I've been using the original Schiit Mani 1 phono preamplifier for some time. Its sole purpose has been to provide the needed amplification and equalization for my second turntable, the Dual CS5000. It has done well plugged into the line section of the Audio Research SP8, which has a phono section that is used for the primary turntable, a Thorens TD309.
To be fair, the Mani is a budget phono stage so I could put up with the slight graininess, mid-fi resolution, and the general lower fidelity. For all the Mani 1's faults, it is still better than a lot of stock phono sections found in budget receivers, preamps, and integrateds. And given the mostly background music it was used for I had no complaints.
A recent visit to the Schiit Audio site and I saw that a second version of the Mani has been released, this one using a different op-amp and it was also direct-coupled. The case looks exactly the same but the dip switches on the bottom have changed, allowing more settings for MM and MC cartridges.
To cut to the chase, compared to the old version, the new Mani 2 is more detailed, faster, has better resolution, deeper bass, and higher overall fidelity. It also images, left-to-right in a fashion that will be most pleasing. It isn't perfect - nothing is! - but it does swing at a higher than the $149 (black face model) price point suggests.
Where the Mani 2 ultimately fails - compared to the Audio Research SP8 or the Classe Five - is inner detail and that certain "you are there" magic that I've heard with these more expensive units. The soundstage of the former is also flatter without that depth I've come to expect. However, to be fair. the Mani 2 does strike awfully close to better preamps making my budget Dual CS5000 sound a lot closer to the combination of Thorens TD309 and the ARC SP8 phono stage. Depending on your front end, amps, and speakers, this difference may not matter at all.
As always your mileage may vary depending on your front end, setup, and preferred listening habits.
System:
- Dual CS5000 with Ortofon OM20 and an aftermarket Shibata stylus
- Thorens TD309 with Ortofon 2M Bronze
- Audio Research SP8 with vintage Mullard 12AX7s
- Eico ST70 "Frankenstein" amplifier with 6AR6 output tubes
- KEF R500 speakers
- MIT interconnects
- Cardas Twinlink speaker cables
