Van den Hul The Grail SE

Stereophile heard a dead-quiet backdrop, while hifitest described the presentation as absolutely clean and highly faithful to recorded detail. Its heavy enclosure, absorber treatment and substantial external supplies also support the reviewer's observation of exceptionally silent operation.

hifitest found the Grail SE beautifully balanced, technically precise yet charming, lively and emotionally communicative. In the Stereophile comparison it sounded somewhat leaner and more clinical than the CH Precision, so listeners seeking maximum tonal density may prefer to audition carefully.

The upgraded power supply was credited with greater slam, drive and a tighter, more robust low end than the standard Grail. hifitest likewise praised its formidable low-frequency dynamics and found no apparent shortfall in musical energy or impact.

With the matching Colibri cartridge, hifitest reported an immersive effect in which the system and room dissolved, placing the listener very close to the performance. Against the CH Precision, however, Stereophile found the Grail SE+ less wide, deep and holographically drawn, though still very satisfying in isolation.

The Grail SE accommodates one MM input plus multiple MC inputs, including balanced MC connection, and provides both RCA and XLR outputs. Its automatic input-impedance matching over an approximately 2-ohm to 2,000-ohm range gives it unusually broad scope for low-output moving-coil cartridges as well as MM use.

The external supplies are housed in substantial aluminum chassis and connect through multipin umbilicals, while the SE itself uses thick case walls, a lead-heavy cover and an internal absorber plate. hifitest also notes resonance-control wooden feet and carefully finished curved wood side panels, describing an evidently serious mechanical and electrical execution.

The Grail SE sits in a very expensive segment, listed around €16,140 by hifitest, while Stereophile's more heavily upgraded SE+ sample was priced at $28,900. The reviews are enthusiastic about performance, but neither provides a direct comparison of value against similarly priced rivals or calls it an exceptional bargain.