Sutherland PHD

Except for the need for periodic replacement (which really isn't very often-- the lifespan of those D cells is probably better than most power tubes!!!!), batteries are superior to AC power any day in every way. The currents that are required in a preamp are in the range of a few milliamps, which a battery of this size will just laugh at. They are capable of delivering orders of magnitude more than this.

Hi, yes I also use battery powered stuff. I like it alot. I even use battery power on my power amp. If it is lacking in any transients/dynamics/bass impact, I sure don't know about it. IMO, it is superior to what comes out of the wall any day of the week. I get instantaneous current delivery like you wouldn't believe. Zero grunge. No power transformer hum fields. No rectification or ripple. Pretty damn good in my opinion. I wouldn't go back to wall power again. I'm using lead acid RV/marine type batteries with over 650 cold-cranking amps and deep-cycle capability. These babies rock! And they really keep the noise floor dead quiet. Of course, I'm only powering a 2 watt 45 OTL SET with them that draws 3.8amps at 12vdc, so you could say that I have plenty of reserve power. Probably won't be drawing too hard on those 650CCA anytime. But if they can surge 650a, I think they'll deliver 3.8a pretty freely. My dynamics and bass impact are plenty good. No problems at all.

I currently use the PhD. I am using Grado Statement1 with it and it sounds really good to my ears. The batteries last like forever. I changed it once in the last 3 or 4 years.

I did change the loading on the Grado Statement1 as 47k didn't sound right to me.

I owned and enjoyed the PHD for several years, and only replaced all the batteries once,and just for OCD reasons.

It performed flawlessly and I enjoyed the sound,really can't find anything to fault with it, except for the fact that changing gain and cap cards was a bit of a chore.

The person who bought my PHD is certainly very pleased with it,I can't see why anyone wouldn't be pleased with it.

So why did I switch to the Steelhead?

I was in upgrade mode and wanted to assemble a new system starting with the speakers and working backwards to the source.
Sorry Ivor.

Switching to the Steelhead was as much about pride of ownership as it is about sound quality.
The Steelhead has no hum issues is as quiet as the PHD in my estimation and isn't a let down or step backwards.

As pretty as the PHD is inside,there's much to enjoy when looking at the internals of the Steelhead control section and the separate power supply.
The Steelhead is built like a fine piece of pro audio gear, which is fitting due to it's pro heritage.

My Steelhead was used when I bought it, and it's the 1.5 version, the second MC inputs are configured for my Esoteric cd player.
I've had it for nearly 2 years now and recently because of OCD I did a tube replacement from Manley, who are the best in customer support, whether you bought your unit used or new, they never fail to get back to you if you have any questions.

Do I miss the PHD?

No,I have no regrets.

Both phono stages performed well, gave me no problems, and either unit would be a great addition to any vinyl set up.

Which sounds better? Is something I can't answer because I never had both units at the same time to compare.

I owned a PH3D and have used a PH3 in my system. I enjoyed both of them, and I still regret selling the 3D. It was an excellent phono stage for the price.

I have limited, experience with the Steelhead but found it to be a extremely well built unit. The sound reproduction was great - more lush and "wet" than w/ the Sutherland units, as would be expected from a tube amp. But with my tube rig, I prefer the neutrality of the SS phono stage and the dead black background is a major consideration. While the CHinook was not noisy, it was more noisy than the PH3 when used w/ very LO cartridges.

I think that the selection of either of these (or any) phono stage depends on the rest of your system. If I had to pick one for all around use, it would probably be the PH3 with the 3D as a close second (first for value)