[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

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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.