[Marc Henshall]

What’s your current phono preamp: let’s discuss what the best versions are currently on the market!

[solarcoreg]

I use the phono preamp in my Yamaha RX-A780 receiver. I tend to purchase things one time and use them for many years so if I upgrade to a separate preamp I will need to do a lot of research and it will be a somewhat stressful decision. Currently I’m thinking about the Mani 2 or the other one I read about on this site that is a good competition for it. I like the idea that the Mani is made here in the US but that’s not always a necessity. Just a nicety.

[Marc Henshall]

Cool. Yea, the Mani 2 is great. A little emphasized in the low frequencies and the upper mids, which can suit some cartridges well. The Spartan 15 is worth a look, too, at that price, plus the iFi Zen Phono. All were reviewed at Sound Matters previously. Thanks for your contribution.

[UrBer]

Pro-Ject, Tube Box DS3 B.

Best regards.

[solarcoreg]

that one looks amazing but way too expensive for me.

[solarcoreg]

Thanks Marc. I’ll look into both.

[KrazyKat]

I use a Mani version 1. Is the upgrade to 2 worth it?
I also have a Fosi Audio Tube MM

[Marc Henshall]

@KRAZYKAT – I’ve reviewed the Mani 2. It has more control over loading than the original, though I think the circuit is more surface-mount technology than the Mani 1, which means it’s less repairable if it goes wrong. If you’re happy with the Mani 1, I’m not sure I can say it’s that much of an upgrade. I’d hold off and save for something that might be more of a leap for you.

BTW: That Fosi pre is pretty amazing for such a cheap pre!

[ming shur wu]

I use EAR Yoshino Phonobox

[[email protected]]

Spartan 5 pre-amp is excellent, great value and performance. Initially I was using the built in pre-amp on my Rotel A10 integrated amplifier which sounded decent specifically designed for analog playback but doesn’t have a mono switch. I used the rca y cable split trick for a while for mono LPs but was getting feedback if turned up past 1/3 volume and then saw your review of the spartan range and have never looked back, plus Michael is such a nice bloke to deal with.

[tewimac]

Eigentlich legte ich Geld für eine neue Drohne zur Seite, aber es wollte einfach nicht reichen. Vor kurzem stieß ich auf roll dorado casino und war neugierig, weil die Seite so übersichtlich ist. Ich probierte Starburst mit kleinen Einsätzen, verlor erst, riskierte dann etwas mehr – und es hat sich gelohnt. Die Drohne ist unterwegs. Für Spieler aus Österreich gibt es dort manchmal besondere Boni, die das Ganze attraktiver machen.