Phono Pre with regular Line Input

Hey Az,

Thanks for your reply,

I probably shouldn't need to ask you this, but is your MM gain level as same as your previous MC setting, say 60dB(MM) and 60dB(MC)?
This is turning into a thread that's going to lead me to purchase a used Steelhead!!!

I just don't understand how MM at high gain can sound less noisy than the MC setting.

I have not tried to use the Manley Stealhead as a preamp. But I will say that it is absolutely one of the finest phono stages in the world. I have owned most of them and the manley was the best in my system by a considerable margin. Here is a list of some that I have owned...

Tom Evens Groove+ SRX
BAT 10se with Super Pack and P-5
Aesthetix IO and Rhea
Sutherland PHD
Haggerman Trumpet ( I still own ) Absolutely the best for the money...Was better than the BAT, Aesthetix and Sutherland. It is second to only the Manley.

EAR 324 and 834p
Whest 2.0
Herron

You cant go wrong with a manley on the used market. I have by-passed the autoformers and extra gain stages. I placed the Bent Silver Mu's in front for further improvements.

Although, the manley by itself bested everything above. IMHO.

Hey Rudolffzigray,

Thanks for your input.
Of all you have listed, I have considered all except for Herron and that particular Whest(PS30DT looks interesting though). What is your reason using an external pair of tranny?
I've heard incredible things about the Bent Silver unit, but was noise of an issue?

Thank you,

Quick response to your Q to me.
Yes. I didn't like (or need) the gain at 65 on either MC or MM. It is at 60 and singing. I am going to purchase some Cardas plugs for all those unused RCA jacks, though.

Nice to hear it's working out nicely for ya.
I do not have experience with Cardas cap, but cheapo from PartsExpress need to be avoided.
Internal diameter of cap size is inconsistent and fits extremely tight.
Now, I just got to figure out how to remove them.