2. analog
  3. 1129022938

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

Showing 1 response by klinerm

klinerm
80 posts
 

nkonor,

I rolled a LOT of tubes when I got my Steelhead (~ 2005). I ultimately had no difficulty settling on Siemens CCa's and Bendix/Mu 6900's. Siemens was definitely more revealing than Telefunken. The 6900's were much cleaner than any other tubes I tried in that position. Still have those tubes in there, totally satisfied (don't get to listen nearly as much as I'd like).

Now for the bad news. The CCa's are pretty available, but expect to pay $300-$400 for a real NOS pair. The 6900's are even worse - almost unobtainable, my guess is $250-$400 each if you can find them.


Richard

More to discover