Ainfek,
No.. noise was not an issue. The Manley is dead quiet on my 107 db efficient system. The Bent Silver Mu simply out performs the Auto formers and extra gain stages in the Manley. Dont get me wrong, the Manleys nickel core auto former is very good and so are its gain stages, but nothing seems to compete with the silver Mu's. Every phonostage I have owned was improved by the them. They are the most transparent device in audio, in my experience. I will never sell them....never. I will be buried with them.
Rudy