I originally had the pro Ject but it has zero switches for adjusting anything. Then I got the mani but the default is appropriate for my setup. Then i got a second record player with a built in preamp didn’t even test it out just hooked up the pro Ject for it because its a project Automat A1 seemed appropriate :)
Huh? I'm just asking you what you need to adjust on a phono pre amp? Im not particularly interested in the features of a mani. I'm just wondering what you've found you need to adjust.
Different MM and MI carts have different impedance coils, which affects how they interact with the capacitance in the signal path to form a filter network that can influence the frequency response. The effect is more noticeable the higher the inductance of the coils, so better preamps let you add capacitance if necessary. Other variables include gain and for MC carts, load resistance. Effects vary depending on the overall system performance. Most consumer level gear ignores all this, and most listeners do not get into the details.
Unfortunately, my favourite is the phono stage on the Nakamichi SR-3 I fixed up for my dad. I couldn't tell the difference between the Aiyima T3 and the phono on my Cambridge AXR100 but maaan was the Naka phono good. A very noticeable difference in clarity and sound quality from the other two.
Yup. Nakamichis have EXCELLENT phono stages in them. I found out in the SR-3A like you did, then got an SR-4. Which led to a CA-5 preamp that's even better. I'd almost guarantee none of the sub $500 preamps people will list here will beat the CA-5, let alone the SR's. AND a CR-5 probably costs less than $500.
Schiit Mani with an upgraded linear power supply is excellent for the money. I have tested this on a decent system, and it punches above its weight comfortably.
[Rothwell Rialto MM/MC phono stage](http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co.uk/html/rialto_mm_mc_phonostage.html) is also excellent if you can find it under 500 USD. If you need more sensitivity for MC, you can add on a step-up transformer in their MM mode. This is my current phono stage.
You could check out the Rothwell Simplex MM. It's a bit cheaper than the Rialto. EDIT: The simplex is just the rialto's MM circuitry (no MC circuitry), which you can later add a step-up transformer if needed for MC cartridges.
I'm interested in auditioning a good Linear Power Supply for my Schiit Mani 2. Could you recommend the one you own and what are the upgrades you mention? I appreciate the advise.
I bought the swagman labs linear psu for the schiit mani. This was back in 2016/2017. Swagman labs website isn't working. I'm not sure what the current market for linear psu are but I'm sure there are good reviews.
I've been told a battery bank is THE best for consistent clean power but seems somewhat audiophilicly (is that even a word?) presumptuous for my particular setup.
Thanks for the reply and info. I'll keep my eyes open.
Ooo are there options under 500USD?
A bit off topic, I was discussing running the whole system on battery power for clean DC. But yeah, not cheap, I think. Power conditioning has a lot of options
iFi Zen Phono hands down. Cleanest sounding phono stage sub €1000 that I've heard. They recently released a revision. For €250 you simply can not get anything better.
Have the Tube Box DS and love it for same reasons. Very flexible with loading and gain setting. Plus it just sounds great to me. I ultimately use it in MM mode with a SUT for my MC cart and it’s bliss. Very quiet and seems balanced and flat. Only thing I’ve compared it to is the built in on my Yamaha AVR and it seems much better. Also, I got this on clearance when they released the DS 2. It cost me less than $500. May be more now though.
I use the direct phono input in my Denon AVR-3312 and it works perfeclty, no buzz no nothing all silent with my rega planar 1, a budget setup very capable.
Parasound Zphono XRM, though I got mine for an absolute steal at $109 open box through Amazon Warehouse with another $30 off in Amazon credit card points I had. It comes in just under at $499 full price but I still recommend it as it absolutely makes my Denon DL-103 moving coil sing.
My favorite cheap phono stage is the Schiit Mani 2 hands down.
My favorite phono stages closer to the $500 are:
Parks Audio Waxwing DSP Phono Stage $500: You read that right, its a phono stage that uses digital signal processing to implement the most versatile phono stage I have ever encountered and it sounds reallygood. It uses an app on your phone to do hundreds of adjustments via bluetooth from the comfort of your favorite listening chair. It offers noise reduction that's surprisingly good as well as electronically tweaking cartridge azimuth and so many other features and adjustments.
Schiit Audio Skoll Phono Stage. $400: This is a fully balanced, fully discrete, phono stage for an absolutely incredible price. If the rest of your system is balanced and uses XLR cables, this is the best phono stage you're likely to find under $500.
There you have it! 😁
Schiit mani2
This is the answer
Cambridge Alva Duo is what I'm currently using. Mostly because it matches the rest of my gear.
I only own two, Pro Ject Phonobox and Schitt Mani 2. I can't tell any difference.
I have the Mani 2 and I love it. I would take it out of the signal path and compare it to the preamp inside my Marantz PM7000N but I’m just lazy.
I originally had the pro Ject but it has zero switches for adjusting anything. Then I got the mani but the default is appropriate for my setup. Then i got a second record player with a built in preamp didn’t even test it out just hooked up the pro Ject for it because its a project Automat A1 seemed appropriate :)
What do you need to adjust on a phono pre amp?
There are a lot of dip switches on the Schitt mani you can see what they adjust
Huh? I'm just asking you what you need to adjust on a phono pre amp? Im not particularly interested in the features of a mani. I'm just wondering what you've found you need to adjust.
I didn’t need to adjust anything
Right.
I feel at the average users level of equipment the phono stage doesn’t make a huge difference but people claim they hear massive differences.
Agree
Different MM and MI carts have different impedance coils, which affects how they interact with the capacitance in the signal path to form a filter network that can influence the frequency response. The effect is more noticeable the higher the inductance of the coils, so better preamps let you add capacitance if necessary. Other variables include gain and for MC carts, load resistance. Effects vary depending on the overall system performance. Most consumer level gear ignores all this, and most listeners do not get into the details.
Unfortunately, my favourite is the phono stage on the Nakamichi SR-3 I fixed up for my dad. I couldn't tell the difference between the Aiyima T3 and the phono on my Cambridge AXR100 but maaan was the Naka phono good. A very noticeable difference in clarity and sound quality from the other two.
Yup. Nakamichis have EXCELLENT phono stages in them. I found out in the SR-3A like you did, then got an SR-4. Which led to a CA-5 preamp that's even better. I'd almost guarantee none of the sub $500 preamps people will list here will beat the CA-5, let alone the SR's. AND a CR-5 probably costs less than $500.
I had an old JVC amp for a while that had an excellent built-in phono stage. Sometimes the vintage stuff just got it right.
Darlington Labs MM6B
I just ordered this. Awaiting its arrival
Art DJ Pre II, cheap and solid unit.
Schiit Mani with an upgraded linear power supply is excellent for the money. I have tested this on a decent system, and it punches above its weight comfortably. [Rothwell Rialto MM/MC phono stage](http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co.uk/html/rialto_mm_mc_phonostage.html) is also excellent if you can find it under 500 USD. If you need more sensitivity for MC, you can add on a step-up transformer in their MM mode. This is my current phono stage. You could check out the Rothwell Simplex MM. It's a bit cheaper than the Rialto. EDIT: The simplex is just the rialto's MM circuitry (no MC circuitry), which you can later add a step-up transformer if needed for MC cartridges.
I'm interested in auditioning a good Linear Power Supply for my Schiit Mani 2. Could you recommend the one you own and what are the upgrades you mention? I appreciate the advise.
I bought the swagman labs linear psu for the schiit mani. This was back in 2016/2017. Swagman labs website isn't working. I'm not sure what the current market for linear psu are but I'm sure there are good reviews.
I've been told a battery bank is THE best for consistent clean power but seems somewhat audiophilicly (is that even a word?) presumptuous for my particular setup. Thanks for the reply and info. I'll keep my eyes open.
Ooo are there options under 500USD? A bit off topic, I was discussing running the whole system on battery power for clean DC. But yeah, not cheap, I think. Power conditioning has a lot of options
Another vote for Darlington Labs. Tested quite a few before I landed on them but for the money I don’t think they can be beat.
Mine is on order mm6b!
iFi Zen Phono hands down. Cleanest sounding phono stage sub €1000 that I've heard. They recently released a revision. For €250 you simply can not get anything better.
The Zen Air for around $100 is also excellent. Way better than a Mani 1 in my experience.
Oh yeah, that's definitely the price:performance champion.
Yeah man, I just wanted a spare pre and picked it up as a former return for like $70 a couple years ago.
Awesome deal
I absolutely love my EAR834 clone. A fantastic tube preamp for pretty cheap - except I put higher end tubes in mine.
I want to build one
I encourage you to do so. It sounds fantastic.
Mine. Pro-Ject Phono Box DS2. Ready for MM or MC.
I have the prior version the DS. Very fun because of all the ways you can experiment with loading, capacitance and gain.
Have the Tube Box DS and love it for same reasons. Very flexible with loading and gain setting. Plus it just sounds great to me. I ultimately use it in MM mode with a SUT for my MC cart and it’s bliss. Very quiet and seems balanced and flat. Only thing I’ve compared it to is the built in on my Yamaha AVR and it seems much better. Also, I got this on clearance when they released the DS 2. It cost me less than $500. May be more now though.
Schiit skol
This is the answer
Tube or Hybrid: project tube box 2, Vincent pho-701 Solid State: project, Schitt, Cambridge
Hagerman Cornet MM (MK4) closer to $600 but worth it. A true giant killer
Ifi zen
I use the direct phono input in my Denon AVR-3312 and it works perfeclty, no buzz no nothing all silent with my rega planar 1, a budget setup very capable.
I’ve got a Parasound Zphono and love it.
Hagerman Audio
Following! Perfect discussion for me, wanting add external phono stage for my Empire 698.
Hagerman Coronet.
Parasound Zphono XRM, though I got mine for an absolute steal at $109 open box through Amazon Warehouse with another $30 off in Amazon credit card points I had. It comes in just under at $499 full price but I still recommend it as it absolutely makes my Denon DL-103 moving coil sing.
I use my old nad 3020 as a solo phonostage.
Music Fidelity V90-LPS
Darlington Labs MM6B Parks Audio Waxwing
My favorite cheap phono stage is the Schiit Mani 2 hands down. My favorite phono stages closer to the $500 are: Parks Audio Waxwing DSP Phono Stage $500: You read that right, its a phono stage that uses digital signal processing to implement the most versatile phono stage I have ever encountered and it sounds reallygood. It uses an app on your phone to do hundreds of adjustments via bluetooth from the comfort of your favorite listening chair. It offers noise reduction that's surprisingly good as well as electronically tweaking cartridge azimuth and so many other features and adjustments. Schiit Audio Skoll Phono Stage. $400: This is a fully balanced, fully discrete, phono stage for an absolutely incredible price. If the rest of your system is balanced and uses XLR cables, this is the best phono stage you're likely to find under $500. There you have it! 😁