Manley Steelhead Phono Preamplifier: Unmatched Versatility for Vinyl Lovers

The Manley Steelhead Phono Preamplifier is a masterpiece of analog design, delivering unmatched flexibility, precision, and sonic excellence. Built for audiophiles who demand perfection, the Steelhead integrates advanced features like user-adjustable Moving Coil (MC) and Moving Magnet (MM) inputs, highly customizable gain and impedance settings, and a proprietary autoformer-based MC stage. This combination ensures optimal performance for any cartridge and system configuration.

Designed with both performance and convenience in mind, the Steelhead offers a front-panel selectable capacitive loading system that lets you fine-tune cartridge matching with unprecedented precision—down to 10 picofarad steps. Its low-Z tube-buffered outputs guarantee powerful and distortion-free signal delivery to any amplifier, while advanced controls like dim, mute, and mono switches add practicality to its stunning performance. Complementing this is an outboard hyper-regulated power supply, ensuring clean and stable operation.

Key Features

1. Exceptional Cartridge Compatibility
   • 2 MC Inputs: Adjustable impedance via multi-tap autoformer (25–400 Ohms).
   • 1 MM Input: Adjustable impedance (25–47,000 Ohms).
   • Front-Panel Selectable Capacitive Loading: Adjust from 10 to 1100 pF in 10-pF steps for perfect cartridge matching.
2. Advanced Gain Control
   • Switchable gain settings (50, 55, 60, and 65 dB) optimized for different cartridges and setups.
   • Auto-muting during gain changes to protect your system from noise or damage.
3. Pure Tube Signal Path
   • Tube complement:
     • 2 x 6922 (gain stage).
     • 4 x 7044 or 5687 (output buffers).
   • All-tube low-Z buffered outputs (75 Ohms variable, 150 Ohms fixed) for pristine signal delivery.
4. Precision Output Options
   • Fixed and Variable Outputs: Supports direct connection to amplifiers or integration with other preamps.
   • Drives long cable runs and low-impedance loads effortlessly.
5. Audiophile-Grade Build
   • Gold-plated RCA connectors, mil-spec PCBs, and custom-wound output transformers ensure exceptional durability and sonic integrity.
   • Backlit “Steelhead” badge and sleek chassis design combine vintage aesthetics with modern engineering.
6. Practical Controls
   • Dim switch: Reduces volume while cueing.
   • Mono button: Combines channels for mono recordings.
   • Standby mode: Preserves tube life during idle periods.
7. Outboard Power Supply
   • Hyper-regulated and shielded, the outboard PSU minimizes interference and provides clean, stable power.

Specifications

• Inputs:
  • MC: 2 stereo pairs, 25–400 Ohms.
  • MM: 1 stereo pair, 25–47,000 Ohms.
• Gain:
  • 50, 55, 60, and 65 dB selectable gain.
  • Additional gain via MC input autoformer.
• Capacitive Loading:
  • Adjustable in 10-pF steps from 10 to 1100 pF.
• Output Impedance:
  • Fixed: 150 Ohms.
  • Variable: 75 Ohms.
• Frequency Response:
  • ±0.5 / -0.3 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
  • Extended range: ±1 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz.
• Dynamic Range:
  • 101 dB @ 1 kHz, 1% THD (MC).
  • 97 dB @ 1 kHz, 0.1% THD (MM).
• Power Consumption: 100 watts.
• Weight:
  • Steelhead: 6.8 kg.
  • Power Supply: 8.2 kg.
• Dimensions:
  • Steelhead: 89 x 483 x 394 mm (HxWxD).
  • Power Supply: 114 x 343 x 289 mm (HxWxD).

Why Choose the Manley Steelhead?

The Steelhead is the ultimate tool for vinyl enthusiasts, offering unparalleled flexibility and precision for cartridge matching and system integration. Its innovative design, pure tube signal path, and practical controls make it a dream for audiophiles and tweak-lovers alike. Whether you’re fine-tuning impedance, adjusting gain, or cueing your favorite record, the Steelhead delivers a seamless, emotionally engaging listening experience.