GRAHAM SLEE Reflex M MM phono preamp

The Graham Slee Reflex M phono preamplifier is the ultimate phono stage for MM and high output MC cartridges. 

Graham Slee Reflex M: design

This phono preamplifier consists of a small, aluminium box around 10cm long.

The front panel is very basic, with just the elegant company logo and an LED light to indicate when it is switched on. No external or internal settings adjustment is required.

The circuit has fixed default settings which have been meticulously chosen to meet all the needs of owners of medium and high output cartridges. It is compatible with all vinyl turntable cartridges with an output level between 1.6mV and 9.2mV. It provides a charge of 47 000 Ohms, a capacitance of 100pF and a gain of 41dB. 

With this product, Graham Slee roundly debunks the myth that phono preamps in this price range can’t handle both MM and MC cartridges properly. The rear panel features two gold-plated RCA sockets (input and output) and a female socket for connecting the preamp to an outboard power supply.

It comes as standard with a small, ‘green power’ 24V DC power supply. And if you're looking to improve sound quality by upgrading at a later date, the Graham Slee PSU1 power supply unit makes for a good replacement.

Graham Slee Reflex M: listening and review

We tried it out with two different MM cartridges, the Ortofon 2M Black and the Nagaoka MP500, as well as with one high output MC cartridge, the Dynavector DV20XH.

From the opening bars we were impressed by the speed of the transients and the articulation of the message. The dynamic range and transparency are exceptional. We have rarely heard moving magnet cartridges sing out as beautifully as this! The channel separation is remarkable, creating a truly three-dimensional sound stage. The spaciousness between instruments is also extraordinary.

Noise levels are very low, letting the finer details take centre stage, without any artificial emphasis on the high mids.

The Graham Slee Reflex M phono preamplifier has to be the best option we’ve found yet for MM cartridges. And don’t forget, if you do opt for an MC cartridge at a later date, you can always add the Graham Slee Elevator EXP pre-preamp to your Reflex M. We think this combination has created a benchmark phono preamp.

There are some moving magnet cartridges that perform better than moving coil cartridges of the same price, but to achieve these performances you would need a phono stage dedicated solely to high output levels. Unfortunately, these kinds of preamps are rare. Luckily, Graham Slee has filled the gap with the Reflex M phono stage!

Highly recommended!