Another vote here for the Steelhead. Got one a couple of weeks ago, and the flexibility is amazing and sound without reproach. Havent got close to reaching its limits yet. No noise.
Next Phonostage
I'm contemplating a new Phonostage to replace my Rowland Cadence. One of the driving factors is wanting multiple inputs for multiple tonearms.
My system is currently: TW-Acustic Raven AC-1/TW10.5 tonearm/Dynavector XV-1s cart with Rowland Synergy IIi preamp, Rowland 302 power amp and Avalon Acoustics Eidolon Diamond loudspeakers.
My listening tastes are everything except rap/hip-hop. Probably 50% rock/pop, 40% Jazz and 10% Classical.
My audio characteristics preferences I value include really black backgrounds, air around images, extension and musicality. Dynamics are also a plus.
My contenders are currently:
Audio Research Ref 2 SE Phono - rave reviews, most say this gives you best attributes of solid state and tube sound combined, might be a natural transition into tubes for me
Thoress Phono Enhancer - also known as TW Acustic Phonostage; might mate well with my analog front end, flexibility in dialing in bass, mids, highs, customizable sound
Manley Steelhead - heard this in a friend's system, very nice sound, very flexible, did hear a it of tube noise
Can anyone who owns one of these phonostages or has listening experience with them give me some input and advice on what would work best with my system?
Thanks in advance for any recommendations from the audiogon community.
My system is currently: TW-Acustic Raven AC-1/TW10.5 tonearm/Dynavector XV-1s cart with Rowland Synergy IIi preamp, Rowland 302 power amp and Avalon Acoustics Eidolon Diamond loudspeakers.
My listening tastes are everything except rap/hip-hop. Probably 50% rock/pop, 40% Jazz and 10% Classical.
My audio characteristics preferences I value include really black backgrounds, air around images, extension and musicality. Dynamics are also a plus.
My contenders are currently:
Audio Research Ref 2 SE Phono - rave reviews, most say this gives you best attributes of solid state and tube sound combined, might be a natural transition into tubes for me
Thoress Phono Enhancer - also known as TW Acustic Phonostage; might mate well with my analog front end, flexibility in dialing in bass, mids, highs, customizable sound
Manley Steelhead - heard this in a friend's system, very nice sound, very flexible, did hear a it of tube noise
Can anyone who owns one of these phonostages or has listening experience with them give me some input and advice on what would work best with my system?
Thanks in advance for any recommendations from the audiogon community.