Accession MC - a quick review
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Turntable Audio
Forum Name: Write A Review
Forum Description: Satisfied with your Graham Slee phono preamp? - share your experiences here
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4494
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 12:35am
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Topic: Accession MC - a quick review
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Subject: Accession MC - a quick review
Date Posted: 07 May 2018 at 12:15pm
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I put myself in the loan queue for the new Accession MC when Graham started to blog about a new approach to the input stage. I already own the Accession M and use it with an Elevator EXP so my MC cartridges are very well served already, notably a Transfiguration Phoenix on my Gorbe/SME IV turntable. The new Accession MC arrived on a Friday in late April, I placed in in my hifi rack with the other GSP/HFC units and powered it up to start the burn-in. The May Bank Holiday weekend was a week later and I approach the end of it having played quite a lot of records. My easiest comparison for the Accession MC is the EXP/Accession M combo I own. My approach is to play a side of music on one and then the other, so it's a simple repatch. In short I am very impressed by the new Accession MC. The variety of music I played from classic rock LP's, pop LP's, jazz, funk, and classical orchestra and chamber pieces was well served. There is no issue at all with noise when music is playing and at the reasonable volumes I listen I can only just hear a slight hiss with the arm up. The EXP and M combo has slightly more hiss but only audible with no music on. However I don't have hifi to listen to hiss, how does the msuic sound? In word it sounds great. I can hear all the instruments so clearly and they sound right. The bass is solid and full, I particularly liked the way percussion and high frequency sounds like strings, brass, acoustic guitars are rich not harsh. Very musical and involving, I loved the way the music was being presented. I have read Graham's blogs on managing interference that can interact with the sensitive electronics needed to boost LOMC signals and how it can spoil the sound of the music. One of his suggested mods for MC cartridge loading with capacitors improved the setup I own. From what I've heard this weekend his work on the Accession MC is combatting interference and letting the music and and my LOMC cartridge come through my system without any nastiness! Having read and then heard Graham's research go into production, I was anticipating something quite special when he set out to design an MC phono preamp. The Accession MC is a wonderful piece of work and rewards your listening by helping your expensive MC cartridge sing. I am very impressed. There is a fair bit of flexibility built into such a small box. The loading options are very helpful. Offering 75, 100, 300, and 500 ohms means almost all LOMC cartridges are catered for. The EQ options are very helpful with standard RIAA, Decca, and Columbia covered, you can see this as very high quality treble control offering +/- 2dB at 10kHz. The variable output designed for a digital recorder can also drive an amplifier or active speakers directly. I have used my Accession M's variable outputs to make numerous recordings usually with RIAA although I have tried the FLAT option so I could (successfully) apply the right correction curve in my VinylStudio software. The mono switch is another handy feature to centre the sound and eliminate most distracting surface noises, something the Accession MC does well in stereo mode too. So the big question is should you buy one? In my opinion the answer is yes, it's by far the best MC stage I have heard making music come to life. I'll need to weigh up the cost of duplicating the EXP/Accession M function albeit for the quite sublime listening experience the Accession MC offers. ------------- 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. |
Replies:
Posted By: Suggs
Date Posted: 08 May 2018 at 11:31am
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A very interesting review Jon. You had begun your listening to the MC a little ahead of me...I have the European loaner model sitting in the rack still burning in. For me the crunch question that you have to answer (as I will when I have listened) is...if you only use MC cartridges, would you sell your Accession MM and Elevator combination and buy the Accession MC? I'm looking forward to having a listen this weekend and reaching my own verdict  ------------- Derek |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 08 May 2018 at 1:28pm
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That was a good write up, Jon - and you echo my views completely, with my unit just about burned in too. It's a stonking good piece of high fidelity kit! (Expect an appearance on my YouTube channel soon!) To (kind of) answer Derek's question; if I only had one system, and that only used MCs I wouldn't go back to the AccMM/EXP combo. As it is I have three systems on the go so the EXP is now partnered with the Reflex M and gives me MC use in the living room; both Accessions are hooked up in my study. My original Era Gold V is now feeling a bit unloved on the shelf. But anyone after a musical, essentially neutral phono amp for MCs with a lots of useful features should definitely audition the AccMC!  ------------- 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: 08 May 2018 at 8:35pm
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Thanks Bob. My dilemma is whether to sell on the Accession M and go to the MC as my only preamp. I have more than one turntable and quality arm but only have one listening room! If only Graham offered a Accession M to MC conversion... ------------- 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: Suggs
Date Posted: 10 May 2018 at 3:29pm
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Well! Having now had a lengthy listen to the MC...I have placed an order. Great though the Accession MM and Elevator combination is, the new MC surpasses it and presumably, like all of Grahams wonderful products, it will just keep getting better over the next few weeks. There is just more "air" and space around the performers, some tracks produced goose bumps listening on the MC which didn't happen on the MM, and this was irrespective of the order that the track was "A, B'd"...the bar has just been raised...great work Graham  Anyone want to buy an Elevator and Accession MM? They will be going on sale very shortly, firstly on this forum and then on eBay if not snatched up ------------- Derek |
Posted By: jango
Date Posted: 15 May 2018 at 7:11pm
| Would you be willing to sell them separately? If so, private message me what you're looking to get for the Accession M. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 15 May 2018 at 9:13pm
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The loan Accession MC is getting better and better, except in one respect... I have to send it to the next person next week. ------------- 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: Suggs
Date Posted: 16 May 2018 at 6:46am
That's why I've ordered one  ------------- Derek |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 16 May 2018 at 8:13am
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A wise move Derek. I think the Accession C has edged ahead of the 5V 3A power supply that was at the top of my hifi wish list. ------------- 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: tmoody
Date Posted: 31 May 2018 at 2:47pm
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Was finally able to get my Accession MC into my system as I finally got my new TT set up. Unfortunately that means I'm not doing any direct comparisons as I've swapped both TT and phono stage at the same time, but the difference is remarkable. I went from: A) a U-Turn Audio TT with a Grado Blue1, first with its in-built phono stage, then with a Reflex To: B) a Clearaudio Performance DC, Clarify tonearm, Concerto v2 cart, and Accession MC I can say that the difference from A to B above is even larger than the already large difference achieved within A, when I added the Reflex in place of the U-Turn's phono stage. Tough to know precisely what to ascribe it all to, and, I'm still listening to music (and, still breaking in the Accession). But the difference is remarkable. The thing that sticks out the most - instruments and vocals in space. The soundstage was good before. Now it's incredible. So three dimensional that it's startling at times. A horn here, a voice there, a guitar there. I didn't move my speakers (KEF Ref 3's, driven by a Pass Labs INT-60) a single mm yet the sound stage is transformed. More to come in the coming days as the Accession MC opens up and I have more time to listen. For now though, I believe I have found my 'forever' system. ------------- ____________________________________________________________________________ Clearaudio Performance DC with Clarify Tonearm + Concerto V2 cart -> Accession MC -> Pass Labs INT-60 -> KEF Reference 3's |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 31 May 2018 at 7:46pm
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It's great you're enjoying the AccMC, Tony! It's always nice when something actually lives up to, or exceeds your expectation! You mention the opening of the soundstage. This is exactly what happened to me when I put some of Graham's Spatia speaker cables on my PMCs - and before that I was a real cable sceptic. I expect Bruce has a pair to loan out if you feel like trying these when the AccMC has settled in.  ------------- 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: jango
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2018 at 9:29pm
| Even the Reflex opens up the soundstage like no other phono in my relatively limited experience. I've never heard a phono presentation with so much dimension and depth. It's really impressive. |
Posted By: shashirao
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2018 at 4:10am
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And so the elusive audiophile land of Morodor is now a few more miles further away. I have been a collector and fan of MC cartridges. My last and best was with the Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation with the Accession MM/Elevator. And then I decided to taste the wonders the MM world had to offer - the Clearaudio Charisma v2 - this one paired direct with the Accession MM (no Elevator). With both the MC and now the MM setup, the Accession MM has been performing at its peak - no noise just amazing clarity - music moments that make you sit back and want to re-listen...wow...did I just hear that moments. And now enter Accession MC...sigh...which means back to the drawing board. Time to bring out all my MC cartridges and hear them in their true setup...no Elevator and fidgeting with ramping up the signal. I am giving this audio journey another 10 years and then seriously I am done....I am heading for commitment, proposing to that perfect setup and living life happily ever after. Time to check with my friend Bruce on the US loaner for the Accession MC....or knowing Graham and his products...why wait...just order.
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Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2018 at 9:24am
Yup, same here, if not before. Still a little way to go in ticking all the (sensible) boxes for you all, and at the same time beating the last ounce of crap out of circuits that stand in the way. A bit like the mountains surrounding Mordor... We will be freed! ------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
shashirao wrote:Posted By: shashirao
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2018 at 4:51pm
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Ok...I have to break out into elven speak now: "Eat little at a time, and only at need. For these things are given to serve you when all else fails. The cakes will keep sweet for many many days, if they are unbroken and left in their leaf-wrappings, as we have brought them. One will keep a traveler on his feet for a day of long labour, even if he be one of the tall men of Minas Tirith." —The Fellowship of the Ring, "Farewell to Lorien" For me the Graham Slee products are like Lembas - the one thing I will save and savor till the trip to Valinor. A little is enough to nourish the mind that craves music...plus they are easy to carry Interestingly the foray into moving magnet cartridges turned into an "and" affair. I was expecting an either "or" with my MC carts. Its just that given the dynamics of vinyl playback - both mechanical and electronic, one identifies several combination that work the best for a given musical performance. I am glad that the days of worrying about hiss, clicks, hum and all that avoidable noise are long past gone. What remains now are the playback differences that make certain recordings enjoyable and more detailed in an MC or MM setup. The Accession MC now poses a delightful journey for me - comparison with the Revelation C and identify what they excel in. I am also keen on playing those recordings which the MC cartridge played with extra brightness/shril/sharp sound. Meanwhile let the Uruk Hai factory hammer away the last ounce of crap out of those circuits...I envision an array of portable audio equipment accompanying as we pen our individual There and Back Again's
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Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2018 at 6:12pm
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I am waiting for somebody to whisper the phrase "Accession twin", which could throw a spanner in the works. It has been long planned but dependant on the successful outcome of the MC. That having been achieved, the "twin" can (theoretically) proceed. I say theoretically because it obviously depends on my wellbeing - my ability to do it. Should you wait? I suppose that might depend on perceived cost. Could the "twin" represent a saving compared to owning both? Maybe not, as the "twin" is both MM and MC in the one box (with options for 2xMM or 2xMC as some have expressed a want for), but the box must be larger to accomodate both. But then again, could the twin go even further in some things? I have been asked to lift the output to be able to drive 'lazy' valve amps. All I can say is I will try. ------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2018 at 8:12pm
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The one preamp to rule them all and to the music bind them? My apologies to JRR and anyone reading this. ------------- 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: shashirao
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2018 at 1:05am
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The twin idea is certainly intriguing. But my problem is the cartridge. It takes quite some effort to change cartridges, align and get it all humming nicely all over again. And thus my preference is the current path - an Accession MM for my best MM cartridge, and an Accession MC for my best MC cartridge. And thus it is easier to compare and enjoy. Of course doubling on the turntable may become an expensive venture. I would consider the twin only if it promises a different aural experience. Cheers Shashi
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Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2018 at 9:45pm
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Perhaps sadly I'm quite excited about the arrival tomorrow of my Accession MC. I may give it a couple of days burning in before listening, enjoying the EXP and AccMM combo for a while longer... ------------- 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: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2018 at 6:07pm
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It has been unpacked and connected to a PSU1. Will I be able to resist the temptation, and if so how long for? ------------- 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: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2018 at 9:28pm
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I wasn't and so I am now enjoying the Accession MC work its wonders on a 'classics for pleasure' LP of Handel's Water Music. Great stuff! ------------- 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: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2018 at 7:29am
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so you lasted three hours and twenty minutes - I’d say that’s pretty remarkable! ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2018 at 8:25am
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Going back to Elevator/Accession MM after the loan Accession MC shows the Accession MC has just that little bit extra something - detail & resolution that makes listening more involving. I'm sure after a little use again with Elevator/AccMM it'll be back to sounding as good as ever. I'll just add that the Elevator/AccMM have not been powered off when loan Accession MC
has been used. ------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2018 at 5:42pm
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You've put it very well Richard. I went back to my EXP/AccMM too and found the same thing, very good but you miss what you know you could have. What did it for me was playing back some V-rips/needledrops I did with the loan Accession MC! Yes, under 3 1/2 hours. We had a short power outtage today, even so the AccMC's sound (or lack of!) will have improved with a day's burn-in I suspect. Good theory. Best to be sure by playing some records tonight... ------------- 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: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2018 at 9:35pm
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I am waiting to hear back from a couple of the members who made requests in March to try the Accession MC. It has been out a couple of times now and can be borrowed in the UK by sending me a private message (PM) using the drop menu udner my user name. ------------- 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: RichW
Date Posted: 21 Jun 2018 at 7:46am
You're right there Jon, once an improvement is heard, it's missed when it's gone. An Accession MC purchase is definitely on the cards, but is a great shame that it will displace the Elevator which I'd hate to see standing unused on the shelf....  ------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: McHolmeM
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2019 at 3:30pm
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After nearly four years of sterling service my Reflex C was given a rest over the festive holiday and replaced with the loan Accession MC + Enigma. Nothing to add to Paul Szabady's glowing review of the Accession MM as it pretty much sums up my listening pleasure over the past couple of weeks. Certainly experienced the same gamut of emotions. An unexpected bonus was the low level of hum compared with the Reflex C (to be fair with the latter it's not discernible when music is playing). Didn't find time to substitute my PSU1 for the Enigma to evaluate the difference as I was enjoying the loan combination too much! Thanks to Jon and Graham for the opportunity to sample this superb piece of kit. |
Posted By: IvanM
Date Posted: 21 May 2019 at 11:38pm
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Some months ago I upgraded from a Reflex C to the Accession MC. I would have posted this sooner but lost my password! Having a loan unit and doing back-to-back comparisons, made this an easy decision. There was a consistent improvement in scale and presentation, the Accession bringing vocals more forward and placing them in a deeper and wider space, where the recordings offer it. EG on side 2 of Low the oooh and aaah backing vocals are noticeably more intimate and distinct. There’s more texture too, the jangly, rattley, clangy things are janglier, rattlier and clangier and again, more in their own space. The result is the whole thing is spookier, more present and more affecting. A more subtle difference is that I think that tempo/timing seems snappier too, possibly as a result of drums and percussion being cleaner but I think there's more to it than that. I fancy it’s a bit quieter too. So I’m very pleased with the Accession. I do have a niggle though, which is that the has features that I (and I guess many others) are never going to need. Which while meeting a niche that other manufacturers may not be addressing, adds cost, switches and circuits that I’d happily forgo. I think the extra features may also detract from the fact that this is a really good phono stage, for anyone just wanting - well, just that, a really good phono stage. So had there been a basic version available, that’s what I’d have gone for and I wonder if that simpler proposition would have a wider appeal or at least find a little more market share? Not a criticism - just my thoughts. Still mustn't grumble though! As I’m writing this I’m enjoying Richard Thompson insinuating something unpleasant (Rumour and Sigh) and before that, Tom Waits (Swordfishtrombones) was croaking his woes with convincing intimacy. The added space and texture really working to bring the effect and atmosphere of the songs on these albums (neither of which are great pressings) right into the room. NB More recently I upgraded the p/s on the Accession to the new Enigma but it has actually ended up on my Majestic - I’ll post info on that separately in case anyone is interested. ------------- I'd like to agree with you but then we'd both be wrong. |
Posted By: nemu
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2019 at 11:11am
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Hello everybody! On Wednesday I orderd an Accession MC, expecting it to arrive in 2 - 3 weeks as stated on the website. But what a suprise, when I received an email message the same day, letting me know that the preamp will leave England the same day. I received it on friday morning just before leaving for work. I quickly unpacked the Accession MC and connected it via the Enigma PSU to the electricity, so that it could burn in a bit before I started to listen in the evening.  Figure 1: "Audio Technica AT-OC9XEN", "Technics SL1200G" and "Graham Slee Accession MC" For the first impression I listend using a quite new Audio Technica AT-OC9XEN MC LO cartridge, with an eliptical nude stylus, installed on my Technics SL1200G. I put on the record „Think!“ (Lonnie Smith), a release from the „Blue Note 80th Series“, published this month, which I already listend to very offen.  Figure 2: „Think!“ (Lonnie Smith), a release from the „Blue Note 80th Series“ in the background When I lowered the stylus I was buf astoned what I heard. Also having an Accession MM I expected a very transparent, well balanced and natural sound. But I did not expect this additional huge dynamic and spacious sound with a nice deep bass. Already the first title „Son Of ICE Bag“ on the record made it impossible for me to sit still. To be honest, I was a bit afraid that the Accession MC would sound a bit boring, as you can find quite often with very transparent MC phono preamps. But this is not the case, at least with this affordable Audio Technica AT-OC9XEN I am using. Thanks very much Graham for your work on developing this fine phono preamp. It is worth every penny. I will try out other MC cartridges I have in the drawer ... Best wishes from the river Rhine in Germany Stephan P.S. Concerning the features of the Accession MC/MM I myself do not need the variable output. I would rather prefer one or two more inputs, to be able to connect more arms. Each input should have its own DIP switch to alter the capistance on the Accession MM and the resistance on the Accession MC.
------------- Accession MM (PSU1), Accession MC (Enigma PSU1) |
Posted By: nemu
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2019 at 9:20am
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Hello, I am listening to my Accession MC (Enigma PSU1) since the end of August. I am very please with the sound. Right now I am using a Benz Wood SL cartridge, which works really well with the Accession MC. I can not wish for anything more. I am addicted to the Accession! Best Regards Stephan ------------- Accession MM (PSU1), Accession MC (Enigma PSU1) |