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What's A Good Upgrade From A Manley Steelhead?

I'm on a mission to improve my vinyl front-end. Starting point is to replace the Graham 2.2 on my Basis Audio Debut Gold Vacuum, followed by a new compatible cartridge, next will be a different phonostage.

I like the Steelhead but I'm sure there's something better out there. I've around $8K  to play with and prefer to buy used. Has anyone stepped up from the Steelhead successfully, if so, what did you buy and how much of an improvement was it?

Appreciate any thoughts/ideas? 

128x128rooze
grislybutter
3,141 posts
 

@rooze

I wish :)

I would like to upgrade some day to the Manley line. They don't just sound good, they are the best design to my eyes, and EveAnna is a natural at this.

dabel
1,658 posts
 

Don't wish, make it happen one day silly grisly.  Patiently wait for a clean well taken used unit to hit the market of your desire ... save your pennies in the meantime. If it takes two or more years then so-be-it.

grislybutter
3,141 posts
 

@dabel very true. I can see myself slowing trading up, however the wife factor is real, I don't have good solutions.

 

dabel
1,658 posts
 

@grislybutter,

I've a White Dove also, now 29 years and counting with three of our DNA walking around. I understand ... and your Hail Marry toss has been caught for a Touchdown ;-)

Funny thang happens when you've finally saved enough and start ones search again. She'll appear, or just maybe by that time you've jumped ship for another Brand whom has caught your attention.

grislybutter
3,141 posts
 

@dabel 

will see. I am crawling ads every day for good deals as a way of getting closer to my goals. 

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