Zender, you haven't described the rest of your system or your tastes so everything I say will have to be taken in context. First, I have to say that as a former owner of three different Colibris, I know it's sound and strengths fairly well. When properly set-up and mated, it can be devastatingly fast, detailed and can lay it all out there for you to hear. However, in MY experience, it can also sound sibilant, a bit thin and tilted up if everything else in the chain is not either set up properly or compatible with or complimentary of the Colibri's strengths.
Next, I have owned the the Lamm LP2, the original Io, the Io Signature (both with and without dual power supplies) and the latest Manley Steelhead.
From the standpoint of easy adjustability, obviously the Manley is the best option. Personally, I much prefer the Io Signature for a couple of reasons -- for MY tastes, the Io Sig has a bigger presentation, better dynamics, increased separation of instruments and voices and a better ease of presentation (effortlessness, if you will). I am not saying the Manley is a slouch, but for me and 4 of my analog buddies, we all agreed, the Io Sig brought new life to my analog rig. My comparisons are based on STOCK tubes in both.
I must also admit that I did NOT tube roll with the Manley (which I understand can improve it noticably per my friends) and that I NOW have tube rolled with my Io and it can truly be tailored to suit your needs with tube changes. Tube rolling will be more costly with the Io as you know, so if funds or hassling with many tubes ain't yer cuppa tea, again the Manley is the better choice. Tube rolling can also make the Io MUCH quieter (which has been a knock against it vis a vis the Manley by some).
Next, if you are NOT doing analog, I wouldn't bother even considering a line stage and the attendant cost (e.g., not just the line stage but the additional power cord and interconnect) or placing another component in the chain. So, if you are JUST doing analog, go with the Io or Manley with volume controls (I am NOT saying that some do not prefer running the phono stage through a good line stage). I use a line stage for my digital and phono so I do not need the volume control.
On the issue of reliability, I previously reviewed the original Io for Ultimate Audio Magazine way back in 2000. At that time, after my review, I and some of my friends experienced some problems with our Ios. Jim White always fixed them quickly and without charge but I was losing faith in the unit. Since then, I learend that there were defective Mills resistors in the units (in fact, I was informed that Jim White won a lawsuit against Mills) and Jim has replaced or offered to replace all Mills resistors in existing units (with Roedersteins) for free. Since I got my Io Signature, it has been totally problem free and Jim White is a pleasure to deal with and his customer service is great!
Finally, the Io has easily adjustible gain (even without the volume controls) and loading.
In this league of phono stages, it really comes down to personal preferences. Since I like the lifelike presentation and since I value effortlessness and great macro and microdynamics, I sold my Manley for the Io Sig. But, as always, your mileage may vary (particularly if your table/arm and system synergy dictate otherwise).
I hope this helps
Next, I have owned the the Lamm LP2, the original Io, the Io Signature (both with and without dual power supplies) and the latest Manley Steelhead.
From the standpoint of easy adjustability, obviously the Manley is the best option. Personally, I much prefer the Io Signature for a couple of reasons -- for MY tastes, the Io Sig has a bigger presentation, better dynamics, increased separation of instruments and voices and a better ease of presentation (effortlessness, if you will). I am not saying the Manley is a slouch, but for me and 4 of my analog buddies, we all agreed, the Io Sig brought new life to my analog rig. My comparisons are based on STOCK tubes in both.
I must also admit that I did NOT tube roll with the Manley (which I understand can improve it noticably per my friends) and that I NOW have tube rolled with my Io and it can truly be tailored to suit your needs with tube changes. Tube rolling will be more costly with the Io as you know, so if funds or hassling with many tubes ain't yer cuppa tea, again the Manley is the better choice. Tube rolling can also make the Io MUCH quieter (which has been a knock against it vis a vis the Manley by some).
Next, if you are NOT doing analog, I wouldn't bother even considering a line stage and the attendant cost (e.g., not just the line stage but the additional power cord and interconnect) or placing another component in the chain. So, if you are JUST doing analog, go with the Io or Manley with volume controls (I am NOT saying that some do not prefer running the phono stage through a good line stage). I use a line stage for my digital and phono so I do not need the volume control.
On the issue of reliability, I previously reviewed the original Io for Ultimate Audio Magazine way back in 2000. At that time, after my review, I and some of my friends experienced some problems with our Ios. Jim White always fixed them quickly and without charge but I was losing faith in the unit. Since then, I learend that there were defective Mills resistors in the units (in fact, I was informed that Jim White won a lawsuit against Mills) and Jim has replaced or offered to replace all Mills resistors in existing units (with Roedersteins) for free. Since I got my Io Signature, it has been totally problem free and Jim White is a pleasure to deal with and his customer service is great!
Finally, the Io has easily adjustible gain (even without the volume controls) and loading.
In this league of phono stages, it really comes down to personal preferences. Since I like the lifelike presentation and since I value effortlessness and great macro and microdynamics, I sold my Manley for the Io Sig. But, as always, your mileage may vary (particularly if your table/arm and system synergy dictate otherwise).
I hope this helps