We had a debate on his website as to whether black was/ would be an option. I am glad he (Graham) has decided to make it available as I personally think it looks better this way. Others thought it did not matter what colour it is but nevertheless it's nice to have the option at this (or any) price.
Great review. I've been using an Accession for a afew years with the Enigma power supply and your review just confirms my thoughts as to how good the sound quality is from this amazing design. I love the simplicity of the layout and sturdy, no nonsense controls. In my mind it's a top class product designed and built by craftsmen (in Yorkshire) that will last for years.
Nice review. I've owned one of these for, i dunno, 7 or 8 years. But hey, better late than never :). I use the EXP to step up to MC. There is also an Accession MC available now. Mine has tbe standard PSU1 as the Enigma wasn't invented when I bought it. In light of this review I may consider the upgrade to Enigma. One thing i have learned over the years is that your reviews are honest and where i have had the opportunity to listen to same gear, they largely concur with my own views. This makes them a good source of info to me. UPDATE: I just added the Enigma PSU1 to both units and have to agree that it's definitely a worthwhile upgrade, taking performance up a notch or two from what was already a pretty high bar imo. I can't imagine there is much out there to beat this performance at anything like the price. A little bonus was that when I contacted them to talk about the upgrade they offered me a not insignificant discount if I returned the old PSU's - one of which is almost 18yrs old. What nice people!
Paul, it's always good to see other features on a preamp. I've never seen a curve adjustment before and I'd sure like to hear it. Thanks for this video!
Only really useful if you have pre '54 vinyl with non-RIAA curves. Hopefully the 'British' setting is the Decca FFRR curve - about the most common found in charity stores etc today and I would guess that 'American' is a compromise between NAB and Columbia curves.
Great review !! I’ve owned the Gram Amp 2 Communicator and the Reflex M. Both amazing units. I’ve also tried both their interconnects CuSat50 and AgSat90 with great results. The later being my favorite in my system. This company has always been a pound for pound champion to me. Cheers from Canada!!
Great review. Graham Slee products really are good, quiet and the Jazz has a whole suite of available curves for non-RIAA records. Recommended. Not just for Jazz!
Saw the Mel Torme"The Velvet Fog" when I was a very young. I used to hang out at a hobby/toy store in Los Angeles. I noticed the owner was building a HO train layout on a 4x8" piece of plywood for a customer.Turns out the customer was Mel Torme. I had no idea who he was. . I don't know of it was for him as a model rail road enthusiast or a gift for his son Tracy. Tracy eventually went on to become a screenwriter. A very nice fellow I ran across later in life..
Thanks for the review Paul. I've been using the Accession for several years now. Looks like the enigma upgrade is now on my to buy list. I also have a Graham Slee headphone amplifier, and am wondering about the effects of the enigma on that too! Best wishes Tim
I have been using the Accession with Enigma power supply for some years with my wonderful MusicMaster moving iron cartridge made by the Cartridgeman, Len Gregory, who sadly died in 2020. The sound from this combination is spell binding. Maybe you could do a comparison of high end moving magnet design coupled with the Accession/Engima versus a similarly priced moving coil and phono amp combination? Are there some sound quality benefits to moving magnet technology versus moving coil.
Thanks for another excellent review, Paul. I’d definitely opt for the external PSU. I’ve got an external PSU for my turntable and my Tavish phono pre, which I’ve been using for a few yrs now. The Graham Slee phono stage I heard sounded great. I dig the output level knob and the stereo / mono switch. Looks like an overall nice design. Thanks again, Paul.
Look at their Reflex M. It might give a big chunk of the Ascension's performance without those other bells and whistles. But the input impedance settings are fixed at 47k Ohms plus 100pF, so that might be a concern if your cartridge needs other values.
Paul I appreciate your mention of the 78s. It seems that the mono switch on components always gets ignored. The bulk of my collection is early 12" Mono. Could you maybe say a few words about the effects of the Mono sound/processing/reproduction in your upcoming Accession II video, please.
Great review. I've heard nothing but good things about the Accession. Definitely curious about the Accession MC. Seems like it's basically the same, just with loading switches on the back instead of capacitance.
I have a vintage (circa late 80s) system using Dual CS-5000 wood base turntable with Ortofon Blue Cart and an HK integrated amp - PM 655 Vxi - currently using the built phono-stage input. Both were professionally refurbished recently and in top condition! I also use Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary Speakers. Sound is good but I’d like to get a separate phono amplifier upgrade but I’m wondering if you think this phono amp would actually upgrade my sound quality given the turntable and good but not audiophile equipment I’m using … OR would it be overkill or mismatched with my vintage equipment where it would be overkill and a waste of money. If that’s the case, what would you recommend? Thanks!
Hi Paul. Thanks for this review. I was wondering how the Accession compares to a good tube phono stage. Whats your choice if you would have to choose between the Accession and your Icon Audio phono stage? Thanks!
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated. Based on your review I bought the Accession MC with Enigma power supply and so far I am not missing the tubey coloration (stepped up from a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2). Time will tell if I start missing a bit of tube coloration in the phono stage as I have records in all kind of recording quality... But so far I am really happy about my purchase! BTW, the other option I had in mind was the Puresound P10 with SUT. But I guess I made the right choice going for a two-box-solution (in terms of power supply separation) and keep things simpler (in terms of less signal path compared to using a SUT). Also, I guess it is matching - the Accession going straight into my tube power amp. Cheers!
Could I please get some recommendations on MM cartridges that would work well with the Accession, and can be fitted on a P3 without creating a VTA issue? As a point of reference, I'm on a Nagaoka MP150 with the Schiit Skoll at the moment. Thank you.
To be a honest? Without messing with VTA? Rega's own designs only. That's it. That's all I'd be happy with. Which was the plan all along, wasn't it? For you to buy a Rega cart for a Rega deck. Cunning, eh? Naughty but cunning.
Yes, that has always been the cunning plan. RG claims that there is no audible difference (yet promotes the use of shims). I believe it’s time to upgrade the TT!
Given the markings on the power supply stating 230V/50Hz/60mA input, does that mean this unit is not for the U.S. market? [Edit: I see they offer U.S. voltage and plug options on their website]. While some would consider this "expensive" at about $1000 USD with the PSU1 or the additional $$$ for the Enigma, the fact you say that it can give MM carts the upper treble response of MC carts makes it a good value proposition to add to a good TT with MM cart. Ah, decisions, decisions.
Manufacturers know that "mission creep" or FOMA sets in for consumers. Someone in the market for a more budget friendly device will start lusting for the one above it, and often justify that more expensive one in their minds.
Or like a DAC from Chi-Fi Topping or SMSL. Those front panel corner screws and ribbed chassis just don't go with the $1000 USD price tag, let alone adding the Enigma. Still, for the sound quality it could definitely be a contender. Maybe tuck it away out of sight behind some CDs or another piece of gear.
The Graham Slee phono stages sound better than ones that cost 3/4 times more. They offer sound quality that is unmatched at their pricepoint or even much higher.. They do look good in my opinion in a retro way. But the way they look is not important at all. The sound is amazing when used with a decent turntable, tonearm and cart from SME or Michell, Linn, VPI, Origin Live or other quality producers. GS stuff is a rare thing these days in that they are a almost bespoke item at price that is so low relative to what you get. GS offer substance over style rather than the other way round.
I like the look/design a lot. From Paul’s rating it’s obvious that the money has gone into the performance. I’ll take the latter every time. Buying eye candy is not my number one priority. If you think the Accession looks DIY (it doesn’t) then you should see my Tavish Design Classic MM/MC phono stage. It performs above its price class.
Just to let you know that I normally like to show the insides of the boxes I review, when I can and when possible - as you will see if you have viewed my other videos. Secondly, I did address the specific reason for not showing you the inside of this box, in the video itself.
The Crusade starts here. Just waiting for the go ahead from the Pope and then I ride on the Church of Cohen. Here's a little thing I said to the lads early this morning, "And gentlemen in England now a-bed/Shall think themselves accursed they were not here/ And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks/That fought with us to clear out all Jeff Buckley stock/from the local record shop!"
@@TheAudiophileMan I never understood how a song about a girl taking a bath on a rooftop then tying you to a chair and cutting your hair ever became associated with Christmas...LOL.
We had a debate on his website as to whether black was/ would be an option. I am glad he (Graham) has decided to make it available as I personally think it looks better this way. Others thought it did not matter what colour it is but nevertheless it's nice to have the option at this (or any) price.
Great review. I've been using an Accession for a afew years with the Enigma power supply and your review just confirms my thoughts as to how good the sound quality is from this amazing design. I love the simplicity of the layout and sturdy, no nonsense controls. In my mind it's a top class product designed and built by craftsmen (in Yorkshire) that will last for years.
Nice review. I've owned one of these for, i dunno, 7 or 8 years. But hey, better late than never :). I use the EXP to step up to MC. There is also an Accession MC available now. Mine has tbe standard PSU1 as the Enigma wasn't invented when I bought it. In light of this review I may consider the upgrade to Enigma. One thing i have learned over the years is that your reviews are honest and where i have had the opportunity to listen to same gear, they largely concur with my own views. This makes them a good source of info to me.
UPDATE: I just added the Enigma PSU1 to both units and have to agree that it's definitely a worthwhile upgrade, taking performance up a notch or two from what was already a pretty high bar imo. I can't imagine there is much out there to beat this performance at anything like the price. A little bonus was that when I contacted them to talk about the upgrade they offered me a not insignificant discount if I returned the old PSU's - one of which is almost 18yrs old. What nice people!
Thanks!
That’s very nice of you - thank you for your support!
Paul, it's always good to see other features on a preamp. I've never seen a curve adjustment before and I'd sure like to hear it. Thanks for this video!
Only really useful if you have pre '54 vinyl with non-RIAA curves. Hopefully the 'British' setting is the Decca FFRR curve - about the most common found in charity stores etc today and I would guess that 'American' is a compromise between NAB and Columbia curves.
Great review !! I’ve owned the Gram Amp 2 Communicator and the Reflex M. Both amazing units. I’ve also tried both their interconnects CuSat50 and AgSat90 with great results. The later being my favorite in my system. This company has always been a pound for pound champion to me. Cheers from Canada!!
I've used both the MM and MC versions of the Accession for a long time now and both perform impeccably.
Great review. Graham Slee products really are good, quiet and the Jazz has a whole suite of available curves for non-RIAA records. Recommended. Not just for Jazz!
Iam using an Reflex C with an Denon DL 103R and I´m so happy with it. Tryed alot of the Graham slees and they sound damn great.
Saw the Mel Torme"The Velvet Fog" when I was a very young. I used to hang out at a hobby/toy store in Los Angeles. I noticed the owner was building a HO train layout on a 4x8" piece of plywood for a customer.Turns out the customer was Mel Torme. I had no idea who he was. . I don't know of it was for him as a model rail road enthusiast or a gift for his son Tracy. Tracy eventually went on to become a screenwriter. A very nice fellow I ran across later in life..
This is the kind of review I love from Paul. I need his suggestion for a top-of-the-line MM cartridge now that the Cartridge Man is no more.
Have a look at Soundsmith moving iron cartridges
Ya, otello would do. Mine sounds good with their own MMP3.
Thanks for the review Paul. I've been using the Accession for several years now. Looks like the enigma upgrade is now on my to buy list. I also have a Graham Slee headphone amplifier, and am wondering about the effects of the enigma on that too!
Best wishes Tim
I have been using the Accession with Enigma power supply for some years with my wonderful MusicMaster moving iron cartridge made by the Cartridgeman, Len Gregory, who sadly died in 2020. The sound from this combination is spell binding. Maybe you could do a comparison of high end moving magnet design coupled with the Accession/Engima versus a similarly priced moving coil and phono amp combination? Are there some sound quality benefits to moving magnet technology versus moving coil.
I own the Acession and have it paired with the Elevator EXP as I only use MC carts and the paring is exceptional. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for another excellent review, Paul. I’d definitely opt for the external PSU. I’ve got an external PSU for my turntable and my Tavish phono pre, which I’ve been using for a few yrs now. The Graham Slee phono stage I heard sounded great. I dig the output level knob and the stereo / mono switch. Looks like an overall nice design. Thanks again, Paul.
Kool Review.!
Wish they had another model with the same quality but simple design. No volume, no toggle switches, just the dip switches.
Look at their Reflex M. It might give a big chunk of the Ascension's performance without those other bells and whistles. But the input impedance settings are fixed at 47k Ohms plus 100pF, so that might be a concern if your cartridge needs other values.
Paul I appreciate your mention of the 78s. It seems that the mono switch on components always gets ignored. The bulk of my collection is early 12" Mono. Could you maybe say a few words about the effects of the Mono sound/processing/reproduction in your upcoming Accession II video, please.
Recommended to you by John C. - thanks to him too.
Great review. I've heard nothing but good things about the Accession. Definitely curious about the Accession MC. Seems like it's basically the same, just with loading switches on the back instead of capacitance.
It’s on the list.
Great review Paul! I would love to see you review the Lounge LCR silver phono or the Hagerman Coronet, bugle, or piccolo. Bye bye for now 😄
I have a vintage (circa late 80s) system using Dual CS-5000 wood base turntable with Ortofon Blue Cart and an HK integrated amp - PM 655 Vxi - currently using the built phono-stage input. Both were professionally refurbished recently and in top condition! I also use Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary Speakers.
Sound is good but I’d like to get a separate phono amplifier upgrade but I’m wondering if you think this phono amp would actually upgrade my sound quality given the turntable and good but not audiophile equipment I’m using … OR would it be overkill or mismatched with my vintage equipment where it would be overkill and a waste of money. If that’s the case, what would you recommend? Thanks!
Hi Paul. Thanks for this review. I was wondering how the Accession compares to a good tube phono stage. Whats your choice if you would have to choose between the Accession and your Icon Audio phono stage? Thanks!
That's not a fair comparison. The two are miles apart in terms of price, build budget, etc. So I'm not even going there :)
The Tavish Design Classic is similarly priced but I have no way of comparing it to the Accession.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated. Based on your review I bought the Accession MC with Enigma power supply and so far I am not missing the tubey coloration (stepped up from a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2). Time will tell if I start missing a bit of tube coloration in the phono stage as I have records in all kind of recording quality... But so far I am really happy about my purchase! BTW, the other option I had in mind was the Puresound P10 with SUT. But I guess I made the right choice going for a two-box-solution (in terms of power supply separation) and keep things simpler (in terms of less signal path compared to using a SUT). Also, I guess it is matching - the Accession going straight into my tube power amp. Cheers!
Could I please get some recommendations on MM cartridges that would work well with the Accession, and can be fitted on a P3 without creating a VTA issue? As a point of reference, I'm on a Nagaoka MP150 with the Schiit Skoll at the moment. Thank you.
To be a honest? Without messing with VTA? Rega's own designs only. That's it. That's all I'd be happy with. Which was the plan all along, wasn't it? For you to buy a Rega cart for a Rega deck. Cunning, eh? Naughty but cunning.
Yes, that has always been the cunning plan. RG claims that there is no audible difference (yet promotes the use of shims). I believe it’s time to upgrade the TT!
@@AliRaza-lg8nw Ha! Exactly! A new turntable may offer greater flexibility, yes.
Given the markings on the power supply stating 230V/50Hz/60mA input, does that mean this unit is not for the U.S. market? [Edit: I see they offer U.S. voltage and plug options on their website]. While some would consider this "expensive" at about $1000 USD with the PSU1 or the additional $$$ for the Enigma, the fact you say that it can give MM carts the upper treble response of MC carts makes it a good value proposition to add to a good TT with MM cart. Ah, decisions, decisions.
I guess one could use a step up transformer for MC carts
Yes
There is also a MC version of the Accession
The question is why do some manufacturers even bother offering a cheaper product offering when they have a great product in the first place?
Manufacturers know that "mission creep" or FOMA sets in for consumers. Someone in the market for a more budget friendly device will start lusting for the one above it, and often justify that more expensive one in their minds.
Very comforting to know that I'm not alone re Jeff Buckley.👍
Just wondering what cart you were using?
Goldring 1042 and 2M Black
At this price level the guys from Graham Slee could at least try to present a design that doesn’t look like a low level diy.
Or like a DAC from Chi-Fi Topping or SMSL. Those front panel corner screws and ribbed chassis just don't go with the $1000 USD price tag, let alone adding the Enigma. Still, for the sound quality it could definitely be a contender. Maybe tuck it away out of sight behind some CDs or another piece of gear.
The Graham Slee phono stages sound better than ones that cost 3/4 times more. They offer sound quality that is unmatched at their pricepoint or even much higher.. They do look good in my opinion in a retro way. But the way they look is not important at all. The sound is amazing when used with a decent turntable, tonearm and cart from SME or Michell, Linn, VPI, Origin Live or other quality producers. GS stuff is a rare thing these days in that they are a almost bespoke item at price that is so low relative to what you get. GS offer substance over style rather than the other way round.
@@jameshiggins8360 sorry, but this sounds like an ad rather than an unbiased review
If that is the standard of your low level diy then I congratulate you.
I like the look/design a lot. From Paul’s rating it’s obvious that the money has gone into the performance. I’ll take the latter every time. Buying eye candy is not my number one priority.
If you think the Accession looks DIY (it doesn’t) then you should see my Tavish Design Classic MM/MC phono stage. It performs above its price class.
These reviewers never ever show the buyer the 20 GBP or so amount of parts in these 936 GBP bargains why?
Just to let you know that I normally like to show the insides of the boxes I review, when I can and when possible - as you will see if you have viewed my other videos. Secondly, I did address the specific reason for not showing you the inside of this box, in the video itself.
I only consider moving coil phono preamps
There is also a MC version of the Accession
6:42 blasphemy!
The Crusade starts here. Just waiting for the go ahead from the Pope and then I ride on the Church of Cohen. Here's a little thing I said to the lads early this morning, "And gentlemen in England now a-bed/Shall think themselves accursed they were not here/
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks/That fought with us to clear out all Jeff Buckley stock/from the local record shop!"
@@TheAudiophileManbrilliant! 😉😂
@@TheAudiophileMan I never understood how a song about a girl taking a bath on a rooftop then tying you to a chair and cutting your hair ever became associated with Christmas...LOL.
I hereby express my *OUTRAGE* !
Thank you, it’s much appreciated.