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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
audiolui
295 posts
 
Downside is the cost obviously. But upside is abundant.
Now I am using the Steelhead as a full function preamp bypassing the line stage. To me the sound is pure and extremely open. No more line stage and one less interconnect. I didn't experience the lean sound you mentioned. Steelhead is my ultimate preamp that will last for a long while.
ubglub
76 posts
 
The phono stage of the Steelhead gets wide praise. For those of us interested in a full function preamp, how does the line stage compare to the line stages of other preamps in its class/price category? I'm thinking of CAT, Aesthetix, etc. Please add your own relevant comparisons.
downunder OP
1,329 posts
 
HOw much tube rush to you get at medium and loud volumes.

I just tried the Aesthetix Rhea and it had noticable tube rush and medium and loud volumes.
xactaudio's avatar
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xactaudio
156 posts
 
Downunder, I also had noticable tube rush in my system with the Rhea. Very dynamic though. At medium volume, no tube rush at all in the phono stage with the Steelhead. At full volume there is only a slight amount of tube rush in the phono side and none in the line stage side. At normal listening levels (75-90db)I can't hear any noise from about 2 feet back when the needle is between tracks.
opalchip
355 posts
 
Nothing wrong with the Steelhead at all - except if price IS an issue. If you'd prefer not to pay for the "brand premium", nor huge advertising, tradeshow, and dealer/reviewer demo budgets, consider the Granite Audio 770FP. A spectacular sounding and incredibly built preamp with phono stage from a no-hype manufacturer at half the price.

Here's a review if you're interested:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue6/graniteaudio.htm
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