I'm a new forum member but have been using one of Graham's wonderful phono stages since 2007 (Era Gold V) and have enjoyed many years of listening to my records through this. I thought I might share with you my experience of upgrading to the Accession MM.

My main HiFi was moved a couple of years ago into an extension of the house and great though that was for critical listening it left the kitchen and sitting room without vinyl playback. Lots of research followed looking at potential solutions but none really ticked all the boxes without spending a lot of money (L*nn in particular see you coming on this front). I stumbled on the Accession and was intrigued by it's dual phono outputs, which got me thinking. Few phono stages have this and most are switchable, making use of both outputs at the same time impossible. Paired with the Bluesound Node which is primarily a streaming device but has an analogue input, it is possible to send your analogue signal to multiple Node players around the house, whilst having another output to your primary pre-amp for more critical listening.

I finally took the plunge last week and got the Accession MM and it is safe to say it is a big leap up from the Era Gold V (and I haven't even given the benefit of burn in yet!). My main playback has opened up with a natural rich creamy sound which manages to sound detailed and spacious whilst conveying the heart of whatever you play. Even old Motown recordings have taken on a new toe tapping quality without making you aware of the deficiencies of the original recording. Bass and vocals sound particularly magical.

It has also hit the spot with regards to the multi-room brief. The Bluesound Node is a great streamer and manages the analogue signal well, given the likely degradation by sending it over the network. The cost of two Bluesound Nodes and the Accession MM come in at the same price as one entry level L*nn network player and you have to spend even more to get analogue inputs on the streamers in the L*nn ecosystem. So not only am I chuffed with the sound, I'm quids in.

Hope this has been an interesting read and look forward to contributing to the forum in future.

Mike

That's a great use for the additional output on the Accession. I have mine hooked up to an ADC for ripping, but can see how it hits the spot for multi-room listening!

You're in for sonic treats as the sound burns in, too!

ericfrogspawn wrote: ...an asterisk appears to be present every time I type a particular brand of hifi. Is that a built in glitch  ?

Built-in I'm affraid. A sort of protection. I've had run ins with other manufacturers before