Van Den Hul GRAIL V3
Best phono preamp for audiophiles seeking pure, high-fidelity vinyl playback.
This preamp ditches standard capacitors for a coil-only RIAA design, prioritizing signal purity above all else. It removes the headache of manual impedance matching for MC cartridges, though its uncompromising focus on mechanical isolation means it demands a dedicated, stable spot in your rack to truly shine.
$12500.00
at
Fidelity Farm HiFi
More The Grail options
Who it's for
- Vinyl collectors using diverse or high-end cartridge configurations
- Serious listeners prioritizing long-term reliability and premium internal engineering
- Audiophiles seeking absolute transparency and microscopic detail in their music
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners looking for entry-level or mid-range equipment
- Users with limited rack space or those preferring plug-and-play simplicity
- Owners of entry-level turntables or components with audible signal flaws
Performance breakdown
Signal Purity
Coil-only RIAA equalization eliminates capacitor interference for a pristine audio path.
Cartridge Compatibility
Automatic impedance matching handles diverse MC cartridges with effortless precision.
Noise Floor
External shielded transformer design keeps unwanted electrical interference completely at bay.
Vibration Isolation
Specialized wood feet effectively dampen mechanical resonance for cleaner playback.
Setup Simplicity
Automated impedance detection removes the guesswork from complex cartridge configurations.
Soundstage Depth
Separated amplifier sections create an expansive and remarkably natural acoustic environment.
Key Specs
Amplification Type
Solid State
Power Supply Type
External
Number of Inputs
2
Equalization Curve
RIAA
Cartridge Type Compatibility
Moving Magnet (MM), Moving Coil (MC)
Input Impedance (MM)
47 kOhm / 50 pF
Input Impedance (MC)
Automatic matching from approx. 40 up to 400 Ohms
Input Capacitance (MM)
50 pF
Output Impedance
330 Ohms (real resistive)
Maximum Gain
73 dB
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