OK...I'm getting ready to buy a new Phono pre amp.

Really all I am thinking is that you have a pretty good phono stage now, but like a lot of us the urge for something more is always there. From my experiences having owned a PH3se and a Sonic Frontiers SFP sig, and now an ARC Ref. I saw incremental jumps between all of them with a significant jump when switching to the Ref. Then again I went from a $2000 pre to one costing $7000. I have not heard the Rhea it could be REALLY great but listen first, a simple tube swap in the ARC might just do it for you too.

Thanks Cmo....I hope to pick up a demo unit this weekend. I'll give it a listen and report back.

My feeling on this subject is that if one were in a position to consider the Rhea, then why not also consider the Manley Steelhead, which is supposed to be quite the animal. It will be my eventual phono pre upgrade when funds again become available. Currently using a Krell KPE Reference.

Hi Steve....yes I also heard the Manley is a great unit also. I believe it is as flexiable as the Rhea. Can you adjust the gain and load of the cartridge "on the go" as with the Rhea??

The Rhea's flexibility is mighty appealing. When they start showing up used, I may take a look. In the meantime, Rwd, can I buy your ARC?