I purchased a Grace Design Alix Preamp/DI from my local lutherie today and picked it up at Grace's headquarters - the owner gave it to me himself and was a very nice guy. Grace Design is based in my hometown in Colorado. I tested it with my 2017 Taylor 812ce 12 fret against the top of the line Preamp/DIs from LR Baggs and Fishman and was blown away (not that the Baggs or Fishman were bad). The best way I can describe the difference is that the other preamps sounded like an amplified guitar (i.e., artificial) whereas in comparison the Alix sounded like my guitar, only louder. The Alix certainly ain't cheap when compared to the others, but my philosophy is to buy smart once and hopefully never have to buy again. Highly recommended!
