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The Manley Steelhead RC is a sophisticated phono preamplifier designed for audiophiles seeking precise cartridge matching and exceptional sound quality. It features two Moving Coil (MC) inputs with selectable impedance loads of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 Ohms via Manley's proprietary autoformers, and a Moving Magnet (MM) input with selectable resistive loads of 25, 50, 100, 200 Ohms and 47 kOhms. Capacitive loading for all three inputs is adjustable from 0 to 1100 picofarads in 10 picofarad increments, allowing perfect tuning for any cartridge without compromising sound quality. The unit includes a LINE input that bypasses the phono stage, enabling it to function as a full preamplifier. It has variable and fixed outputs with low impedance, capable of driving amplifiers directly. The Steelhead RC uses six tubes (2 x Sovtek 6922 and 4 x American military-spec 7044 dual triodes) in a hybrid design with J-FET input stages. It includes an outboard power supply and the Remora RF remote control for volume adjustment. The chassis measures 19" wide x 3.5" tall x 15.5" deep, weighing 15 lbs, with the PSU weighing 18 lbs. It supports mains voltages from 100V to 240V with internal switching. The Steelhead RC allows connection of up to three turntables simultaneously (two MC and one MM). It offers extensive front panel controls including gain selection, resistive and capacitive loading, muting, mono summing, and standby mode. The design is noted for its vintage aesthetic and maximalist control layout, making it both a functional and visually distinctive component.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Phono stage specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The H3000's power @ 8ω is 80W against the Steelhead RC's 100W, its mm gain 44 dB against 40 dB, its mc gain 74 dB against 60 dB, and its output impedance 200Ω against 67Ω.
The PH1 Phono's output impedance is 50Ω against the Steelhead RC's 67Ω and its weight 20.41 kg (45 lbs) against 6.803 kg (15 lbs). Both share mm gain (40 dB) and mc gain (60 dB).
The Rhumba Xphono 1.1's mc gain is 61 dB against the Steelhead RC's 60 dB, its mm gain 41 dB against 40 dB, its output impedance 150Ω against 67Ω, and its weight 10 kg (22 lbs) against 6.803 kg (15 lbs).
The Nu-Vista Vinyl 2's output impedance is 0.1Ω against the Steelhead RC's 67Ω and its weight 22 kg (49 lbs) against 6.803 kg (15 lbs). Both share mm gain (40 dB) and mc gain (60 dB).
AVM PA 8.2
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