The primary benefit of the continually variable capacitance control (adjustable from 10 pF to 1100 pF in 10 pF steps) is the ability to precisely fine-tune the high-frequency response of your cartridge. Every phono cartridge interacts with the capacitance of the cables and the phono stage input, which affects the high-frequency resonant peak. By allowing you to dial in the exact capacitance value from the front panel, the Steelhead ensures that the cartridge is perfectly terminated for the flattest frequency response and a more natural, extended high end, eliminating the sonic penalty often associated with fixed-capacitance inputs.

An autoformer in the Steelhead serves as a precision step-up transformer designed specifically for Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. It offers five impedance loading selections (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 Ohms) via multi-taps. The benefit is that the transformer provides voltage gain while optimally loading the cartridge, which results in a cleaner, quieter signal path and superior fidelity compared to using purely resistive loading and a high-gain active stage. This "Steelhead" autoformer is custom-designed and manufactured in-house by Manley Magnetics.

Yes, the Steelhead is designed to be a complete analog control center. It features a dedicated stereo LINE input in addition to its three phono inputs, and it has a high-quality volume control (Variable Output). This allows it to function as a standalone preamplifier, directly driving a power amplifier and managing all analog sources, eliminating the need for a separate line-level preamp in your system.

The Steelhead provides two output pairs for maximum flexibility. The FIXED Output provides a signal that bypasses the volume control and is intended to be sent to a traditional line-level preamplifier. The VARIABLE Output is controlled by the front-panel volume control and is designed to directly drive a power amplifier. The Variable Output also features an ultra-low output impedance (75 Ohms) from the all-tube White Follower buffer, making it capable of driving any amplifier, including long cable runs, with ease.

The Steelhead RC Phono Stage includes the REMORA RF (Radio-Frequency) Remote Control. The use of RF technology means the remote control does not require a line-of-sight to operate. It can command the motorized volume control and mute functions from any location in the listening environment, including through walls or cabinetry, adding immense convenience to its high-fidelity performance.

The RIAA curve is handled by a highly accurate, passive equalization network. This passive network is placed between the gain stages and is meticulously engineered with audiophile-grade components to restore the signal's flat frequency response. This approach minimizes phase shift and non-linearities, ensuring exceptional fidelity, with the unit maintaining a deviation of less than +-0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.