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Phono Pre with regular Line Input

I hope you guys can help me out.

Does anyone know any Phono Pre that I can also use as a preamp? I'm not interested in a preamp with phono input. What I'm looking for is a unit that is phono first with an option of being able to plug in my CD player.

I understand that Manley Steelhead has a pair of line input, but I really cannot afford to spend $8K or ($4.5K used).

Will I be better off getting a preamp w/ phono input, such as CAT SL-1?

Thank you,
ainkfek
rudolffzigray
31 posts
 
I have not tried to use the Manley Stealhead as a preamp. But I will say that it is absolutely one of the finest phono stages in the world. I have owned most of them and the manley was the best in my system by a considerable margin. Here is a list of some that I have owned...

Tom Evens Groove+ SRX
BAT 10se with Super Pack and P-5
Aesthetix IO and Rhea
Sutherland PHD
Haggerman Trumpet ( I still own ) Absolutely the best for the money...Was better than the BAT, Aesthetix and Sutherland. It is second to only the Manley.

EAR 324 and 834p
Whest 2.0
Herron

You cant go wrong with a manley on the used market. I have by-passed the autoformers and extra gain stages. I placed the Bent Silver Mu's in front for further improvements.

Although, the manley by itself bested everything above. IMHO.
ainkfek OP
11 posts
 
Hey Rudolffzigray,

Thanks for your input.
Of all you have listed, I have considered all except for Herron and that particular Whest(PS30DT looks interesting though). What is your reason using an external pair of tranny?
I've heard incredible things about the Bent Silver unit, but was noise of an issue?

Thank you,
azaud
156 posts
 
Quick response to your Q to me.
Yes. I didn't like (or need) the gain at 65 on either MC or MM. It is at 60 and singing. I am going to purchase some Cardas plugs for all those unused RCA jacks, though.
ainkfek OP
11 posts
 
Nice to hear it's working out nicely for ya.
I do not have experience with Cardas cap, but cheapo from PartsExpress need to be avoided.
Internal diameter of cap size is inconsistent and fits extremely tight.
Now, I just got to figure out how to remove them.
rudolffzigray
31 posts
 

Ainfek,

No.. noise was not an issue. The Manley is dead quiet on my 107 db efficient system. The Bent Silver Mu simply out performs the Auto formers and extra gain stages in the Manley. Don’t get me wrong, the Manley’s nickel core auto former is very good and so are its gain stages, but nothing seems to compete with the silver Mu's. Every phonostage I have owned was improved by the them. They are the most transparent device in audio, in my experience. I will never sell them....never. I will be buried with them.

Rudy
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