Aesthetix IO vs. Manley Steelhead vs. The Groove

Err.. Would be appreciated, not recommended. It is getting late and I'm getting tired.

I own a Manley Steelhead and my friend owns the Aesthetix IO. For all practical purposes they are very comparable. I find no significant flaws in either - both are dead quite, great bass, super transparency and clarity. I like the Manley for the multiple inputs, easy loading, less shelf space and heat. The Manley may be slightly warmer sounding but that may reflect overall system differences in totality.

IMHO, these phono preamps are as good as one can get without stepping up to a Boulder (or so I am told).

If it means anything, I am compelled to listen to LPs even more since the arrival of the Manley. I have a MF Nuvistor that often goes long stretches without being used at all. And, I love that CD player.

I have owned the Io, the Io Sig and the Manley but not all in the same system. I currently have the Manley with the Io Sig coming in a week so I may be able to shed more light in a little while.

FOR MY TASTES (and the tastes of two friends who have nice systems and what I think are good ears) the Manley was better than the Groove in the system I heard them compared in. Bigger sound, fuller, richer midrange (not mushy), greater bass impact and better dynamics (Groove owners, I only heard it in one system so take that for what it's worth)

I am very happy with the Manley, but really liked my Io Signature when I had it (I sold Io at the time because I had eliminated my line stage and needed a phono stage with a volume control - now I have a line stage again and my system is finally settled in all the other areas) - so I just want the opportunity to compare them in the same system.

I noticed your system doesn't list a turntable. What table/arm/and cartridge are you intending to use?

Thanks, Cardiackid.

Fmpnd,

Concerning tables/arm/cartridge, I don't know. I would be starting an analog system from scratch. My current system is First Sound Presence Deluxe Mk II 4.0 linestage, Pass Aleph 4 amp and Vandersteen 3A Signature. I also have a CAT SL-1 Ultimate preamp. I will probably mate the First Sound with a still unselected amplifier and the Vandersteen's in a vinyl system. The CAT and Aleph 4 will go into another system with yet undecided speakers. I would be looking for a vinyl setup with great extension, great dynamics, great transparency, wide soundstage, smoothness, in short, everything. There are a lot of purchases and decisions to be made, so things may develop slowly and there may be some compromises initially made for financial reasons, but probably not in the phono preamp area. I don't like pouring money down the drain, so if there is something which is as good, nearly as good, or even better and cheaper, I am all for that. If you have any recommendations above the budget tables/arms/carts up to ultimate combos, I would be interested to know.

I would also be very much interested in as detailed a comparison as you are willing to post of your Manley vs. the IO Sig when that arrives.

Thanks