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Manley 300B or Manley Steelhead

I just received my Manly Neo-Classic SE/PP 300B amps. Love them. Clearly a step up from my previous Rega Elicit integrated.

I am planning to purchase my preamp later this month. I am thinking of either a Manley 300B pre or a Manley Steelhead. I do listen to some vinyl but the majority of my listening is digital.

I guess I am asking: How good is the linestage of the Steelhead versus the 300b?

PMB
pmburnett
wrm57
1,070 posts
 
Just breaking in my new Steelhead and loving it more by the day! But I prefer my Mac C2300 as a preamp into my MC501 amps. More open and refined. But, of course, its a synergy thing.
duaneadam
36 posts
 
The line input is one of my favorite features of the Steelhead. I'm running a Weiss DAC1 directly into the line stage which renders some of the most seductive digital audio I've ever heard. As if it didn't already have enough variations for the phono stage, if you run the phono fixed out into the line in, you get a bump up in transparency and low end slam. The difference compared to the variable output is not small and I suspect the var-out has greater hi/low roll off. This creates an entirely different set of variables depending on the cables you use.

But to answer your question, the line stage is spectacular.
duaneadam
36 posts
 
The line input is one of my favorite features of the Steelhead. I'm running a Weiss DAC1 directly into the line stage which renders some of the most seductive digital audio I've ever heard. As if it didn't already have enough variations for the phono stage, if you run the phono fixed out into the line in, you get a bump up in transparency and low end slam. The difference compared to the variable output is not small and I suspect the vari-out has greater hi/low roll off. This creates an entirely different set of variables depending on the cables you use.

But to answer your question, the line stage is spectacular.
latinsamba1
74 posts
 
I have wondered how the Manley 300b preamp would sound with my Neoclassic 300b amps too. Seems like it would be a wonderful pairing. Be sure to give us your thoughts on whatever you end up purchasing!
pmburnett OP
58 posts
 
I ended up buying a Steelhead. It should ship out in the next day or so. I had ordered a 300B but decided I was going to have to buy a phono stage anyway, and so put the extra cash down for the Steelhead.

I will post an update once I get the unit. Should be fun to have $17K MSRP of preamp/amps with an $800 source (Debut III with Speedbox II, Acryl-It platter, and Ortofon Salsa cart).

I think we all know that a TT upgrade will be forthcoming.

PMB
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