Whest ps.30r

Thanks for the responses so far . I think we all secretly want the Manley I might give that a demo some time sounds like its the ticket really. Plato, I have not used the standard power cord yet but I have tried various run in PS audios on it from Lab 2 to Statement. I agree, power cords make a difference, I have used different interconnects too and found the same thing and always end up going back to the AQ Amazons and Leopard phono. I am sure I am not the only one hearing this from both of the whests. The .30 was definitely an improvement in this regard.

I have tried it using the same type of cable using balanced and xlr there is no dif in presentation. Except of course for the increased output offered by xlr. Good thinking though.

Thanks for the reply Dodgealum. I have used the ps.30r for almost 3 years now on 3 dif vinyl set ups for sustained periods and as you am very happy with it. I am just looking for something as you say with perhaps a touch more tubelike sound in the midrange. Not looking for the golden glow and would not like to loose any of the Whest's considerable abilities either...I know its a tough call.

That should read rca and xlr

Thank you for all your responses. In the time being I have stumbled upon a stereophile review of the Whest PS.20 phono stage that MF was exited about and I think Brian Damkroger re reviewed later to clarify. In this review BD also states the slight electronic nature of the product compared to the Sutherland. Nice to know I am not the only one hearing this.

Thanks for the advice Raul, I have used a Grado Sonnata cartidge on the SME and still the slight mechanical nature seems to come through..yes cartidge set up with arm too high could cause this effect to but arm and cart are dam near spot on... I know what you are refering to with the ortofon black but in my system/room it works quite well. I prefer the sound of most mid priced ( sub $800) mm cartridges to mc. I am probably alone with these thoughts though. Will definitely give the ortofon you suggest a go soon.

Thank you all for the interesting replies; I have however gone another route. I gave the RDT a listen and though an improvement on the ps.30R still not what I was looking for. I am now using a Conrad Johnson premier 15 series 2 with great success and no regrets. I cannot comment on the Special edition it may well be completely different to the standard RDT but for now and the foreseeable future the system has never sounded better..The musical and emotional connection to the music is extremely satisfying with the CJ. I have lived with the ps.20 the .30 ref and used the RDT briefly so can attest to their well documented virtues. As you move up the line the improvements are gradual but significant. At £4500 the RDT special edition had better be in a different league to the phono stages before it, for that money one would expect it to be nothing less than sublime. Thanks again for all the responses. My search is over.