It has oodles of gain. I used it with a Titan i and an Airtight PC 1, my preferred gain setting was '55' if memory serves and I preferred it as a phono stage, using the fixed outputs feeding a separate line stage. Using it directly into the amps, I found it a little threadbare in the midrange on my system, although the bass was impressively deep and taut and high frequencies were very open- adding a separate line stage (at the time, a Lamm L2) gave it more weight and dimensionality. All of this may be system dependent, though.
I preferred the MM inputs to the MC inputs. I also rolled all the tubes and found the military grade NOS Telefunkens to produce the best result in my system in the 6922 slots; I used NOS Raytheons in the 7044 slots. I found the Mullards to be a bit too euphonic and the Siemens to be less 3d sounding than the Telefunken. Mine was the second version, but before the remote control feature, circa 2006?
It is a beautifully build piece, and Manley support is second to none. I had zero issues with the unit while I owned it.
I preferred the MM inputs to the MC inputs. I also rolled all the tubes and found the military grade NOS Telefunkens to produce the best result in my system in the 6922 slots; I used NOS Raytheons in the 7044 slots. I found the Mullards to be a bit too euphonic and the Siemens to be less 3d sounding than the Telefunken. Mine was the second version, but before the remote control feature, circa 2006?
It is a beautifully build piece, and Manley support is second to none. I had zero issues with the unit while I owned it.