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Manly Steelhead - any downside??

I am thinking of going for a Manley steelhead and have read many great reviews.
One thing that is mentioned consistenly is that it is a little lean.
Does that translate to the music being a little too revealing on the not so good recordings?.
Or does it make these recordings sound better and easier to listen to compared to warmer sounding phono stages?

me I want to to be able to listen and enjoy all my records, so ultra revealing is not something I am looking for in any phono stage.

appreciate any thoughts
downunder
downunder OP
1,329 posts
 
Gents. Are there any current production 6922's that improve the sound compared to the Steelhead stk 6922's??
bwhite
807 posts
 
Downunder - I'd recommend Telefunken CCa's if you can find some. They have a certain sonic purity which is great for phono applications. Before the Telefunken's I had the early Siemens CCa's which are "highly regarded" and found them screechy. Side by side, the Telefunken CCa's rule.

Now.. the trick is to find a good replacement for the harsh sounding 7044's.
grooves's avatar
grooves
67 posts
 
Not really. It's my reference, and has been for a few years now. There are a few other great ones worth auditioning like the BATVK 10SE, but the Manley's flexibility can't be beat. I use the stock tubes.
downunder OP
1,329 posts
 
Mikey. It is yourself and other reviewers that enable guys like me outside the US to know what is available and what might take our fancy. I am looking forward to hearing the steelhead and if I like it to power up my old Linn.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Downunder, check with Vetterone when he gets home. He has been using the Steelhead for a while, and with some tube upgrades he is quite taken with it. Even more so than some well regarded and more expensive units.

FWIW I'm planning to sell my Klyne and Pass Labs in spring to get the Steelhead. Don't buy the one I want!
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