Manly Steelhead - any downside??

Downunder, I also had noticable tube rush in my system with the Rhea. Very dynamic though. At medium volume, no tube rush at all in the phono stage with the Steelhead. At full volume there is only a slight amount of tube rush in the phono side and none in the line stage side. At normal listening levels (75-90db)I can't hear any noise from about 2 feet back when the needle is between tracks.

Lean?...Somewhat when new and with stock tubes. I have not listened to the Steelhead after burn in with its stock tube compliment. After some tube rolling and about 200 hours of serious breakin time using a phono stage burn in CD, this unit is not the slightest bit lean in my system. After a number of different tube trials, I have ended up with Tung-Sol 5687 black plate/d getters and Siemen's CCa's. For the folks that prefer a warmer, tube like sound, go for some Amperex 6922's and some GE 5 Star 5687's. Want even more articulation, try some Telefunken 6922's. Some combination of these tubes should please most tastes.

The leading edge dynamics and full body of the notes from piano and guitar are the best I have had in my room yet. Soundstaging is also as good or better than the other units I have tried. For reference, I have had or have a Tom Evans Groove plus, TAG, Rhea, Supratrek Syrah and Grange, EMM Labs DCC2, X-ONO etc. The Steelhead lets me listen to any record I own AND get the most out of that record. A fault I have with some systems that let you enjoy generic recordings is that they suck the magic out a really great recording like David Roth's "Pearl Diver" or The Third's "Take The A Train". The Steelhead won't be at fault if that happens in your system.

A bonus with this phono stage is that you also get a VERY good line stage. The Steelhead's line stage has taken my digital playback to a level that makes CD listening as enjoyable now as vinyl. I am not saying that CD's now sound like vinyl, just that there is a fullness to the sound that makes me forget I am listening to digital. Much like going from standard TV to HDTV.

Downunder, the Steelhead is MUCH quieter, slightly more dynamic,has more body to the notes and grabs the bass notes by the shorthairs and does not let go, compared to the Rhea anyway. And, except for the noise, I liked the Rhea a lot. The Steelhead is just in another league.

I run my XV-1s at 100 ohms. Tried 50 ohms, and on the records I listened to, it was a little too subdued on the top, but as Bob said, it was a subtle difference. Even a 500 ohm setting was not bad, 100 just seems best to me. I also run through the MM section w/ a 60 db gain setting. Again Bob's description of the differences between MM & MC were spot on with my experience.

As far as tubes, I spent about $100 bucks for all six tubes and that compliment of tubes was only slightly bested by a pair of $300 NOS Siemens CCa's. If I had to do it over, I would not have bought the CCa's and stuck with the $40 Amperex 6922's.

Oops...sorry guys, I forgot, you better ignore my thoughts on bass. Raul told me today on another thread that I don't know what real bass is because I like the ZYX UNIverse cart. In fact, did he tell me here that the Steelhead will sound severe and colored (is that PC?), the step ups will degrade the sound and since it has tubes it will be too noisey? I think he did say that! You better ignore everything I said about the Steelhead since I must not know what the hell I am talking about. I think all of us Audiogoners should get down on our knees and thank the Lord that we have such an omniscient member such as Raul that can lead us mere mortals through this maze of stereo gear. Thank you so much Raul!

Downunder...I am so glad you like what you are hearing. It will smooth out somewhat with more hours. A bigger change will happen when you change the 6922 tubes. I have tried many tubes but not the Tele CCa's yet. I will take Brian's advice and try these too. I have, however, tried Tele EC88's and E88CC's as well as half a dozen other in the 6922 family. My experence with the Siemens CCa has not been anything but great. They are my favorite as of now. For a lot less money, a set of Amperex white lable PQ 6922's will sound smooth, not hamper the details and let the sound flow in a very musical way.

Another thing I have tried is placing a small amount of Stillpoints ERS material around the caps. Too much tends to kil the life of the music but a little bit ( a square inch on each side) attached to the case in the area of the caps adds to the clarity and articulation that I get when I listen.

Please keep us posted on what you experience...

Steve

Greetings everyone, have not seen this thread for awhile. Looks like things have mellowed somewhat...

Sirspeedy, your findings mirror mine exactly with the phono tubes. While I still have not tried the Tele CCa's, the E88CC Teles were very detailed but on the clinical side. The white label Amperex 6922 PQ's are a the best value and would make a good reference set of phono tubes. They work equally well in my Supratek Grange. Whomever is buying Siemens CCa's, be careful. More than one set of faked sets have been sold to unsuspecting audiophiles for big money. When in that price league, talk to Andy or Brendan. Speedy...what 7044 style tube did you wind up with?

Shane, sorry to hear that the Steelhead did not pan out for you in your system. Good luck in your search.