Over five decades ago, we invented our phono cartridge stylus, the van den Hul 1S. During these decades, we also produced phono cartridges, which are regarded as some of the best in their class and renowned worldwide. However, as a leading manufacturer of phono cartridges, it was only natural for us to create our own phono preamplifier. This led to the launch of the original Grail in 2009. Over the years, we introduced the Grail SB (featuring balanced inputs and outputs) and the SE (including a dual mono board and balanced connectivity).

Now, we proudly present the latest addition to our lineup, the Grail SX, which serves as the successor to the Grail SE and our new flagship phono amplifier.

A new model, a new circuit board

In developing our flagship phono preamplifier, we have also redesigned the circuit board. With the new circuit board, the overall sound quality has significantly improved. The Grail SX delivers notable enhancements, particularly in terms of soundstage and airiness.

Mixed operation for input and output

The new Grail SX allows for mixed-mode operation of the inputs and outputs. When receiving a symmetrical (XLR) input signal, the output can be used simultaneously in symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) modes. The same applies to the asymmetrical (RCA) input, where both outputs can now be used independently and simultaneously.

Automatic load impedance

Similar to its predecessor, the Grail SX features automatic load impedance adjustment for cartridges, ranging from 10 Ohms to 400 Ohms.

Designed and made in Europe

Like all other van den Hul products, the Grail SX is designed and manufactured in Europe.

The Grail SX

Input

Two MC inputs

MC-1 (balanced or unbalanced)

MC-2 (unbalanced only)(

One MM input (or high level output MC cartridge)

MM-1 (unbalanced only)

MM input - Amplification factor

32dB 6,2mV

40dB 2,5mV

46,5dB 1,2mV

Input impedance 47kOhm / 50pF

MC input - Amplification factor

52dB 0,62mV

60dB 0,25mV

66,5dB 0,12mV

Input impedance from 10 Ohm till 400 Ohm (approx. Moving Coil internal impedance range)

Max. undistorted output voltage (<1%) 15Vss for MM signal path, 8,5Vss for MC signal path

Output impedance 330 Ohms (real resistive), 600 Ohms at balanced out

Input sensitivity values (given for 250mV RMS resp. 0,707Vss output level on amplifier output)

Signal to noise Over 80dB(A) with the lowest amplification factor.

Input impedance - Automatic matching in milliseconds from appr. 10 Ohms up to 400 Ohms

Temperature operating range from 15deg. Celsius up to 35deg. Celsius room temperature. No condensing on item allowed. Use only in dry rooms

Size (W x H x L, incl. feet) 475 x 95 x 335mm

Weight - 13,5KG (appr.30lbs) without the ext. power supply

Mains power - Available with 115/120Volts or 230Volts, 50/60Hz.

Available colors - Matte silver aluminum

Michael Fremer Tracking Angle Magazine Review

The Grail SX is one of those rare and most attractive "gets out of the way and lets your transducer of choice do its thing" phono preamplifier. If you want yours to add a "touch of warmth" or "a bit of sparkle", The Grail SX might not be for you. it's as neutral an arbiter of timber, texture and transient attack as you're going to hear from a MC phono preamplifier. Its rhythmic authority produces the desired toe taps. When I plugged various cartridges into the very fine phono input of my darTzeel NHB-18NS preamplifier, the overall sound got somewhat more supple and soft and some might prefer that to The Grail SX. On some records I did as well. It's a very good "built in" phono preamp but for rhythmic drive, and tightly sprung drive, The Grail SX was the clear winner.

The Grail will bring to the picture quiet, black backgrounds, rhythmic organization, macrodynamic "slam" and solidity, sophisticated textural performance, solid, three-dimensional imaging, generously wide and deep sound staging and very little if any of a sonic personality of its own.