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Model: | Grounded Grid |
Category: | Preamplifier (Tube) |
Suggested Retail Price: | $799 |
Description: | Hybrid 3-tube preamp |
Manufacturer URL: | Transcendent Sound |
Review by GB on October 12, 1999 at 16:27:56 IP Address: 206.214.248.21 |
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Recently, I had the chance to compare my Audible Illusions Modulus 3A preamp to the Transcendent Grounded Grid linestage. Now, at about $2,300, the 3A is one fine tube preamp, as many will attest. The Grid, on the other hand, costs $800 and has received virtually no publicity--save for a nice "Soundstage" review and inclusion in SStage's "product of the year (98)" category. So it wasn't a fair fight, but I figured since the Grid came with a two-week, no-strings-attached trial, it would be good for a laugh. And it was--but not in the way I expected.The 3A has bells and whistles: two sets of outputs, tape loop, phono input and a half-dozen other inputs, plus dual stepped attenuators to control both volume and channel balance, and an outboard power supply. In contrast, the Grid is the soul of simplicity. One output. Three inputs. A volume pot. A faceplate that would put LED addicts into shock.
The test: two weeks' worth of listening with a variety of music that ranged from Lyle Lovett's "Joshua Judges Ruth" to Handel's "Water Music". (Associated equipment included CalAudio Labs, DH Labs connects, Belles 150A amp, and Acarian Alon II speakers-not outrageous gear, but decent for the bucks. Nordost Pulsar Power Points were used to isolate both preamps, and the Grid was plugged in with an Audiodyne power cord.)
Here's what I heard: First, the 3A is a very quiet preamp with NOS tubes. But the Grid is noticeably quieter, almost dead silent right out of the box. The 3A has a wonderfully clear high-end. But the Grid 's mid- and upper-range performance was just as good. Soundstage's reviewer gave the Grid a slight ding for bass response, but I found no fault there-if anything, the Grid bass was just tighter. The 3A displays a warmth that is quite pleasant, but artificial. I never realized that until I heard the Grid. With it, some vocals became just a bit more distinct and tonally realistic. In fact, the Grid makes vocals and instruments absolutely lifelike. The 3A could throw a slightly wider sound stage, but the Grid held a decided edge on stage depth. The most striking difference was the Grid's transient speed - a term I've often run across in reviews but never really understood, until I heard the Grid. Is the Grid quick? Ever seen lightning?
I did encounter one problem with both the Grid and the 3A. The CalAudio CD changer has an unusually high output, which made adjusting the volume difficult at low settings. When I consulted Bruce Rozenblit at Transcendent, he offered to install a buffer on one input at no charge. I don't know what Audible Illusions would have suggested, since they failed to return three e-mails and a phone call.
So what's the catch with the Grid, if it equals or tops an audio industry darling at one-third the cost? As I said at the outset, it's a minimalist piece of equipment. The design is both amazing and affordable, and that's also its beauty. If you need a dozen outputs or an HT processor, look elsewhere. (On the other hand, with the money you save on the Grid, you could also put some respectable HT gear on the shelf.) When it comes to two-channel high-fidelity the way it was meant to be heard, the Grid will put a grin on your face.
Product Weakness: | Limited input/output features and somewhat touchy volume control. However, this was remedied when I contacted Bruce Rozenblit and learned that I could add a set of outputs and upgrade the volume pot for a very reasonable parts/labor charge. |
Product Strengths: | Very quiet. Very true-to-live sound; no artificial sweeteners or enhancers added. |
Associated Equipment for this Review: | |
Amplifier: | Belles 150A |
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | Transcendent Grid/Audible Illusions 3A |
Sources (CDP/Turntable): | CalAudio Labs CL-10 |
Speakers: | Acarian Alon II (first generation) |
Cables/Interconnects: | DH Labs |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): | Jazz, rock, classical |
Room Size (LxWxH): | 25 x 11 x 8-11 (slope) |
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | VansEvers, Monster Cable HT 1000 |
Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Good review! I had an opportunity, together with 5 other experienced listeners, to compare the Transcendent against several other, and far more expensive, preamps a short time ago. Althought the Transcendent was not the best preamp in the group, that honour goes to the Wytech Labs Opal, it was significantly better than the BAT 3i and a couple of CJ preamps. Quite a surprise and it is amazing that the word on this preamp does not appear to have spread very far. A genuine steal!
Great review fo the grounded grid. I built I linestage from another Rozenblit schematic this summer. sounded really quite good, too.Also built the Foreplay from Electronic Tonalities. Fantastic preamp for $99.
Niether of these products came close to a passive design I built for $25. Knocks the socks off everything I have tried. Less circuitry for a sensitive signal to pass through; amps only two feet from signal source; absolutely clean and articulate -- and talk about quiet, quiet, blackness.
$800.00 is not a bad buy -- Rozenblit is a really good engineer. Try a passive setup, you might be even more surprised! Better yet, build your own for almost nothing!
erik
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