Manly Steelhead - any downside??

If anything, the Steelhead is known for being just a touch on the warm side. In my experience it is certainly not lean or analytical sounding. The bass is full, extended, exceptionally taut and well articulated. The treble frequencies are smooth and well extended. I should also note that the Steelhead bested the Lamm LP2 in my system. The Steelhead is the best phono stage I have personally experienced. If you are looking for a component to lend a decidedly warm character to your system, the Steelhead is probably not your best choice, but if neutrality with just a slight lean toward the warm side of the spectrum is what you are after, I would buy the Steelhead without hesitation.

Hi Shane:

Cincy_bob is correct on all points. Where did you get the impression that the Steelhead is lean?

Best regards.

Lean?...Somewhat when new and with stock tubes. I have not listened to the Steelhead after burn in with its stock tube compliment. After some tube rolling and about 200 hours of serious breakin time using a phono stage burn in CD, this unit is not the slightest bit lean in my system. After a number of different tube trials, I have ended up with Tung-Sol 5687 black plate/d getters and Siemen's CCa's. For the folks that prefer a warmer, tube like sound, go for some Amperex 6922's and some GE 5 Star 5687's. Want even more articulation, try some Telefunken 6922's. Some combination of these tubes should please most tastes.

The leading edge dynamics and full body of the notes from piano and guitar are the best I have had in my room yet. Soundstaging is also as good or better than the other units I have tried. For reference, I have had or have a Tom Evans Groove plus, TAG, Rhea, Supratrek Syrah and Grange, EMM Labs DCC2, X-ONO etc. The Steelhead lets me listen to any record I own AND get the most out of that record. A fault I have with some systems that let you enjoy generic recordings is that they suck the magic out a really great recording like David Roth's "Pearl Diver" or The Third's "Take The A Train". The Steelhead won't be at fault if that happens in your system.

A bonus with this phono stage is that you also get a VERY good line stage. The Steelhead's line stage has taken my digital playback to a level that makes CD listening as enjoyable now as vinyl. I am not saying that CD's now sound like vinyl, just that there is a fullness to the sound that makes me forget I am listening to digital. Much like going from standard TV to HDTV.

price!