Kwangho Kim's Hi-Fi and Photos

As part of my recent audio gear refresh, I brought in a Western Electric transformer-based preamplifier, which features line-level inputs only—no phono input. To accommodate my vinyl listening, I added a Graham Slee Era Gold phono stage, pairing it with my existing Graham Slee Elevator EXP head amp. Since both units are from the same manufacturer, their synergy is excellent.

Upon listening, I immediately noticed a significant upgrade in clarity and resolution compared to my previous McIntosh MC240 and C20 combination. It’s hard to describe precisely, but there’s an increased crispness and clarity that truly elevates the experience. Although not a tube-based phono stage, the Era Gold matches wonderfully with my high-end Acoustic Solid turntable and Ortofon Bronze MC cartridge, blending seamlessly with vintage amplifiers and speakers.

Interestingly, this setup results in a delightful blend of modern and vintage—my Audio Research CD3 CD player and vinyl source gear bring contemporary clarity, while the classic amplifiers and speakers provide warmth and charm. This combination beautifully bridges the best of both worlds.