Posted: 19 Oct 2012 at 3:49pm
| I Live in Canada and would love to be a test drive member. I would really like to try the new amps and pre amp when they come available, How do we go about setting up the loaner program here in Canada.Cheers Doug |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 19 Oct 2012 at 4:35pm
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Doug, I have sent you a PM Graham ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: aval1955
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2012 at 4:27pm
| i want to test drive one but to no avail.please help me to the right direction |
Posted By: TarekMahmoud
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2012 at 5:19pm
| I would like to be part I am interested a lot, in spite of being satisfied with the nad |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2012 at 9:41pm
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Test Drive is now the Loaner Program. You can learn more by going here and reading the topics related to your part of the world: http://audio-forum.gspaudio.co.uk/members-services_forum40.html - http://audio-forum.gspaudio.co.uk/members-services_forum40.html If you PM the orgainiser: Fatmangolf for the UK Suggs for Europe mrarroyo for USA phibes for Australia (you simply type or copy and paste one of these user names into your personal messenger - right of the postcard next to the member control panel above - right at the top on the left hand side - click it and see, it works like any email - then you wait for a reply to your personal message inbox on here - next to the postcard, which won't be instantaneous because they're volunteers with a day job) They will set up a loan. This is a club thing - no good asking me or any other Graham Slee employee, we're just members too (our job is to keep the place clean - we're just the janitors ).Graham ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2012 at 9:52pm
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Si esto no se traduce correctamente culpar Google Test Drive es ahora el programa de préstamo. Usted puede aprender más yendo aquí y leer los temas relacionados con su parte del mundo: http://audio-forum.gspaudio.co.uk/members-services_forum40.html Si pm El orgainiser: Fatmangolf para el Reino Unido Suggs para Europa mrarroyo para EE.UU. Phibes para Australia (sólo tiene que escribir o copiar y pegar uno de estos nombres de usuario en su mensajero personal - a la derecha de la postal junto al panel de control de los miembros arriba - a la derecha en la parte superior del lado izquierdo - hacer clic y ver, funciona como cualquier correo electrónico - entonces esperar una respuesta a su mensaje personal en la bandeja de entrada aquí - junto a la postal, que no será instantánea porque son voluntarios con un día de trabajo) Se creará un préstamo. Esto es una cosa del club - no es bueno preguntar a mí oa cualquier otro empleado Graham Slee, sólo somos miembros también (nuestro trabajo es mantener el lugar limpio - sólo somos el guiño porteros ).Graham ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2012 at 9:57pm
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I just translated the above back to English and it says contact me or my staff... Bl**dy translations! It should say: This is a club thing - no good asking me or any other Graham Slee employee, we're just members too (our job is to keep the place clean - we're just the janitors Wink). Don't contact me it is a club thing... No ponerse en contacto conmigo es una cosa del club ... Only another 65 languages to go  ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2012 at 10:35am
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Those in the lower 48 States in the USA (sorry Hawaii and Alaska) please contact me via PM to borrow the gear. Thanks. ------------- Miguel |
Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2012 at 10:48am
Are you in the lower 48 states? Thanks. ------------- Miguel |
Posted By: adwatts
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2013 at 5:07pm
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Hi Graham, I would love to become a tester. This sounds like a great idea. What better way to test your products than in a variety of environments and systems. British engineering at it's best. well done guys. Andrew
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Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2013 at 5:10pm
Welcome Andrew. We changed it just a bit and set up the owner's club loaner program for people to try before they buy. However, on those occasions we feel in need of a second to nth opinion I'll post about availability. ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: mandarintje
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2014 at 9:27am
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Hi all, Suggs? I was given the details of this forum from Graham Slee on Facebook. He mentioned it would be possible to try the Gram Amp 2 SE (and borrow a lautus interconnect too). I have an ARCAM a90 and p90 bi-amped setup, with the built-in ARCAM phono stage. It was always an intermediate quick-fix to just be able to use my turntable straight away without spending too much more. The turntable is a Pro-Ject RPM 9.1 with a Benz Micro Gold (low output MC as far as I remember). I'm in love with vinyl...that's certain. I just wonder if I can improve on some things that could be rough around the edges. Hard to tell because I'm not an expert, I just like to hear realistic sound. I'm under the impression that the high tones can get a little sibilant, and perhaps I could have less background noise at high levels. My favourite kind of music is jazz...so real instruments, clear vocals, smooth and thumping and I like to hear the inhale of the singer, and the fingers move over the strings before striking. When I listen to vinyl, it has my full attention. Unlike CD which I prefer when I'm busy with something else. So...whoops I'm totally new, this is my first post...but how may I borrow the phono stage? I live in Belgium, in East Flanders. I'm a British expat. Many thanks Darren
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Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2014 at 9:44am
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Hi Darren and welcome to the forum. I echo your comments about listening to jazz; it's great to hear all the detail which only adds to the atmosphere. Get a live set with the chink of glasses in the background and gentle applause after the solos and you have benefits of being there minus the smoke . . . I'm sure Derek (Suggs) will contact you about the loan soon, but you'll need to borrow a Fanfare 3 as the Gram Amp 2SE is MM only. The Benz' output is only 0.4mV (IIRC). The Fanfare 3 is the equivalent to the GA2SE, but higher up the range you could consider the Reflex C. If you think you'll ever get a MM cartridge, then getting a MM stage and an Elevator EXP step-up amp gives you total flexibility. But the cost escalates somewhat. Whichever phono amp you choose to borrow I'm sure you'll find it a step up from the integrated amp . . . ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: mandarintje
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2014 at 10:06am
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Thanks Bob! I think my plan is to stick with MC unless there are any benefits of a MM? Sinatra Live at the Sands comes to mind! on 180g =) you can hear the chinking of the food cart as it goes by =) (and my favourite: 'Smadda wid yo! doyn ye wanna loyn nuthin? " |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2014 at 10:26am
Now why didn't I spot that? Sorry Darren. ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2014 at 10:57am
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Hi Darren, and welcome from me too. Like many I started with MM and moved "up" to MC finally using the Fanfare 3 with a variety of Ortofon MCs. All represented an improvement over my old Audio Analogue Maestro built in phono stage. I then decided to try out Grahams Genera with MM and even though I still use old Ortofon VMS 20 and 30 Mk2 carts/stylus I find the sound much more balanced than the MCs. The Bass in particular has more depth and better timing. I would conclude from this that the best of MM with a Reflex M might be preferable to similar priced MCs even with a Reflex C. Graham also has some observations on MC vs MC, you might wish to see this thread: Reflex C - http://audio-forum.gspaudio.co.uk/reflex-c_topic2134_post23712.html#23712 The loan programme is a great aid when it comes to making a choice, even if te results tend to be spending more than you anticipated!! ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
Posted By: mandarintje
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2014 at 11:41am
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Thanks Ian I've just read that thread...interesting. Hmmm...where bass is concerned, it's very punctuated and assertive. Example: I know there is a loose screw in the curtain rail somewhere =P need to take it off to shut it up. Is it possible to loan the Fanfare 3? (god, it's beautiful) I'm itching to try now! |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2014 at 5:55pm
 ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2014 at 9:17pm
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Thanks for joining our community Darren. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: mandarintje
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2014 at 9:33am
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Thanks for letting me stop by! I have a lot of reading to catch up on =) hope there are some music recommendations too! love to find new (to me) music I could dedicate a thread to how much I hate autotune.
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Posted By: mandarintje
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2014 at 4:43pm
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Thank you for letting me be a member! I have to say, I have been listening to the Fanfare 3, and I am blown away. I know it has not even worn in (I got it today) but I can already hear a difference. It's much more punchy and controlled, and natural. The sibilant ssss has gone too, and now it just sounds very, very realistic and live / alive. Mr Slee knows his stuff!!! I can't wait to let it run-in. Will sell my ARCAM phono stage board that I bravely installed in my amp. There's no going back now that I've heard this. Do you leave it on all the time? I see there's no switch.... And the phono stage's earth has to go to the amp's earth knob, and the turntable to the phonostage's earth knob? I'm a bit confused =) |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2014 at 5:03pm
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It's great you like the Fanfare 3! And yes, it's designed to be left powered up as this maintains its performance. You need to connect the earth lead from the turntable to the terminal on the rear panel of the Fanfare. No need to use the amplifier's earthing terminal when you use an external phonostage. As the unit burns in you'll find the sound really starts to sing! Enjoy . . . ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: mandarintje
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2014 at 5:06pm
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Thanks Bob! I was confused by the fact that the Fanfare has a DC input (no Earth afaik).... =) |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2014 at 5:08pm
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Maybe Graham can explain the science behind this - but I know it works for me! ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2014 at 8:18pm
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It is not necessary to ground the phono amp to the amplifier. ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: mandarintje
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2014 at 10:59am
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Thanks! It is sounding incredible. I know the cliché of hearing things you've never heard before... but it's true! there's an instrument I hadn't heard before in Rebecca Pidgeon's Spanish Harlem...it's quite weird, I've heard it a million times before. I'm using records I know very well so that I can compare. I'm attempting to add a picture =)  |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2014 at 6:38pm
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That's a good picture and I am delighted it is now sounding so good. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2014 at 7:45pm
------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: 33oneThird
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 6:17am
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I would like to be considered for a test drive. I've built a genera and I'm very curious to hear how it compares to the other phono stages. Besides, I don't see many other Canadians reporting for duty. Cheers Greg |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 8:16am
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A warm welcome to you Greg. I too have a Genera which I think is very good, but have now succumbed to temptationand ordered a Reflex M. I'm sure that Bruce (BAK) who runs the North America loaner programme should be able to arrange a loan of one of Graham's phono stages. ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
Posted By: BAK
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 8:00pm
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Another warm welcome to you Greg,
Congratulations on constructing a Genera.
 Canadian address shipping is something I have considered,
I only need to check with the UPS and US mail for customs requirements.
PM me and I will look into the shipping issues and a possible example of cost.
Here to help,
Bruce ------------- Bruce AT-14SA, Pickering XV-15, Hana EL, Technics SL-1600MK2, Lautus, Majestic DAC, Technics SH-8055 spectrum analyzer, Eminence Beta8A custom cabs; Proprius & Reflex M or C, Enjoy Life your way! |
Posted By: mandarintje
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 8:35pm
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I have to say, the Fanfare 3 is phenomenal. I am hearing nuances that I had no idea were there before! |
Posted By: Labdev
Date Posted: 03 May 2014 at 7:05pm
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I own the voyager headphone amp and love it. I'd love to try your phono stage for a lyra dorian. 0.6mV output into, ideally a 112 ohm load. |
Posted By: TarekMahmoud
Date Posted: 03 May 2014 at 8:50pm
| I have both Reflex M and GSP 2SE (which I don't use for the moment), but due to the fact that I began using a Lyra Delos since 2 years ago , I added the Elevator. The sound is perfect with my NAD 356BEE and 2 Mordaunt Short Mezzo 6 and All my friends addict to Vinyls (like me) and who are using other phono stages were surprised and interested in turning to GSP. If you come to Oslo, pay me a visit to test it and make your own judgement. |
Posted By: Labdev
Date Posted: 03 May 2014 at 9:16pm
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Nice one ------------- Kieran Phillips Kieran@labdev.biz |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 03 May 2014 at 9:42pm
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It is just a 61 mile breeze of a drive from Winchcombe to Aylesbury
where you can hear our products at the opening roadshow venue... but
unfortunately we don't have a lyra dorian. See: http://www.gspaudio.co.uk/roadshow/ - http://www.gspaudio.co.uk/roadshow/ and book! ------------- My blog is sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Limited |
Posted By: licuad0
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2019 at 6:17pm
| started looking at MC cartridges, got a Hana SL and likely need a new phono stage. these look interesting. i'm trying to figure out how to get in to the loaner program |
Posted By: licuad0
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2019 at 8:23pm
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I made contact with BAK and have some equipment enlisted for tryout. likely not the final purchase but a good way to get introduced. looking forward hearing new sounds. i did start listening to music in the 50's including Wolfman jack at station XERB in Tijuana. i don't have all the LP and 45's from then but some, eventually i got a DDG of Nicanor Zabaleta. in those days we kind of lived in a sandbox and the LP sounds like it. still great music ------------- ______ Bryston amps and preamps, Vincent SP-20, JBL 2226H speakers, Yggdrasil DAC, Hana SL and Ortofon Blue 2M cartridges, Rotel preamp with Echo Layla and Studio One software for recording |
Posted By: Abouzinelos
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2019 at 12:18pm
| totally brand new member from just outside of Toronto, Ontario! I’d love to participate in any kind of beta testing program or loan program to help people experience what these instruments sound like within their own system. |
Posted By: Volks61
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2019 at 2:08pm
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I would like to listen to the Majestic Dac. I currently have a Chord Hugo TT2 and I haven’t been able to listen to the Dac at any of the local Graham Slee dealers. I am based in the West Midlands. Kind regards
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Posted By: licuad0
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2019 at 3:46pm
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i haven't heard the DAC, been listening to the phono stage Reflex M, from my experience this equipment is top-notch ------------- ______ Bryston amps and preamps, Vincent SP-20, JBL 2226H speakers, Yggdrasil DAC, Hana SL and Ortofon Blue 2M cartridges, Rotel preamp with Echo Layla and Studio One software for recording |
Posted By: Malamus
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2021 at 8:14am
| I’m keen, I’d like more details please |
Posted By: mrrock
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2021 at 11:23am
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I'm interested, more details pls. ------------- eat prelude with Ortofon 2M Black -> accession mm -> KEF R11 |
Posted By: Malamus
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2021 at 6:20pm
| hi , not sure how I get in the queue to demo a phono stage, maybe it’s just easier to visit a dealer. Any advice on how to test out at home would be welcome. |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2021 at 6:39pm
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Guys, more details on the loan scheme can be found here - https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/members-services_forum40.html - https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/members-services_forum40.html There are pages for all the loan schemes there. If you're in the UK, contact John C to find out what's available for loan. You can contact him either by Private Message, either click on the menu arrow next to his name in any of his posts or use the member search where you will find a Private Message link. Alternatively you could call him on the number at the bottom of this page - 01909 568 739. ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |