Van den Hul The Grail SB
Built for vinyl systems where silence matters, Van den Hul The Grail SB combines balanced operation with exceptional hum rejection, automatic MC loading and wide MM/MC gain coverage. Hifi Statement highlights its sound-first design and audibly superior balanced performance, while the massively damped chassis signals serious low-noise engineering for demanding cartridges.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
86/100
Cartridge Compatibility
92/100
Build Quality
87/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Balanced architecture offers near-complete resistance to induced interference and substantially reduced hum susceptibility.
Sound-focused balanced implementation was judged audibly better than an equivalent unbalanced path.
Massive approximately 20kg chassis with a lid damping plate supports a notably substantial build.
Cons
The SB version is best suited to systems with a balanced-wired tonearm and XLR-equipped preamp, limiting its appeal in conventional single-ended setups.
Balanced circuitry carries an inherent signal-to-noise ratio penalty of around 3dB versus an unbalanced design.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 86/100
The available review is strongly positive about the Grail SB's sonic priorities, particularly its resistance to induced interference and hum in balanced use. Direct descriptions of tonal color, dynamic expression and imaging are limited, but the reviewer regards the balanced implementation as audibly superior to the equivalent unbalanced path.
Transparency Noise Floor
88/100
The reviewer reports near-complete immunity to induced interference and significantly lower susceptibility to hum, important strengths for low-level cartridge signals. Balanced operation carries a slightly higher noise cost, but this is presented as a worthwhile trade for the improved rejection of interference and hum.
Tonal Balance Musicality
87/100
The review frames the Grail SB as a component focused above all on sound, and finds the balanced configuration sonically better than the unbalanced alternative when the amplifier paths are otherwise identical. It does not provide detailed commentary on warmth, neutrality, timbre or tonal balance.
Dynamics
84/100
The review's overall praise and preference for balanced operation suggest an engaging, capable presentation. However, it offers little direct discussion of transient attack, punch, rhythmic drive or microdynamic contrast.
Soundstage Imaging
84/100
The reviewer says the balanced version sounds better, but does not specifically describe image focus, stage width, depth or layering. Spatial performance is therefore less fully documented than the unit's noise and interference behavior.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Cartridge Compatibility
92/100
The Grail SB accommodates both MM and MC cartridges, with three MM gain settings and three substantially higher MC gain settings. Its MC input automatically matches impedances across an approximately 20-to-1,500-ohm range, while both XLR and RCA inputs and outputs support either balanced or single-ended system matching.
Build Quality
87/100
The reviewer describes an almost 20kg amplifier chassis, separate from its external power supply, with the weight attributed to a massive enclosure and damping plate in the lid. The deliberately minimal exterior omits switches, meters and indicators, but the review cautions against mistaking that simplicity for a lightweight construction.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $12,925 to $16,995, the Grail SB occupies a premium phono-stage segment. The review discusses its sonic and interference-rejection strengths but does not directly assess value against competing products at this price.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
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Specifications
- Mains Power
- 115 or 230Volt, 50/60Hz
- Power consumption
- 7 Watts
- Temperature operating range
- from 15 up to 30deg. Celsius Use only in dry rooms
- Max. undistorted output voltage
- 25Vss
- Output impedance
- 330 Ohms (real resistive)
- Input sensivity values
- for 250mV resp. 0,707Vss output level on amplifier output
- MM input
- Amplification factor 33dB: 5,6 mV\nAmplification factor 41dB: 2,2 mV\nAmplification factor 50dB: 0,8 mV\nInput impedance: 47KOhm / 50pF
- MC input
- Amplification factor 56dB: 0,4 mV\nAmplification factor 64dB: 0,15 mV\nAmplification factor 73dB: 0,05 mV\nInput impedance: autom. matching from appr. 20 up to 1,500 Ohms
Manufacturer's Description — Van den Hul
Featurelist:
- a specific designed Phonograph preamplifier section, unique in the world
- Phonograph RIAA – equalization with coils only, no sound impairing capacitors in filters
- special printed circuit board material with gold conducting paths
- the printed circuit board has a special seating to evade microphonics
- special equipment foot made of selected wood avoids mechanical energy storage
- low noise moving coil input stage, no annoying noise even with low-output cartridges
- automatic adapting input stage for moving coil cartridges, no matching resistors needed
- possibility to compensate phonograph cartridge sensivity (level adjustment)
- cut out of coupling capacitors in the signal path as far as possible
- strictly separated amplifier sections and circuit layout deliver a very natural soundstage
Inputs:
three phonograph inputs, two for MC cartridges, one for MM or MC high-output
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Authorized dealers for Van den Hul The Grail SB
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Artisan Fidelity — in-store — Dyer, Indiana, United States (website)
- Audio Advisors — in-store — West Palm Beach, Florida, United States (website)
- Audio Centrum — Hungary (website)
- Audio Evolution — online and in-store — Volla, Campania, Italy (website)
- Audio Influence — online and in-store — Fitzroy North, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Audio Sound Music — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
- AUDIOPHILE HIFI — online and in-store — Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France (website)
and 55 more verified dealers