Manley makes a line source switcher now called a Skipjack, which was originally intended for Å-B comparison of components. This can be used for multiple line sources to be attached to the volume controlled line input..
I use my Yamaha RX Z9 as a digital line source input for SACD and CD/Redbook and home theatre into the line input of the Steelhead. Cartridge inputs are, of course, direct.
I had the same impression that Cohnaudio had when connecting the Steelhead directly at first. I thought it was somewhat lean. I had it several months, then connected it directly again using the line source input, and did some serious comparison with my Sonic Frontiers preamp. There was no comparison, the Steelhead as a line source preamplifier was much, much better, so the Sonic Frontiers is now sold. The Steelhead gave me a bit of "Sound" education in that regard.
Tube rolling does help but is probably system dependent. I use the Tung Sol 5968 in the 7044 slots now and I love the warm, punchy sound used with some Ediswan tubes in the 6922 position. Mullard and Amperex 6dj8's are also excellent choices for the 6922 position and can be used to voice according to system and taste. Triple mica 7044's from raytheon are also much better sounding in the 7044 position, being much cleaner and clearer than the stock GE.
i would like to know what the alleged "cheap parts" are. When I open the Steelhead it looks like a solemnly well built piece of kit.
I use my Yamaha RX Z9 as a digital line source input for SACD and CD/Redbook and home theatre into the line input of the Steelhead. Cartridge inputs are, of course, direct.
I had the same impression that Cohnaudio had when connecting the Steelhead directly at first. I thought it was somewhat lean. I had it several months, then connected it directly again using the line source input, and did some serious comparison with my Sonic Frontiers preamp. There was no comparison, the Steelhead as a line source preamplifier was much, much better, so the Sonic Frontiers is now sold. The Steelhead gave me a bit of "Sound" education in that regard.
Tube rolling does help but is probably system dependent. I use the Tung Sol 5968 in the 7044 slots now and I love the warm, punchy sound used with some Ediswan tubes in the 6922 position. Mullard and Amperex 6dj8's are also excellent choices for the 6922 position and can be used to voice according to system and taste. Triple mica 7044's from raytheon are also much better sounding in the 7044 position, being much cleaner and clearer than the stock GE.
i would like to know what the alleged "cheap parts" are. When I open the Steelhead it looks like a solemnly well built piece of kit.