PSU1 - Enigma
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=4940
Printed Date: 26 Mar 2026 at 10:54pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: PSU1 - Enigma
Posted By: Chris Firth
Subject: PSU1 - Enigma
Date Posted: 16 May 2020 at 11:59am
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I have been intrigued by the Enigma PSU since its appearance in the product range, and put a loan of it onto the "to do" list. I recently got in contact with JohnC, and made arrangements. It landed yesterday morning. More of that in a little bit. With all the Covid-19 lockdown stuff going on, I like many folk, have had a fair bit of time on my hands, so part of that for me was tweaking my turntable setup and getting things really dialled in. I have managed to get it performing at a hitherto unattainable level, and things are really singing. So much so that most of my listening over the last couple of weeks has involved spinning my LPs, and I have found the sound both satisfying and rewarding. Enter the PSU1 - Enigma. I hadn't spun any records, so popped one onto the platter, and listened to an excerpt of http://www.discogs.com/Frank-Zappa-And-The-Mothers-Of-Invention-One-Size-Fits-All/master/35863 - "Inca Roads" by Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention, to refamiliarize myself with the way it sounded. Part A of a simple A/B test. I had the Enigma plugged in and ready to go, so left the record spinning while I unplugged the standard PSU-1 from my Reflex M phono preamp, and inserted the power plug coming from the Enigma. Holy sh*t! Where did that bass come from? I returned to my seat, and continued to listen, with the realisation that something magical had just taken place. I was hearing deeper into the recording, picking more of the interplay between the musicians, and feeling the infectious rhythms set up by Chester Thompson and Tom Fowler driving harder. All in all a much more satisfying musical experience than I've heard from my vinyl rig before, and it was no slouch beforehand. And all because of a change of PSU. It sounds like I've got a higher quality phono preamp altogether. It's witchcraft, but luckily for Graham we stopped burning witches a few hundred years ago  |
Replies:
Posted By: Bi-wire
Date Posted: 16 May 2020 at 12:40pm
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Thank you for posting your thoughts on trying the Enigma PSU with your Reflex M. I posted recently about whether it would be worth trying one with my Revelation M; your comments make me think that it would. I must contact John C at some point. ------------- Peter Satisfied user of: Revelation M, PSU1-Enigma, Solo SRGII and lots of CuSat50 |
Posted By: Chris Firth
Date Posted: 16 May 2020 at 12:51pm
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To say that I've been bowled over would be putting it mildly. It's gonna hurt when it goes back home
 |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 16 May 2020 at 7:33pm
| Seems it will do wonders for the Majestic too. I will do that in the next few months. |
Posted By: lfc jon
Date Posted: 16 May 2020 at 9:11pm
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Hi Chris I to have a Reflex M and what you are saying is making me think about the Enigma now. But I also have a Solo headphone amp and well you know can't have one with out the the other ( I know that's what I'll end up thinking if I just got it for the phono only) and as i have said on anther post I have been spending a lot on vinyl in the past mouth or so. I am waiting on 7 albums I've got on order. BUT like someone said to me if you can't afford it ether save up or spend it on new music that's what you got your HiFi for (listening too) Jonathan
------------- Reflex M, Solo (both with PSU-1) CuSat50, Lautus, Spatia & Spatia links cables. Ortofon Bronze. |
Posted By: Chris Firth
Date Posted: 17 May 2020 at 1:02pm
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I have just spent the morning listening to music via the digital side of the rig, using headphones driven by my Solo SRG II, and powered by the PSU1-Enigma, and the improvement in sound quality is not something you have to strain to hear. There is greater clarity to proceedings, and as a result more detail can be heard. Lower registers have weight and punch about them that hits a tiny bit harder than before. I really like what I'm hearing  |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 17 May 2020 at 1:56pm
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Dear Chris, Please stop it. I have children to feed. Lots of love, Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Chris Firth
Date Posted: 17 May 2020 at 2:08pm
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Dear Mick, Worry ye not! I only have a Reflex M and a Solo SRG II, so I'll not be trying the PSU1-Enigma on any other kit. You could sell the kids |
Posted By: Chris Firth
Date Posted: 17 May 2020 at 2:26pm
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Parting shot - I'm currently listening to Frank Zappa and The Mothers epic from 1972, The Grand Wazoo, and there is hitherto unheard detail in abundance. Interplay between musicians is highlighted, as is the individual musical brilliance of those players. The PSU1-Enigma just supplies DC into the equipment, so there's no EQ modification taking place (as you could do with an amplifier), so it has to be Witchcraft!
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Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 17 May 2020 at 10:02pm
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He’s a witch? Burn him! ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 8:45am
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Basic circuit laws apply to all circuits. An amplifier or preamplifier is a circuit. It will behave such that it complies with these laws of nature. All circuits require an electro-motive force to operate. Thevenin's Theorem states that "Any linear circuit containing several voltages and resistances can be replaced by just one single voltage in series with a single resistance connected across the load." (Think: battery, switch, load) Ohm's law, with the help of Kirchhoff's Current and Voltage Laws, makes it impossible to deny that signal current flows from the circuit's power source, round the circuit, back to its power source. No current can flow until this is established (think: on-off switch). The current requirements of a particular signal at the moment cannot happen until it can return to its source. If anything impedes that, those requirements cannot exist in the same way, to begin with. Therefore, signal current "flows back up the power supply". What can it flow back up? Answer: an electro-motive force, which you can think of as a storage of energy, such as a battery or other charge storage device. In a mains power supply, all things being equal are the reservoir capacitor or bank of reservoir capacitors. It is challenging to comprehend current flowing in what might seem the wrong direction, but the definition: "an electric current is a flow of electric charge around a circuit," and the realisation that the energy storage device holds a charge, might help. The charge is, therefore, depleted, which means the "moment in time" signal current, is, through equilibrium, returned to its source. What characteristics do energy storage devices have, which might impede (or even "assist") signal current flow? Those characteristics will determine how "well" a particular signal current is allowed to flow. In other words, some part of the signal current will be changed (or unchanged) depending on the characteristics of the energy storage device(s). In comparing one energy storage device to another, in this case, powering a circuit with an audible outcome, will it be possible to hear a difference? ------------- 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: Ash
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 8:57am
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EMF or electromotive force is a voltage where charge is gaining energy. A potential difference is a voltage where charge is losing energy. (According to my old A-level book)
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Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 9:13am
Please take my explanation in context. (I am trying to disprove I am a witch)
------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Ash wrote:Posted By: Chris Firth
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 9:21am
There is but a simple test, outlined here ..... |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 9:28am
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What about Tesla and Faraday, were they witches too?? Whilst being a fundamental force of the understood universe, electromagnetism is a very complex subject. A thorough understanding of it is no simple undertaking. Yet it underpins so much of what we experience and interact with on a daily basis.
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Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 9:28am
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OK, it's a fair cop. It is witchcraft (to most). ------------- 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: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 1:43pm
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Gold. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Bi-wire
Date Posted: 26 May 2020 at 5:45pm
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This is an initial review of the PSU1-Enigma based on just a
few days use. I have just received a PSU1-Enigma on loan from John C to try with my Revelation M. I have been intrigued by the idea of the Enigma since Graham announced it some time ago but assumed that it would be of little benefit to me. After all, I was more than happy with my Revelation M and PSU1, and anyway, the Enigma seemed to be aimed at Accession MC users. More recently, however, a number of forum members have commented on using the PSU1-Enigma with products other than the Accession, including the Reflex to which my Revelation is closely related. An itch was developing that I needed to scratch! I should clarify that the pointy end of my system comprises a Dynavector low output MC, stepped-up through a Rothwell MCL SUT and then to the Revelation M with PSU1. The arrival at this combination of components was something of an (irrelevant) accident but it is a system that has served me well for nearly 10 years and with which I would happily continue. That said, however, is there more to be had? I used to work in an area where much effort went into trying to get that extra 0.1% performance out of something given the right set of conditions. I guess that the current term is 'marginal gains'. So, does the PSU1-Enigma provide a marginal gain over the standard PSU? Is it possible to squeeze that extra bit of performance from my Revelation through the use of a different power supply? Well, the PSU1-Enigma arrived a couple of days ago. On inspection it looks much like the standard item, well-made, hefty. The most obvious difference is the DC cable connector and the fact that the DC cable is a rather snazzy affair, sheathed not unlike the CuSat-50 I use throughout my system. Time to start testing. I've never been very good at A/B comparison type tests, fearing that I won't be properly objective and already biased towards what I want regardless of the evidence. That said, in the first instance I decided to concentrate on 3 records that would cover a range of styles, which I would play on the existing set-up and then again on the set-up incorporating the PSU1-Enigma. Beyond that, I would play as much as possible across my record collection just to see what I felt about the new set-up. First step, power up the Enigma and leave it to warm up. While this was warming I played the 3 records using my existing system to remind myself what they are like. They represent a cross section of music and are good recordings, something that will put a system through its paces. After this re-familiarisation I changed over the PSUs and left the Enigma again to settle for a couple of hours. Then I played the 3 records again. I had to remind myself that it is the Revelation that is doing the work, as before but, is the PSU1-Enigma allowing that extra bit of performance to be squeezed out of it? Well, initial thoughts - there isn't a night and day difference and, to be fair, I'd have been shocked if there was but, there was something. There was definitely a reduction in background noise from the already very low to the almost non-existent. Beyond that though .... hmmm... time to leave it to settle in. It's a couple of days since I drafted the above paragraph
and I've just played my test records again, along with several other records.
There's definitely something in this. The sound stage is that little bit wider
with much more clearly defined depth, front to back. On a symphonic piece, for
example, the positioning of the brass and woodwind relative to the strings was
clear to 'see'. This is looking (sounding) very positive and over the next few
days I shall explore more in the hope of reaching a conclusion by next week.
More then and sorry to ramble if you've got this far! ------------- Peter Satisfied user of: Revelation M, PSU1-Enigma, Solo SRGII and lots of CuSat50 |
Posted By: Bi-wire
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2020 at 3:30pm
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It's been a couple of weeks since I started my trial of a
PSU1-Enigma with my Revelation M and it just keeps getting better and better. I
was slightly worried after the first few days that I might be convincing myself
that there was an improvement in sound quality that wasn't really there but
reversion to the standard PSU1 convinced me that there is a difference. Let me be clear, the Revelation with the standard PSU1 has been a more than capable performer for a number of years, providing levels of fidelity and detail that had been lacking from earlier devices and which, when I introduced it, I didn't realise I'd been missing, but the PSU1-Enigma adds that extra something - a higher fidelity still, I suppose. It's a small difference - an improved precision in the origin of the sounds that make up the music; the placing of instruments, the width and depth of the sound stage, a bass note deep but clean, a dying note seeming to float in the air above the 'speakers, if you will, and more - but it is a meaningful difference. 'Precision' is the word that comes to my mind but that doesn't mean that the sound is clinical or sterile. It's enveloping and engaging and ... precise. Clearly this is a capability that resides within the Revelation but perhaps the PSU1-Enigma is allowing it to show its best. Not surprisingly perhaps, I have committed myself to the PSU1-Enigma. As a bonus, my standard PSU1 has found a new home powering my Solo SRGII, which had previously used a basic power supply. There is a clear improvement there! Win-win, I believe is the phrase. Finally, let me add my thanks to John C for his help in this process. I know I'm probably preaching to the converted on this forum but Graham and John are a pleasure to deal with. ------------- Peter Satisfied user of: Revelation M, PSU1-Enigma, Solo SRGII and lots of CuSat50 |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2020 at 9:12pm
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Belated congratulations Peter from me as a fellow owner of the PSU1 Enigma. ------------- 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: VinodCrispon
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 11:27am
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Congrats Peter on your Purchase of the PSU-1 Enigma. I bought my Majestic with the Enigma, and my Accession & Elevator Exp with the standard PSU-1, When I tried to play around the Enigma seems to induce a totally different Sonic properties. Definitely best upgrade to any sound system is the Upgrade on the power supply. Happy Listening  ------------- Vinod Vincent Elevator & Accession w PSU-1/ Majestic w Enigma/ Cusat/ Lautus TT: Amazon 1(Candenza Bronze) Amp: Accuphase E650 CD/Streamer: OPPO UDP205/CYRUS StreamX2 Speaker: Dynaudio Contour S3.4 |
Posted By: Bi-wire
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 5:01pm
Thanks, Jon. It's been a very worthwhile upgrade and I'm pleased I went ahead with it. I keep finding new subtleties in records I haven't played for a while. ------------- Peter Satisfied user of: Revelation M, PSU1-Enigma, Solo SRGII and lots of CuSat50 |
Posted By: Bi-wire
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 5:09pm
Thanks 'VC', I'm enjoying discovering elements of my record collection all over again. Maybe you've hit the nail on the head in your final sentence. Maybe the power supply is more important than I'd previously given it credit for - the Enigma seems to give credence to that notion.  ------------- Peter Satisfied user of: Revelation M, PSU1-Enigma, Solo SRGII and lots of CuSat50 |
Posted By: VinodCrispon
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2020 at 4:40am
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Cheers Peter. I hereby share a link of how I have installed the Psu1 Enigma. https://ibb.co/59Rhy2f - https://ibb.co/59Rhy2f 1) Due to space constraints, I have to install the PSU on top of my Isotek Power conditioner. 2) Also the footers used, help to install the unit on a well ventilated space, Away from Source components & also dampen against Chassis Resonance if any. ------------- Vinod Vincent Elevator & Accession w PSU-1/ Majestic w Enigma/ Cusat/ Lautus TT: Amazon 1(Candenza Bronze) Amp: Accuphase E650 CD/Streamer: OPPO UDP205/CYRUS StreamX2 Speaker: Dynaudio Contour S3.4 |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2020 at 2:22pm
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Hi Vinod, Have you tried the Enigma with and without the Isotek? I’m interested to know how much the Isotek helps the Enigma, or if it’s largely unaffected. All the best, Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: VinodCrispon
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2020 at 3:56pm
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Hi Mick, How are you? Instead of a simple Yes or No (Which may be of no use for you) I share the reason why I use one and my experience with it. Following is my personal experience (With Isotek Nova) and as you know for any power isolation units please do home trial for a week before you make a call. If you do not hear any difference,Be happy that you have good power source and you do not have to waste your money on one. Why? I bought this Unit because I have problem due to noise induced by certain electrical appliances. In my house, the wiring circuit is closer to my Refrigerator and also the Dinning light circuit that uses the dimmer circuit. So I have a trouble, that needs a fix. Hence my try with power conditioner. Extent of problem: I was using Audiolab MDAC (Direct to wall), each time the compressor of the refrigerator switches on, My DAC restarts. Solution: I Use the Isotek Nova, which was basically designed for source components hence providing very good Isolation between each distribution. For this reason, I power all my components via this unit. Isotek For Enigma: Let me tell you, I tried the Enigma powering the Majestic, in my Study room (without the Isotek), The Enigma direct from the wall was still very good. But I prefer the sound via the Isotek (In my house & my set-up). It does make a audible difference in my set-up, as it provides isolated clean power to all components and also included Surge protection. What do I get: Clean isolated power to components. No noise / Hum / Cross interference with other units or equipment (Perfect Isolation). For the above reasons, Every component power supply, Like the Enigma is given a clean base to work with, which I believe is the reason I like the Enigma connected to the Isotek instead direct to wall. (Lets me hear my music) Will it still make difference if you have isolated power Circuit that does not have interference from home appliances? This I am not sure because I have not tried it in my house. However, Knowing the Design quality & Integrity of GSP units I assume the Enigma should be able to excel well without the additional Power conditioner. The Enigma is by Design is a AC to DC insulated Power supply, which means the DC output wires are isolated from the AC input. Simple Crude / layman's example of the very good isolation of the AC In & DC out Circuit of the PSU1 Enigma. Image 1: - Fluke Voltalert lights-up because it picks the 230V AC Energized Circuit on the ENIGMA - AC In. Image 2: - Fluke Voltalert is designed for 90 to 1000VAC, hence on the DC Side it does not light-up. - Which is a good indication of the Enigma showing its design prowess. https://ibb.co/PjtdDwf https://ibb.co/kSfGD1K Probably this is what any good AC to DC is supposed to do. Hence Enigma with its design should be capable of being tolerant to Dirty power in (Due to better isolation), Unfortunately not many are able to achieve this & hence I cannot say the same for other components in my set-up, hence a good power conditioner does it for me & Yes the Enigma via the Isotek is what I prefer in my setup. ------------- Vinod Vincent Elevator & Accession w PSU-1/ Majestic w Enigma/ Cusat/ Lautus TT: Amazon 1(Candenza Bronze) Amp: Accuphase E650 CD/Streamer: OPPO UDP205/CYRUS StreamX2 Speaker: Dynaudio Contour S3.4 |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2020 at 10:35pm
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Thanks, man! Mick ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: mdnicke2
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2020 at 3:46am
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I really didn’t think I was even going to consider the Enigma as I am already at the very tip top of my budget, but this thread... a raise would be great right about now! ------------- Pro-j X2, Sumiko Moonstone, Cambridge Duo, Cambridge CXA80, KEF LS50 |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2020 at 11:17pm
| why does this thread have to exist? Now I’m going to have to get enigma for my reflex M and my solo ULDE since I know just one won’t be enough. Grrrrr.... but a happy one since I’m always happy to buy an upgrade that will actually do something. |
Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2020 at 4:23pm
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I replaced the Majestic's PSU1 with the Enigma back in April & it has been well worth it. Very pleased. The Majestic tends to get used more than ever now - both with PC via USB & CD transport via coax. ------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2020 at 4:41pm
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Pulled the trigger on an Enigma. Ordered from Audioarcan which is a great GS dealer here in Canada. Will I order a second? Not sure yet. Will see how much it upgrades the ULDE. In my mind this is a step on upgrade path to Accession. Will post impressions.
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Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2020 at 8:19pm
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I shall join the Enigma club soon. Eager to hear it improve my Majestic DAC. I am currently having some financial discipline and not making any more audio purchases until a couple more of my things have been sold. I will put my standard PSU1 up for sale immediately afterwards. ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2020 at 11:58pm
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By the way, between the Reflex M and Solo ULDE, I reckon the Reflex M will benefit more from pairing with an Enigma PSU1, purely because the signal order of magnitude is smaller. I suspect there is less room for improvement at the headamp or power amp stage because the noise has already been carried forward and amplified.
------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2020 at 3:31am
| interesting theory - I’ll let you know if I notice much difference on the solo ULDE. |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2020 at 9:00am
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For my previous headphone of choice, it sounded the same through a Solo Ultra-Linear (not Diamond Edition) as through a pair of Proprius monoblocks. The Solo UL had a 0.6m pair of CuSat50 cables feeding the standard signal phase from the Majestic DAC RCA line-out and both had a standard PSU1. The Proprius were fed an inverted signal phase from the TRS sockets via a 1.5m Lautus-R3 cable pair using their standard switched mode power supplies. They sounded the same, to my ears. I am not going to pretend that I could hear a difference. This was only in my case with a 120 Ohm load of low sensitivity. Maybe if the Majestic DAC had an Enigma PSU, one may have sounded better than the other?? Probably not, as both signal paths would have been improved by the Enigma's better handling of the micro-signal domain. I would postulate that the micro-signal power supply is best prioritised for the stage/s that handle the micro-signal. I think that is where the listener will most likely be able to tell the reproductions apart. Maybe a micro-signal PSU1 may aid signal preservation at and after line level but I doubt I would hear any difference if I failed to tell a PSU1 and SMPS apart. ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2020 at 1:35pm
| I’m very interested to find out if there is any audible difference in the ULDE with Enigma. I would assume at least some difference. Otherwise why is it sold with PSU1? Improved power supply must make some kind of difference. Though perhaps after a certain point it’s not audible? Unit should arrive today. Will start testing though I know it needs to break in too. |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2020 at 2:24pm
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Testing is better than talking yes so it will be good to try it. Keep both standard PSU1 and Enigma PSU1 powered up at the wall so you can quickly switch between them every so often. Keep the Solo ULDE powered on for a couple of days before doing any decisive comparisons. I have my doubts but I am often wrong. Perhaps the Solo ULDE will only provide a further benefit with the Enigma if its source component (e.g Reflex M) also has an Enigma?? Otherwise an improvement in sound purity may be masked?? ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2020 at 2:29am
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The Enigma was delayed by a day but arrived today. I plugged it in right away to start break in. Initial impressions are that as much as I try I'm not noticing a big difference (maybe some subtleties but then again, maybe I'm willing them into existence). I'm planning to keep comparing over the next days/weeks to see if this changes over time. My setup is simple: P******t Debut Carbon Goldring 1042 Reflex M with PSU1 Solo ULDE with PSU1 Sennheiser HD6XX with a Grado 15' extension cord The op appears to have a Reflex M with a Solo SRG, though correct me if I'm wrong on that. Maybe the different headphone amp makes a difference - not sure. So the subtle differences I may or may not be hearing are slightly more body to highs and slightly lower lows, maybe a tiny bit punchier. But, like I said, it's not a big difference, and I am not confident I could blind test this and pick which is which. I actually found a more noticeable difference when plugging Enigma into the ULDE. It seems fuller somehow, maybe a touch louder? Though it's also subtle and could be wishful thinking. This is just first day. Will post again. In any case, if it doesn't really improve the GS products I have, that's ok because it's part of an upgrade path to Accession. I understand the improvement on Accession is noticeable. |
Posted By: lfc jon
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2020 at 6:52am
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Hi David I went from the standard power supply to the PSU1 over time It made a lot of difference and like you said it's just day one, GIVE IT TIME and I'm sure you'll be vary happy, I just wish I had the funds to get the Enigma One day delay not bad with Corvid 19 going on ------------- Reflex M, Solo (both with PSU-1) CuSat50, Lautus, Spatia & Spatia links cables. Ortofon Bronze. |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2020 at 7:06am
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The Enigma is mainly marketed to improve the Accession MC and Majestic DAC, both micro-signal handlers. I guess anything else is a bonus. ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2020 at 9:52pm
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Day 2: I again am noticing almost no difference between PSU1 and PSU1 Enigma. So, here is the description for the power supply: “ Graham Slee PSU1 Enigma Micro Signal Power Supply is designed to improve performance of moving coil (MC) cartridges through Graham Slee's Accession MC phono stage, but this PSU1 Enigma upgrade is also a very effective upgrade potential for other Graham Slee phono stages and headphone amplifiers. PSU1 Enigma Micro signal is essentially a superior power supply unit, very similar in all aspects other than the internals to the PSU 1. It was designed to cope with very low output cartridges but performs equally well with both MC and MM cartridges.” It does focus on Accession MC. But then at the end it says it performs equally well with both MC and MM carts. It also specifically mentions headphone amps. So, I’m guessing that it should somehow improve ULDE as that’s the top of the line GS headphone amp isn’t it? I will continue my comparisons with an open mind. In case anyone is interested, I’m using Lou Donaldson - Blues Walk Analogue Productions 45 rpm and Solti - Venice Analogue Productions RCA Living Stereo series 33 rpm to test the sound. It’s actually kind of neat. I can switch the cords without the music stopping. I think the phono stage retains a charge or something. I can do it for ULDE too but the power disappears faster so I have to be quicker. This means I can get a continuous signal as I switch. You would think any noticeable bump in bass or dynamics or whatever else would be pretty obvious this way. I love the Reflex M. I love the ULDE. Combined they are stellar. I’m just not seeing an upgrade to either with Enigma power supply so far. To be continued. |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 12:33am
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A much more effective way to test is to stay with The Enigma only for as long as you can, then switch back. I find it’s only after that that you hear what the differences are. Mick, ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 3:00am
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Day 2 update: So technically 24 hours of burn in would have been reached around noon today. I did my earlier listening session around 3:30pm. Tonight (around 9pm) I'm listening again. I believe I'm starting to notice something. I would call it bass "tickle" in my ears. Which I associate with being one of the things I look for as it makes the music more involving. Along with that has come a bit more presence. For a moment, I was listening to Sonny Clark - Sonny's Crib Music Matters 45 rpm and I was kind of lost in the music. I think that You are right, Mick. Because (before I read your post actually), I realized that the music only seems to loose the extra bit after some time has passed when I switch from Enigma to PSU1. It's not instantaneous as soon as I switch cords. I can only guess it's related to how I can switch the cords without losing the signal - maybe the signal from one lingers? I have no idea, no electrical competency. So then I listened to the opening 30 seconds or so of Mendelssohn Concerto in E Minor Heifetz/Munch BSO (RCA Victor Analogue Productions) with the Enigma, then changed to PSU1 and gave it a moment, then listened to same 30 seconds. Fairly sure I noticed that with Enigma that bass tickle and greater presence in strings were there. Then with PSU1, the music seemed a bit further away. The difference is still not huge, and I'm not clearly decided on anything yet, but this was the first time I actually noticed something. You know what they say about scientific experiments - have to be reproducible or they're worthless. So, after I have reproduced (or failed to) this some more, I'll draw some conclusions. And I'm not suggesting that my subjective listening is somehow scientific, but I should at least be fairly confident I hear differences over multiple listening sessions and in different conditions before I draw a conclusion. Also, read this very thorough and interesting review of Accession MC and also Enigma. I'm sure folks here are familiar as it's quoted on GS sales page for Accession, but still worth posting as it briefly discusses using Enigma on other GS products: http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/graham-slee-accession-mc-moving-coil-phono-preamplifier#:~:text=The%20Accession%20MC%20offers%20cartridge,left%20on%20all%20the%20time - http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/graham-slee-accession-mc-moving-coil-phono-preamplifier#:~:text=The%20Accession%20MC%20offers%20cartridge,left%20on%20all%20the%20time .
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Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 3:43am
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Let me clarify what I wrote earlier. I think A/B comparisons are very good to get an idea of overall the characteristic of two components. A good example would be headphones or speakers, where the flavors can be very obviously different. You can literally listen to one minute of each and hear that they’re clearly making two very different sounds. However, as the possibility for variation diminishes (power amplifiers IME sound much more alike than speakers), so too does the worthiness of a “quick A/B”. The smaller the gap in sound produced, the longer it takes to get a handle on what the two components are doing differently. Perhaps a good example here is the difference between two $3,500 power amps that use the same tech. Different, yes, but less so than in the speaker example. Or, three headphones from one manufacturers line. At this point, you need longer to tell, and more music as well. So, onto really subtle things like two very similar power supplies from the same manufacturer. If you know your system super well and the new supply is fully broken in, I suppose you should hear superficial differences without too much strain. However, it’s only through extended listening that you’ll discover far more important things than bass response, etc. Does the new supply let you listen longer without fatigue? Does it push you towards listening to a particular style of music, or does it let you enjoy a wider range? How does it deal with those not so great recordings? Does it let the music through and minimize the distraction from the poor recording quality? Or does it limit you to spinning only your best albums? Once you’ve listened to a selection (over the course of two weeks) from your collection and go back to the first power supply, does your “experience” change? There are plenty of measurable things that sometimes don’t seem to matter. There are things we can develop important opinions and feelings about that don’t seem measurable. (I think I just misquoted Einstein...). I’ve not read the measurements for my Solo ULDE, Proprius or Accession MC, but I know they get me more involved than anything else I’ve purchased. Win. For me, hifi measurement stats, like in football, are only good post-match. “This is my impression, what are the measurements that back that up?” I’m sure measurements are far more important on the design bench than the listening room. Cheers, Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 7:45am
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I agree with Mick, the more similar the two components being tested are, the more challenging it is to identify their differences and the longer it takes to identify those differences. I have done quite a lot of headphone A/B comparisons over the years. Compare a HD600 to a AKG K1000 and the difference is immediately huge. Compare a K1000 to a MySphere 3.1 and you must listen much more carefully because they sound quite alike until you concentrate on different aspects of the sound for a long time. Mick is right. Spend at least two weeks with the Enigma then swap back to the standard PSU1. If your enjoyment of your music deteriorates after swapping back, there's your answer. Sometimes unconscious judgement is more objective.
------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2020 at 2:16am
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Day 3, probably about 58-59 hrs into burn in period. Testing Enigma mostly on Reflex M at the moment. Have become more certain about differences emerging. As OP states, the bass is fuller. I'm not great with audiophile language (though I do count myself an audiophile if only because I love music AND sound and I spend enough that I have to be an audiophile). In any case, what I would say is that the presence of the music is heightened in a way that makes it more absorbing, and more tactile to my ears. Probably more realistic/live sounding too. I noticed earlier today while listening to Gillian Welch's Soul Journey that the sound was more coherent, or unified. With the PSU1 it was ever so slightly grainy, though i would never have thought that without the comparison. I will add that it's still not a "night and day" scenario. But I do have a feeling that once I get used to Reflex M with Enigma, I will have trouble going back as something will be missing and I will feel that I just got booted from the front row to the fifth. I'm still interested in testing more on the ULDE too but decided to focus my efforts for now. I should add that I take your comments Mick and Ash. I have stopped "fast switching" the plugs as I don't think it works well. I also take your points that it will be over time and lots of listening that I will truly understand the differences. I started these posts so thought I might as well continue for a few days. If anyone else tries this, they can see that I'm going through a period of break in/adjustment.
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Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2020 at 5:29pm
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question for those who know this sort of thing: I realize the Enigma itself has a burn in period, but would the Reflex M need to burn in again in response to the new power supply? Maybe it’s a stupid question, but I understand burn in is about loosening up certain electronics (capacitors or something??). If that’s the case, do they need to be further loosened by the Enigma’s micro power signal? And then would simply having Reflex M broken in on an Enigma improve its overall performance? I’m probably way off base. Any input from the experts would be helpful.
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Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2020 at 5:46pm
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My certainly non-expert opinion is that the Reflex wouldn't need to start burn-in again. If it's been powered off for a while then perhaps just a day or so get back on song. My Majestic-powering Enigma is about 5 months old & in the last few weeks the sound seems to have really 'taken off'. I also own a CD player that costs a lot more than the Majestic/MF M1 CD transport & it doesn't get used much now.. ------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2020 at 6:22pm
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I visualise "burn-in" a bit like an exponential capacitor charging curve, as I personally believe that successful burn-in (for Slee products at least) is about the circuits reaching a maximum stable charged state, directly affecting impulse response of the signal. Sustained power-on is the key, which is why I suggested keeping both standard PSU1 and Enigma powered up even though only one is being used at any one time. The Reflex circuits will store charge regardless of what PSU is powering them. The burned-in state is sustained by power on. Previously prolonged powered-on electronics revert to optimum state sooner than new electronics. ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2020 at 6:49pm
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Ash, thanks. I do indeed always have the Reflex powered on as suggested in the manual that came with it. What you say about reaching a stable charge makes a lot of sense in terms of what seems to happen when switching cords. There is a real delay before the full Enigma effect is heard. I take it you are saying the optimal charge can take a long time to reach. RichW, I agree it wouldn’t need to burn in all over again. I was only suggesting that a further burn in might possibly be necessary? Since presumably the Enigma is pushing performance to a new level. |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2020 at 7:16pm
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Hmm... Capacitor discharge rate is an exponential decay. Rate of loss of charge is fastest at the start of power down and the Time constant of the circuit = RC, the product of resistance and capacitance. I think if the power down duration is short, say less than 15 seconds, the time taken to restore the 99.999% (asymptote) of charge won't be very long, maybe a few minutes?? I'm just guessing. Take what I say with a pinch of salt. Put it this way: the quantity of charge that was lost will not return as quickly as it left. It is probably a reciprocal time thing, where you invert to find the solution?? 1/4 minute discharge requires 4 minutes charge?? Might not be as simple as that. Graham is the real expert.
------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2020 at 11:12pm
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Day 4: Had a listening session the afternoon around 97 hourS break in. I’m prepared to now say that there is a clear difference between Reflex M with PSU1 and Enigma. There’s more of all the good thing with Enigma. It by no means sounds bad with PSU1. It’s still an amazing phono stage. But now that I am hearing what it can do with Enigma, I’m glad I sprung for it. More: Bass: body and extension. Am hearing the actual notes in a number of bass lines seemingly for first time. Resolution of instruments and textures Realism Smoothness in highs (peaks that might occasionally slightly hurt my ears now fall just under that threshold) Coherence to sound “Tactility of sound” noticeably increased Notice I say “more” because the Reflex M with PSU1 also has the above qualities. Just less than with Enigma. By the way, I can indeed notice it from switching the cord. However, there is a delay when the switch is made until the Enigma kicks in. Maybe 5 seconds? Played Bob Marley -Survival and holy with Enigma the bass is massive. Switching to PSU1, the sound hollowed out and went back to being more civilized. |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2020 at 9:50pm
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Today I received yet another power upgrade to my system: a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet 20 Amp high current version (you can see an interesting review of it here: https://www.stereophile.com/powerlineaccessories/460/index.html - https://www.stereophile.com/powerlineaccessories/460/index.html ). I had already purchased this secondhand when I came across this thread and ordered the Enigma upgrade. It was a lot cheaper than the Enigma, though new it's a lot closer in price. This one was well broken in and I plugged my Reflex M (with Enigma) and ULDE (with PSU1) into it. Yep, another upgrade to the sound. It also significantly improves my old technics amplifier when I plug it into the unit. These power upgrades really are worth looking into. Now that I'm upgraded on a few fronts, I realized that my current interconnect cables, which I previously viewed as a marginal upgrade and which I paid decently for, actually smear or somehow suppress the high frequency range. This has become very noticeable with my new set up. It makes it feel like I can't quite get to the sound and it annoys me while listening. So I put in my much cheaper Mies cables and everything sounds better, more natural and present. Guess my next upgrade will be a couple of CuSat50 interconnects and/or Lautus. Another interesting thing: while using the PS Audio Ultimate Outlet, I am getting absolutely no electrical interference even using non-shielded phono cables. I used to get quite a bit of noise depending on how many lights were on in the rooms near the turntable setup. |
Posted By: lfc jon
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2020 at 11:07pm
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Hi David your are just proving what burning will do (and to your self) I found out that with my Solo and headphones keeping my headphones with a feed from the Solo as they were both new ( I always switch the Solo to input an Hr before listening so the headphones are warmed up too) Can't have them on when listening to the speakers well you know that any way I'm glad your happy Jonathan ------------- Reflex M, Solo (both with PSU-1) CuSat50, Lautus, Spatia & Spatia links cables. Ortofon Bronze. |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2020 at 12:35am
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I’ve had the Australian loaner Accession MC in my system for nearly three weeks now, while I wait for the delivery of my own. The loaner uses the PSU1 and I think really only hit its peak recently. The improvements over two weeks were easily traceable. My own Accession MC is arriving with the Enigma power supply, and I can’t wait to hear how it develops over the coming weeks to surpass the current performance of the loan unit. My hifi equipment shopping is now done, and I’ve made a contract with myself to buy nothing else until my 50th birthday (three years). I’m serious, I wrote it up, printed and framed it. It’s hanging on my bedroom wall where my wife and I both walk past it every day. Once I hit 50, the next step will be power. Hopefully a regenerator, and definitely a full suite of power cables. I’ve not heard any of it in my own system, but too many people find them valuable for me to ignore it. The auditioning will start the day I turn 50 (a Thursday). If it turns out I get little benefit, I’ll just but a truckload of new records and a few cases of extravagant wine. Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2020 at 12:46am
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Jonathan, I have to agree. These posts were largely about my experience of break in of the Enigma (and perhaps some break in of me and my ears). They also could confirm for others that someone else had experience of Enigma making a difference to sound with Reflex M, and that it took about 90-100 hrs for benefits to be strongly realized. After all, I could have finished break in and concluded there was no difference at all instead of finding the level of improvement that I found. Mick, I'm most definitely jealous about your new purchase of an Accession MC! I don't have an MC set-up right now, but am aiming to purchase an Accession MM in the coming months. We'll see how long I make it... I'll be honest, there have been a few tragedies in my family recently and it has all made me think that I should go for the best possible without delay. Who knows how long I will get to listen? Apologies for being morbid, but it is my honest thought process at the moment. Wow, I have really become a GS convert in only a few months, as I just got my Reflex M in June and my ULDE in August and I already want to go for the top of the line phono stage. I guess after farting around with other products, I finally found something that seems to be of reliable quality. ------------- P******t Debut Carbon, Goldring 1042, GS Accession MM w/Enigma, GS Solo ULDE w/PSU1, Sennheiser HD6XX, Technics SU-800 IA, Castle Knight 1, PS Audio Ultimate Outlet, Lautus & CuSat50 |
Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2020 at 10:39am
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A mains regenerator is well worth considering Mick. The PowerInspired 1500 unit has been in my system for a few years & has been totally reliable - apart from needing the vents clearing of dust occasionally to prevent over heating. It is very reasonably priced - perhaps because it wasn't designed primarily as a hifi component.. Regenerators & mains treatments in general are worth looking into - despite the naysayers. ------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2020 at 9:23am
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Hi All, my Accession MC arrived, complete with Enigma. Before I plugged mine in, I let the Enigma cook for a while and did some listening with the PSU1 and loaner Accession MC. After a few sides I plugged the Enigma in and sat back to listen to all the same material I'd just heard. Conclusions after half an hour of Enigma, then half an hour of PSU1 and then back to the Enigma are: 1. very much quieter when there's no music playing 2. maintains that quiet when playing music 3. a little wider and much deeper soundstage 4. instruments and voices more tightly focused 5. uncluttered sounding with plenty of time and space 6. the bass is audibly deeper, even on my standmount speakers These are all improvements I associate with removing noise form the system (reducing the noise floor?) and are a further step along the path from a standard supply to the PSU1. More clarity, less noise. Also a more relaxing listen, because you're not trying to extract the music from the noise. Interestingly, it's exactly the same sensation of "relaxing the sound" that I've experienced when moving to progressively well sorted and quiet DAC's. So my two cents is that if you're buying the Accession, get the Enigma if at all possible, and don't listen to it on the loan scheme unless you can afford it, because you'll buy it. Cheers, Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: lfc jon
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2020 at 9:51am
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Sounds like you are v vary happy GS owner. I was like that with my 1st GS phono and my last GS which was my solo and PSU1, if only I could afford the Enigma but I DON'T have the funds. May be one day ? ------------- Reflex M, Solo (both with PSU-1) CuSat50, Lautus, Spatia & Spatia links cables. Ortofon Bronze. |
Posted By: Cyreg
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2020 at 10:14am
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@ Mick, congrats with your fine MC improvement, now could you please tell me if the powercords of the PSU1 and Enigma are exactly the same? Probably is brand I-Sheng all the way? Thx ------------- TecnoDec/RB250/MP110>GramAmp2C/PSU1; Cyrus CD8SE; > Exposure 3010S2D INT > Harbeth C7ES-3 '35th Anniversary' cabling: IC 2x DNM V3; LScable Exposure DMF-two; Furu TP60 + MWaY and BlackCable pc's |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2020 at 1:21pm
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No, they're different. The figure 8 from the wall is the same, but the umbilical from Enigma to Accession is different. 3 pin DIN of heftier gauge. Cheers, Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2020 at 2:21pm
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Funny, I have 2 PSU1 and they had different cords to wall. The Enigma has the same cord as one of them. Unless I mixed them up at some point and the Enigma had the different cord. There’s the figure 8 as Mick says and the other cord is solid and a bit thicker with a slightly longer connector into the PSU. ------------- P******t Debut Carbon, Goldring 1042, GS Accession MM w/Enigma, GS Solo ULDE w/PSU1, Sennheiser HD6XX, Technics SU-800 IA, Castle Knight 1, PS Audio Ultimate Outlet, Lautus & CuSat50 |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2020 at 5:26pm
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Please feel free to compare the Enigma DC cable with the PSU1 DC cable. I did the Enigma PSU for the Accession MC because the input and NFB error voltages in a high gain stage are slightly on the small side. All signal current must flow back to the power supply, but power supplies are essentially brutal especially conventional transformer - bridge rectifier - smoothing capacitor types. Voltage regulators can only do part of the job. The return signal currents cannot flow backward, and therefore take different paths, depending on their frequencies. Most of the audio range will take the path of least resistance, and much of it travels back to the power supply smoothers. We ask a lot of those capacitors. Not only must they stand 10 times the load current and go on for several years with 100 (120) Hz ripple, but they need to have good capacitive versus frequency stability and an exemplary dissipation factor. Such beasts are awkward to find, usually cost a bit more, and to ensure continuity of supply, must be bought in bulk and stored - and that's why such products cost more. The resulting PSU was tried with the Accession MC, and the combination brought out the qualities I wanted and felt were missing previously using a stock PSU1. The 0V reference was also dealt with. The PSU1 had, for years, a hard-wired modification to place the 0V take-off at a more appropriate point than the original design. The change had improved the sound qualities, but the Enigma took it further, in my opinion. My conscience would not let me charge considerably more for the Enigma as it stood. There was no visible difference apart from the nameplate, so we decided to fit a locking DIN and make the 0V return the shield of a cable we'd been using to make another item. The cable is then sexily dressed as is the wont in hi-fi circles. If the DC cable makes another improvement, all well and good, but my prototype used the stock PSU1 cable. ------------- 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: fluddite
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2020 at 10:34pm
This sounds like a good policy in any event....
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Posted By: Pushpaw
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2020 at 2:22am
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some people will think this is going overboard, but adding to my power supply upgrades (currently Enigma on Reflex M, PS Audio Ultimate Outlet for Enigma and PSU1 of solo ULDE), I bought a used PS Audio Duet. This is a four outlet power cleaning unit that I believe is the next generation of the PS Audio Ultimate Outlet. Reasoning that the newer one is better, I am plugging the Duet in to the Ultimate, which goes in the wall. I did this because I read in a review of the Ultimate Outlet that it is recommended to use one before a PS Audio power regeneration unit, which is the ultimate in power upgrades. PS Audio says the power feeding into regenerator would be that much cleaner and would increase efficiency of unit. So I thought maybe it would be similar with Ultimate Outlet and Duet. The answer is yes. It’s made the sound even cleaner and purer than with just the Ultimate Outlet. Easy to hear in a/b testing. These things each cost me about 175-200 on secondhand market. Not too expensive when you consider it upgrades the headphone and speaker listening experience noticeably. I’m quite sure I won’t be able to resist getting an Enogma for my ULDE in the next 6 months. ------------- P******t Debut Carbon, Goldring 1042, GS Accession MM w/Enigma, GS Solo ULDE w/PSU1, Sennheiser HD6XX, Technics SU-800 IA, Castle Knight 1, PS Audio Ultimate Outlet, Lautus & CuSat50 |