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Phono Preamp/Phono Stage: Gram Amp 2 Special Edition Phono Stage Preamp

A phono stage preamp for moving magnet, high output moving coil and moving iron phono cartridges.

"I can't think of any other phono stage anywhere near its price that can match the 2 SE's clear, taut, and dynamic bass response, nor approach its high frequency clarity and resolution."

[Stereo Times, May 2007]

The Gram Amp 2 Special Edition phono stage preamp was first launched in 2001 with a number of improvements over its legendary stable mate, the Gram Amp 2 (now called the Communicator).

The Special Edition of the Gram Amp 2 phono stage preamp features 50 percent more gain to deliver a higher output favoured by owners of passive preamps when using medium to high output (4.5mV or above) moving magnet phono cartridges.

"The Gram Amp 2 SE offers exceptionally good value with its clean, detailed, dynamic and completely grain-free presentation"

[Six Moons, April 2005]

"...the music the Gram Amp 2 SE produced was very well tonally balanced. It was easy to listen to but also imparted excitement without edginess. Amazingly, when partnered with quite expensive front-ends and 'speakers, the Gram SE was not left wanting, it just played highly enjoyable music."

[TNT Audio, May 2002]

"This product is an easy recommend. It works very well, and it does so beyond what you might expect at the price"

[EnjoyTheMusic.com, April 2002]

"...all the earmarks of a giant killer...the more you listen to this thing on its own, the more you'll discover that you can play it for hours without fatigue...the presentation had a rare top to bottom cohesiveness, with a tonal balance unusually rich, lush, and, well, beautiful...It's love at first sound between the Gram Amp and vocalists, while violins are marvelously silken..."

[Absolute Sound (print magazine), Feb/March 2002]

"...they'll be amazed by its sound...the Gram delivered genuine solidity in the mid-band and mid-bass. It was quiet, and free from the thinness, edge, and grain you usually get at this price..."

[Stereophile (print magazine), June 2002]

Recommendations

2007 Editors Choice Awards: The Absolute Sound - October 2007

Editors Choice - Best Buy phono preamplifier: The Absolute Sound - Issue 144 October/November 2003

Recommended System Component: Stereophile October 2003

Recommended System Component: Stereophile April 2003

Recommended Best Buy: The Absolute Sound Dec 2002/Jan2003

Recommended System Component: Stereophile October 2002

Recommended Best Buy: The Absolute Sound Oct/Nov 2002

Power Supply

For the 2009/2010 season, the Gram Amp 2 Special Edition phono stage preamp is supplied with a universal-voltage energy-efficient mains plug mounted power supply. It can also be powered by our PSU1 power supply which can be ordered separately.

Specifications

Input range: 2mV - 10mV rms

Output range (for above inputs): 224mV to 1120mV rms

Gain: 41dB (Av 112) ref 1kHz

Phase margin: 90 degrees

Maximum input level: 41mV (ref: 1 kHz)

Input impedance resistive: 47k Ohms

Input impedance capacitive: 100pF

Output noise: (CCIR Q-Pk 22Hz-22 kHz) -74dB

Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) -115dB

Reproduction characteristic: RIAA within 0.5dB total deviation 20Hz-20kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise measured at 80Hz, 1kHz, 5.6 kHz and 16 kHz: <0.05% (typically <0.015% at 1 kHz)

Channel balance: 0.1dB

Channel separation: 64dB

Prices

£195.00 supplied with SMPS power supply. Prices in GBP (pounds sterling) ex VAT/GST