The Grail vs Clearaudio Balance Reference
The Balance Reference's mm gain is 46 dB against the The Grail's 50 dB, its mc gain 66 dB against 73 dB, its output voltage 12.0V RMS against 25.0V RMS, and its output impedance 150Ω against 330Ω.
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
AmplifiersPhono Pre-Amps
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$8,995 - $12,500
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the The Grail
The van den Hul The Grail is a reference-class solid-state phono preamplifier engineered for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. Renowned for its transparency, pitch-black background, and ability to extract the finest details from vinyl, The Grail employs a unique RIAA equalization circuit using only coils—eschewing capacitors in the signal path for maximum sonic purity. It features automatic impedance matching for MC cartridges, gold-plated PCB traces, and a vibration-resistant chassis with wooden feet. The external power supply minimizes noise and interference, while the amplifier's dual-section design ensures a natural, expansive soundstage. The Grail is celebrated for its ability to reveal the full potential of any high-quality analog setup, making it a top choice for discerning vinyl enthusiasts.
Specifications
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- Output Voltage
- 25.0V RMS
- Output Impedance
- 330Ω
Phono Preamplifier
Phono stage specifications
- MM Gain
- 50 dB
- HOMC Gain
- 41 dB
- MC Gain
- 73 dB
- Adjustable Loading
- Yes
- Loading Options
- 400Ω, 300Ω, 200Ω, 100Ω
- Adjustable Capacitance
- No
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions