Manley Labs Chinook Special Edition MkII Black Reviews

4.9 Rating 54 Reviews

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909.931.9686

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2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

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“I have had some very nice hi-fi product over many years. Some sounds better than others. Some product, even though expensive, sounds not so great as compared to what I had replaced. I am very pleased to say this Manley Chinook is one of the best upgrades I have ever made. The build quality is very good. The sound quality is outstanding. Flexibility for matching to your phono cartridge with loading and for gain adjustment is plenty and, really, all that you would ever need. The quality of design and all parts are equally as outstanding. For those who wish to purchase one, please keep in mind that "out of the box" it will sound good but maybe not quite what you were seeking. That's because tubes have a break-in process. I found these tubes began sounding a bit "warmer" by around 30 hours of play time. By around 50 hours of play time the tubes seemed to truly settle in. The warmth becomes just right, without any loss of "sparkle", and now the imaging became very 3-dimensional. Center imaging is incredible and so too is staging with placement of musicians & instruments in a very realistic array and depth that is true to a real performance, right in front of you. I wish that I had more time for listening, each day. Honestly, I just can't get enough of joy this Chinook brings to me in my audio entertainment room. I highly recommend this product as one of the better values in the category of phono stage components.”

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Posted 4 years ago

Curtis Huffman

Verified Reviewer

“Purchased this to preamp my VPI Super Prime Scout deal with the Kiseki Blue m/c...of course, Kat set it up for me so when i got it, basically it was plug and play. Saved huge bucks over Manley Labs state of art unit which i spent on other equipment. Playing vinyl is the bomb....and with the MK2, it's pure listening pleasure.”

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Posted 4 years ago

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Posted 4 years ago

“Outstanding phono stage. It'd everything Kevin's excellent video said it would be and sound like.”

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Posted 4 years ago

“Nice upgrade from my former Pass Labs phono preamp! The Chinook SE Mk 2 is just as quiet as the Pass Labs XP-15, just as strong in bass slam but a much nicer sound in the mid-range to top end. With my Rega RP-10 and Aphelion setup, the Chinook simply sounds considerably better than the solid state Pass model.”

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Posted 4 years ago

Anthony Seiffert

Verified Reviewer

Author didn't leave any comments.

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Posted 4 years ago

Harold Nichol

Verified Reviewer

“Really excellent phono stage. Ultimate versatility for any cartridge set up. It is remarkable. Quiet and alive across highs mids and lows. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

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Posted 4 years ago

JEFF ARAGAKI

Verified Reviewer

“Wonderful sounding phono pre. Hands down the best sound I've heard from my system. Lots of flexibility with tube rolling and load settings. I do wish there were more gain options. My previous unit was great at balancing not so even cartridges. Shout out to EveAnna and Kat for help with setup. I really appreciate that Manley Labs and Upscale Audio support their products.”

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Posted 4 years ago