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?
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 what's your price limit on a phono stage? Sorry if I missed it further back in the thread. |
@rsf507 I don't meant to hijack this post :) I had my own post for my phono stage search. I just bought a Simaudio 110LP v2. It works great. I was looking at used Sutherlands and such but I have to save up for those. |
To the OP - of course you have excellent speakers ;-) i would be way more inclined to really work over your Debut / Arm / Cartridge because you have an extremely competent phonostage…but IF the music doesn’t make it to ANY phono stage…. well you understand. How are your setup skills, tools and inclination to seek help ? JR at WAM would be a target phone call for sure. AJ who designed your table ( RIP ) was a genius, while i’m not suggesting a new Basis… there is depth in the community of owners and dealers and of course factory keeping them rolling and upgrading them…. Reach out if needed, i know a few of them…. fast friends… Best to you Jim |
