The Steelhead is very, very good -- it is debatable whether it makes sense to spend more money, even for use in the most resolving system. That said, I do want to chime in about the Soundsmith cartridge/preamp combination mentioned above -- this refers to the "strain gauge cartridge", which requires its own special preamp. I have not heard a better better front end component -- you should audition it if you have the opportunity (Soundsmith is 45 minutes by train or car from Manhattan).
What is the BEST phono stage
I own a manley steelhead, & am wondering which phono pre amps are better. I plan on keeping the manley for my current system. My new system will be Basis diamond vacuum hold table, Graham phantom arm, Dynavector XV1S, Mcintosh C2200 tube preamp,pair of MC2000 tube amps, Klipsch Khorn,modded w/ xtreme slope ALK crossovers,and Trachorn. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!