Which phonostage is a heavenly match for a XV-1S

Axelwahl, the Manley Steelhead has plenty of gain in its MM stage (up to 65dB) to run the XV-1s cartridge without the extra gain of the step-up autoformers. In fact, I ran the XV-1s through the MM inputs at the time I was using the Steelhead as my reference phono stage with the XV-1s.

I preferred the sound of the XV-1s run through the MM inputs as opposed to using the step-up autoformers that are in the signal path when using the Manley's MC inputs. The sound using the MM inputs was more transparent and immediate, whereas the autoformers seemed to cast a subtle veil.

Another vote for Einstein.

I have heard/compared many top phono stages and Einsteinis is as good or better than most. PM me if you want to know more.

A shameless plug, I am selling one. But I have both RCA and XLR, selling one of it and still staying with Einstein.

How about the TRON Seven. I've heard the XV-1s several times on a Graham Phantom, Raven AC through tubes and Avantgarde Trios - divine.

Charlie

Dear Cincy bob: Can you load the cartridge at 100 ohms through that MM stage?.

Thank you in advance.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Yes, Raul, the MM stage in the Steelhead offers the ability to load the phono inputs at any one of five settings: 25, 50, 100, 200 or 47k ohms.