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Views on Upgrade

Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Turntable Audio
Forum Name: Graham Slee Phono Stages
Forum Description: Questions, answers, and product information zone for Graham Slee Phono Stage Preamps
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4297
Printed Date: 29 Mar 2024 at 12:49pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Views on Upgrade
Posted By: JonB
Subject: Views on Upgrade
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2017 at 6:15pm
Hi, I'm new to the forum.  

I have been trying to work out how best to upgrade my current system without spending a huge amount of money.  

Currently I have Rega RP3/Ortofon 2m Blue hooked up to Rega Brio R with Neat Motive speakers. I thought about going up to the Rega Elex but then got side tracked by thinking about a separate phone stage and the Gram Amp 2.  

If anyone had any thoughts on whether I would see a noticeable difference by adding the Gram Amp 2 as an upgrade to Brio R or instead of Elex, I'd be extremely grateful.  

If not, what level of Slee product would I need to look at to make it worthwhile?  

Ultimately there's going to be no substitute but to jump in and test products, but some views are always good first off.  

Thanks



Replies:
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2017 at 9:22pm
I was in a similar position to you a whole back (I'd have to check how long ago I joined the forum to know when). I followed the posts and by the time I was ready to request a loan I jumped straight in with the best that was available at the time, the Reflex M. I was smitten and didn't ever consider trying the cheaper options. Since then I've built a couple of Genera for the kids and they perform exceedingly well too.

Oh, welcome BTW. It's good here.

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Ifor
=====
Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair.


Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2017 at 9:42pm
Jon, welcome from me too.
Like Ifor I got here after studying the forum for a while and acquiring a Fanfare MC phono. Then a Genera, then a Solo, then the ULDE upgrade, then a Reflex M, next a Majestic. You get the idea, once you hear GSP products you'll understand the philisophy.


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Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it.


Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2017 at 12:05pm
Another welcome to forum from me, Jon . . .Smile

All of Graham's products offer exceptional performance at their price points, and I echo Ifor and Ian's comments. I'm a total convert to Graham's no-nonsense philosophy - as you could guess from my signature Embarrassed Big smile, so could be considered somewhat biased Shocked in my views.

I'd thoroughly recommend you take advantage of this forum's no-obligation loan scheme to try products in your own system so you can see how they perform for you. Just PM Fatmangolf (aka Jon) to arrange, if you feel so minded. 




-------------
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: Baflar
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 1:04am
Here's an unexpected upgrade problem. I've been trying out the Gram Amp 2 Communicator (GA2C), in search of a cleaner treble and clearer soundstage. It sounded great, provided what I needed, and more besides. But then my 25-year old Audiolab 8000A amp showed signs of needing a servicing. I've contacted Kevin Green (who seems to come with recommendations on another forum site), who assured me that if he services the Audiolab the before-after improvement will be huge! The question is, does the phono stage of an Audiolab, at its best, equal a GA2C? (in which case, do I buy the GA2C or the Audiolab service?), or would the GA2C be necessary as well as the Audiolab service? Or would it make sense to stay with the Audiolab 'as is', and just get the GA2C? Wacko . The option of getting a completely new amplifier is a non-starter - I can't afford it!

I realise the proof of the pudding is in the listening, but there's no way of testing a refurbed Audiolab without buying the refurb!

For the record, the rest of the relevant equipment is: STD turntable, Hadcock unipivot arm, Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge, Harbeth HL Monitor (Mk.2) speakers. Fingers crossed for answers!




Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 3:28am
Do you only listen to vinyl? If you run other things through your amp then a good service will benefit everything you listen to. If all you use is vinyl, and the GA2C was such an obvious improvement, well, you already know it's a big improvement, right?

Secondly, although I've not heard the Audiolab, so take this with a grain of salt, but I've not yet heard an onboard phono stage at that price of amp that couldn't be improved on by one of Graham's phono stages.

Good luck with your choice!
Mick.

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Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2


Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 3:31am
Hi Jon,
   I do the Rega/Ortofon thing with a Reflex M and I'm super happy. I also suspect that should I ever want to "upgrade" from my 2M Black, the Reflex could comfortably cover it and show the full benefits.

Clearaudio Charisma V2, anyone?
Mick.

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Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2


Posted By: Baflar
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 12:29pm
Originally posted by Aussie Mick Aussie Mick wrote:

Do you only listen to vinyl? If you run other things through your amp then a good service will benefit everything you listen to.  [...]

Secondly, although I've not heard the Audiolab, so take this with a grain of salt, but I've not yet heard an onboard phono stage at that price of amp that couldn't be improved on by one of Graham's phono stages.
[...].


Thanks, Mick!  I think that second point is key.  The Audiolab 8000A was a phenomenon when it was launched, almost 30 years ago, and it outperformed anything else at its price point.  Unfortunately, Audiolab has gone through two changes of ownership that resulted in rather mediocre designs, but the current owners see fit to continue to sing the praises of the legendary 8000A: no doubt hoping that the 'heritage' will benefit modern sales.  (Long may Graham retain his independence!)  Check out:
http://www.audiolab.co.uk/about.php" rel="nofollow - http://www.audiolab.co.uk/about.php !

You've probably heard a wider range of integrated amps than I have, and to say that they could all be improved by a GA2C steers me towards the conclusion that I'm almost certainly going to have to hold my breath and empty my wallet: service the Audiolab AND buy the GA2C.  I've asked for a second loan period on the GA2C so that I can check it on the 'refurbed' Audiolab, but I can see the way this is going!

It would be a separate topic, but yes, I do listen to digital.  It all goes through my Chord Mojo DAC, a little device that punches way above its price point.  I've never been that impressed by CDs, but downloads at 192 kHz / 24 bit sound absolutely wonderful.

Cheers!


Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 10:30pm
Multiple sources, I'd definitely get the amp serviced. For a great many years, starting in 1998, I used an Arcam Alpha 9. The volume pot finally became too scratchy to tolerate so I decided to get it fixed, and the dealer suggested a full service for not terribly much more. I'm glad I did, as it came back sounding better than I could remember.

Other integrated amps over the years included Rotel, Cyrus, Marantz and NAD, some owned, some borrowed.

Since purchasing a Reflex M I've had many friends wanting to hear it in their systems and I've always obliged. It's a very consistent performer regardless of partner. It only ever disagreed with one system, which turned out to be down to the speakers. Just a poor system match. It's why the loan scheme is so terrific.

As for the Mojo, I'm glad you've found better digital sound. There's so much material not available any other way. I've not heard it, but I have a couple of friends who love theirs.
Mick.

-------------
Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2



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