Manley 300B or Manley Steelhead

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.

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!

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

The first thing I ran through mine was a cheap Pioneer DVDA player that has always sounded harsh. It sounded pretty sweet through the Steelhead, your Debut III probably will too. Enjoy.

Skipjack (cassette, reel to reel, DAC for both CD transport and MacBook), Steelhead (TT with MM carts) and Neo 250 mono blocks.

The finest system I have ever had by far and my final stop on the slippery slope. I feel zero inclination to make a change and experience the "ahhhhh" everytime I sit down to listen.  Going on 6 years now with no problems or issues.