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Phono Stage upgrade to complement Dohmann Helix One Mk 2

Thanks to the recommendations from many users on this Audiogon blog, I think I was able to make a more informed purchase of a turntable, the Dohmann Helix One Mk 2.  I've really been enjoying the turntable for the past month!  

The next phase of my system now needs attention:  the phono stage.  Currently, I'm using a Manley Steelhead v2 running into an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 SE pre-amplifier (into Ypsilon Hyperion monoblocks, into Sound Lab M745PX electrostatic speakers). 

I've been told that I could really improve my system by upgrading the phono stage from the Manley Steelhead (although I've also been told that the Manley Steelhead is one of the best phono stages ever made).  
Interestingly, two of the top phono stages that I'm considering require a step-up transformer (SUT).  I'm not fully informed about any inherent advantages or disadvantages of using an SUT versus connecting directly to the phono stage itself.  

I suppose my current top two considerations for a phono stage are the Ypsilon VPS-100 and the EM/IA  LR Phono Corrector, both of which utilize an SUT.  I don't have a particular price range, but I find it hard to spend $100k on stereo components, so I'm probably looking in the $15k - $70k price range. 
Thanks. 

drbond
drbond OP
485 posts
 

@rauliruegas

Thanks for sharing your research on the Manley Steelhead. It does seem that most people are preferring the SS phono stages these days. . .

@lewm

I heard back from David Slagle, and he said that he’s "not familiar with the Steelhead, so I’m not sure how much help I could be in improving it"

lewm
14,706 posts
 

If you are interested, I can talk to him and explain the very simple upgrade I did myself.  I can describe the output circuit to him as well.  You can PM me.

drbond OP
485 posts
 

@tablejockey

@no_regrets

Yes, I have an audiophile friend who has had the Wave Kinetics Deluxe Reference 5.1 phono stage for years, and he enjoys it; he says it’s much quieter than an Allnic phono stage, but that he still prefers the newer SS phono stages. . .
Thanks for your recommendation.

@lewm 

Thanks.  I'll DM you this weekend, although Mr Slagle didn't sound too excited about doing anything with the Steelhead, as I'd contacted him 4-6 months ago about an EM/IA LR phono corrector. . .

rauliruegas
13,384 posts
 

Dear @drbond  : Obviously you can ask but take in count that the Manley design came from 2001 with no seriously changes where you can say: " nigth and day differences for the better ".

 

""  seem that most people are preferring the SS phono stages these days. . .""

 

and for very good reasons. I already told you that the worst place to put tubes is in a phono stage unit. Line stages or amps are different.

 

R.

 

 

gavman's avatar
gavman
157 posts
 

Another vote for Boulder 2108.

I'll be saving for one myself soon enough.  I find Boulder to be just so musical. My yardstick isnt the aforementioned s/n ratio, but whether a component causes me to change my plans and llisten to music some more.  

I find Boulder to be unsurpassed in the regard. 

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