My previous phono stage was an inexpensive mass produced one. It came highly recommended by the hifi press and it did a good job. However, I upgraded my turntable from a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon to a Linn Majik LP12 with a Hercules Power Supply and T Kable tonearm cable. I suppose I expected to hear a vastly improved sound with the Linn but although it was definitely better, it wasn't what I was hoping for. So... I considered all the components in my setup and came to the conclusion that the weak link was the phono stage. I then embarked on some research to identify a suitable upgrade. There are no good hifi dealers close to me so I knew I would be buying in the dark so I wanted to minimise the risk of getting a turkey.

All my research led me to the Refex M. I considered the loan program but everything I read suggested that I wouldn't be disappointed so I ordered one direct from GSP together a PSU1 and settled down to wait for 2 weeks while it was built and tested.

To say I am delighted with the Reflex M doesn't come close to describing the sheer pleasure I'm getting listening to my vinyl collection. This is the vast improvement I was hoping for from the LP12. The best bit is that everyday the sound I am getting is improving from the initial wonderful sound I got on day 1. It's difficult to put into words what I am hearing. There's a presence to the music, a fullness, depth and detail that is stunning. Listening to Neil Young's Live At The Cellar Door LP it's like having Neil in the room (An audience member coughed during Expecting To Fly and I looked around because I thought someone had come into the room!). The Blue Nile's first two LP's are breathtaking - the space around the instruments is almost palpable. For the first time in my long love affair with vinyl I feel I'm getting the sound that I've always aspired to, but never quite achieved.

I'll admit to a little nervousness about spending such a (for me) significant sum on a phono stage but I now know that I got serious value for my money. My only regret is that I'll never again experience that initial euphoria I had when I heard the first LP through the Reflex M. Thanks Graham Slee!!

I have to admit to be itching to try the Reflex M, with the EXP Combo.

Cheers again, John

Thank you for sharing your experience with the Reflex M. All of us here that have one know exactly how you felt when powering up for the first time, and then letting it settle, drawing you into the music. Out of curiosity what cartridge are you using with it?

Edit - too late, again! 

John

It's going with a Funk Firm LSD turn table and Zu Audio DL103 cart, so should put all the rest of my components to shame!

Have you compared the Zu variant with any of the other modded 103s, or indeed, a standard one?

It was a path I nearly went down after good experience with a stock 103 a few years ago.

John

Unfortunately I can not provide a comparative comment as I haven't received the LSD with Zu103 cart yet as the TT is also waiting on the dust cover from the UK. Delivery should be imminent though and when I get it all set up with the GSP pre's I'll do my best to give an appraisal. I am coming from a low base though regarding gear so the setup should be very good to me indeed.

Carl

No probs on the comparisons. I so nearly went that route, but got offered a stonking cartridge, lightly used, at less than a DL-1033 and a wood body would have cost me.

Nothing wrong with a "source first" approach, after all, you put anything back after you have lost it! 

Looking forward to your thoughts when everything is up and runnning.

Cheers

John

Wows and smiles all round!