Tom Evans Groove Plus SRX

dafos -- Mon, 09/14/2009 - 05:36

I'm seriously thinking of upgrading from a PH 7 to the ARC Ref phono 2 which, as JV observed, bumped the performance level several notches. However, I was loaned a Tom Evans Groove Plus SRX and too my surprise, this simple, lightweight unit easily matched the ARC's latest and greatest in every performance parameter. And the ARC was only on par with the Tom Evans when used through its balanced outputs. Any comments out there from Tom Evans users/owners?

blue-starfish (not verified) -- Fri, 10/09/2009 - 20:58

The Tom Evans Groove and Groove+ have always been known for its no compromise musicality. The only thing not going in its favor is the fixed impedence which can only be manufacturer changed (as far as I know this was the case).
So if you happen not to live in the UK (like me) and change carts from say Dynavector to Shelter, the unit must be shipped back to UK and then sent all the way back.
My own exeperience with impedence is that the recommended setting is only a start. The best sound is somewhere in the vicinity, but not exactly as specified by the cart manufacturer. Presumably the phono cables play a part too in the overall presentation. So with the Tom Evans, fine-tuning is out.

dafos -- Sat, 10/10/2009 - 22:27

Thanks for the comment, starfish. The x and srx versions of the groove actually have impedance load dip selector switches which you can specify but the standard range is between 100 ohms to 1k. This is an option, albeit an expensive one, that Tom had to give into due to user clamor. However, it seems Tom will not, even if you request, install an option for 47k loading for some of us who prefer using mc's this way for that slightly added sparkle. Anyway, with the tremendous gain the groove provides, I dont think it would be compatible with any mm carts. Compare the stark simplicity of the Grooves with the remote flexibility of ARC's new ref Phono, not to mention that the latter IS a GREAT sounding phono stage. But wait, whats this I hear of a new, top of the line Tom Evans phono stage still in the drawing board with, as i gather from the grapevine, a price to match its predicted performance...

blue-starfish (not verified) -- Mon, 10/12/2009 - 03:31

Interesting development on the phono front. Whest too has recently released a statement phono pre. I never l realised that TE had an option for variable impedence loading. You are right, that the Groove family is not for MM carts.
My presonal weapon of choice for phono is the battery powered ASR Basis Exclusive. It is very versatile with plenty of scope for fine tuning. And being battery powerd, is very quiet. The downside is the big battery that is best placed far away from the control unit. It is a great sounding unit with quietness, clarity, high gain and is neutral sounding.

dafos -- Wed, 10/14/2009 - 08:25

Regarding the ASR Basis Exclusive's big battery, Tom did state in an interview that to get the performance of his LITHOS based power supply you'd need a battery the size of a ref! How's that for bragadozzo!

ghunter (not verified) -- Fri, 11/27/2009 - 20:48

I have the Groove SRX (and Vibe/Pulse) and have been in heaven ever since they arrived. I used to own mid-range ARC components and was contemplating a move to the Ref3, but the purity and depth of the Tom evans won me over.

I would highly recommend the Groove.

Cemil Gandur -- Mon, 11/30/2009 - 14:48

The ARC Ref 2 is an absolute superb phono unit and extremely quiet. To my ears, it betters the excellent ASR unit.