Steve Prescott

“This is probably the last preamp I buy. Depth of the music increased substantially, noise floor lowered quite a bit also.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“Ken recommended the Manley after I first tried the KC Vibe and didn’t achieve the dynamics I was after. I’ve loved the Manley gear from prior listening sessions but never owned any, and I prefer tubes, so what the heck. I swapped out my very nice EAR 834p when the Chinook arrived, and set up for 65db gain to match the low output Hana SL. Wow! Bass was much tighter and defined, the top end was now much more extended and airier, but I hadn’t lost the midrange musicality. The music just pulsed with energy. Ken later recommended I change the loading to 800ohm, easily done on the rear dip switch setting, and I also reset gain internally to 65 db to better match the Hana’s lower output. I’ve now got about 20 hours and everything is still getting better. Really happy I spent the extra $$$ to get the Manley. It’s well made, super flexible, and has more dynamics than the very lush sounding EAR but it has the immediacy and body that tubes excel at. Super quiet too, and pairs well with my VPI prime and Woo WA5 300b amp and Devore The Nines.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Anthony Ingrassia

Verified Reviewer

“First off kudos to the the folks at both Upscale and Manley for amazing customer service, and a personal shout out to Josh who helped me work through the decision making on this one. Going on a month now with the Chinook SE MKII and it's brilliant. Noticeably quieter background, a detailed, airy, dynamic sound with fantastic mid-range and soundstage. Paired with my MoFi UltraDeck, Prima Luna DiaLogue Premium HP amp and ZU speakers, it takes music/vinyl to another level. Once again I sit amazed at how different certain albums sound, and how much they've opened up. The Chinook does an amazing job of making not so hot pressings enjoyable while elevating audiophile recordings to jaw dropping status. The Chinook is a really easy listen, its comfortable, its not strained in any way when you sit down to listen to a variety of music. At this price point and with what I'm hearing from it, in my opinion, you would be hard pressed to find better without a substantially higher investment. Highly recommended, extremely happy with the purchase.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“Outstanding product! Quality and output level is exactly what I was looking for!”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“First piece of audio gear I have ever purchased online. (Not sold locally.). Kat and company are pros and very easy to deal with. Felt more at ease with them than B&M stores I’ve purchased from. Chinook is solidly built and looks great. Sounds better than it looks (silent). Super versatile loading and actually pre-set at factory for my cart. Thanks to Manley and Upscale from Pete in SF”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“Very impressed with the Chinook SE MkII so far. It has made all my vinyl collection sound so much better. Even my older vinyl is much improved. There are plenty of good phono stages but at this price point while not budget priced, I think you would really have to spend a LOT more to better it. Spoke with Kat for awhile and she asked about the rest of my system and what types of music I prefer. We decided on the Manley. Paired it with a VPI Classic 1 and a Dynavector 20x2L cartridge (Purchased from Upscale). Highly recommended.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“Thank you very much Kat for your support! In a VPI Prime Signature, I’ve installed a Kiseki Purple Heart, and I’ve conected it to a Manley Chinook Special Edition Mk II, an exclusive model of a tube preamp made for Upscale Audio. I’ve listened to this cart with a solid state preamp, and the improvement is about 30% better. Imagine a change in this percentage, how much it affects the sound. I’ve built my audio chain based on very small improvements over the years. In audio small, would mean satisfactory perhaps. This is really a big one. Here we got a wide soundstage, not only east and west but in deep as well. Superb tonal balance, and the feeling of hearing more “air” in the recordings. The equipment is one step closer to the musicians, I’d say that you get into the studio.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Michael Thomas

Verified Reviewer

“I have the Chinook paired with the Super Prime Scout with Soundsmith MIMC Star powered by the EVO 400 power amp, (McIntosh preamp, as I need tone controls). The sound is sublime. It did take awhile to get everything properly grounded, but once that was taken care of the backgrounds became silent. The soundstage is not only wide , but deeper than anything I have ever heard. Kat was extremely helpful. She not only set up the table perfectly she also did the same with the Chinook, and answered all of my questions. Next step is the Tannoy Cheviots and I will be all set!”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Manley Labs Chinook Special Edition MkII Black Reviews