Is the Manley Steelhead still relevant?


Looking for a state-of-the-art phono stage. Budget? $15K or less. After almost 20 years, is the Manley Steelhead still relevant? Or are there newer, better options?
imgoodwithtools

Showing 4 responses by tablejockey

$15K will get the "end game" piece.

As mentioned above, the Allnic, or something cool as the Luxman are at that level. After that, it's all table madness to blame for nervosa!
rsf507-

I keep an eye out for a used NVO. It appears owners aren't letting them go.

I've heard some FINEST SS setups. They all do the same-approach tube sonics.

That is naturally subjective. If one is the "press your ear to the speaker grill to hear hiss" kind of listener, then SS is the way to go.

Reviews often mention how a really nice SS unit sounds"tube like" Hmm.....
rsl507-

I'm afraid the Ostich egg comparison doesn't apply to me.

Living in weirdoville central-SoCal, they're likely available at some upscale gourmet food store.

I use a now aging Fosgate(V2) that does the deed. It holds up against the current $3-5k contenders compared,side by side. 

Being tube nostalgic, I simply want to try one. I believe it may justify letting go of the Foz. I do however, think the Foz looks nicer with its tube display.
Since this thread is about a tube phono amp, anyone recall this being a flavor of the month?
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue57/nvo.htm

Lots of glass in there! Unobtanium in the used market. From the reviews, it appeared to be a "end of game" piece.

Looked a little compromised in the build department, (generic looking case) but all the performance reports were positive.