Upgrade Your Receiver: Schiit Mani Phono Preamp

[@twohandsandaradio]

Thank you so much for the added note in the description. You've answered my question that no one seems to touch. Turntable to Mani to Aux. I thought so but was never sure. THANK YOU!

[@malcolmattheend]

This was put together wonderfully, and your passion for hifi is infectious! Thank you so much for the lovely video, you’ve certainly got a new subscriber on your hands.

[@MODAC]

Best comment of the week! 🌟🌟🌟

[@iydkydg123]

Great video once again. I enjoy watching your relaxed, smooth, no frills presentation. It is very insightful; pointing out the pros and cons of the product you’re reviewing. Keep up the great work. You are going a great job! I look forward to seeing your next video.

[@stephenstevens6573]

Thank you for what you do...its nice to see appreciation for vintage gear that we dont get much of elseehere

[@MODAC]

Thanks. Check out Kelvin at Stereo Review X

[@stephenstevens6573]

@@MODAC I watch him...just like your format better

[@docnice360]

Looking forward to your take on the Parasound XRM. I use the regular Parasound Zphono and love the results! Great video as always!

[@jrh11254]

@My Own Devices Audio Channel - nice to see Talk Talk’s “Colour of Spring” LP in your collection!

[@davidharkins8880]

I look forward to your videos every week, waiting patiently for you to post them, the content seems less important, it’s your ‘stylings’ I enjoy. Thank you and hopefully you’ll keep it up. Thanks again David harkins🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@johnnygoyena5863]

You have an impressive collection of very good quality vintage amplifiers. They make my mouth water. 🤣😂 anyways, the Schiit Mani preamp is in my wishlist. My ASL Lux phono preamp’s tubes recently conked out. I’m still waiting for my replacement tubes and hopefully they will bring back the joy of listening to a full body, well balanced warm sound of vinyl recording... Thanks for a great review of Mani.

[@geterdunn2733]

Replacing tubes is painful,

[@ediblehorse]

this was just what I needed. Never understood the phono stage thing.Thanks

[@Bissingerlaw]

Good primer on role of phono stage. Easy to follow.

[@jazzkatt7083]

I did an A/B comparison with the Mani v.s my restored vintage Kenwood KR4600. In short the the Kenwood revealed far more detail in the music than the Mani. I noticed that the Mani did some "sleight of hand" with the mid-band where detail was lost in favor of of presenting more highs and lows. I could easily spot the Mani's shortcomings in that regard. I used a Mani previously with a Pioneer SX 980 and it performed fantastically but the catch was that my Pioneer needed servicing and had issues on the phone board. So this was essentially a work around using the Mani. The phono boards in many of these vintage receivers in my opinion are at least as good or better than the Mani but I digress. The vintage Kenwood has been serviced and the phono section is far more revealing to me than the Mani. I believe things like proper speaker placement ( which can take a while to do well) could overcome any issues with tone control. Luckily many vintage receivers have tone controls as you know to help us dial our systems into the room better. I used to run my vintage receivers flat and soon realized I was overlooking one of the best benefits of vintage receivers. I realized that tone controls aren't the enemy that some audio enthusiasts make them out to be. Our rooms are the enemy. Sorry to ramble here but to wrap things up. I do own the Mani as well as many of the flagship Pioneer receivers in addition to the Kenwood and I know for example that the Pioneer SX1250 has a three stage phono amp board and this board blew the Mani away and it wasn't even serviced yet. I bought the Mani as a workaround phono amp so I could spin records while my receivers went out for service which can take months to do. I do believe it is a great product that makes a wonderful "placeholder" for those with vintage gear or those that have modern (circa 90's to 2000's) amps without a phono stage. Just my two cents 😃 Thanks for the video and I have recently subscribed 👍

[@AmericanConstellation]

I bought one of these Mani's and I like it. I have an Acdom pre amp on the same setup. I like the Mani. I like the flexibility that it has and for the money, what the hell? Get one.

[@warrenquilling1633]

This review is exactly what I needed to see, I just got a new turntable again and am enjoying vinyl again but my pioneer sx-950 is showing its age

[@barbaradee5191]

Fact is, it was reviewed against a " Lounge Audio " phono pre and the LA was noticeably better. The SM is a good pre but, there are better options.

[@zulumax1]

One of the best vintage phono preamps built into a receiver was a Yamaha RX-1100U from 1987 that I have owned.

[@theclearsounds3911]

I'm not surprised about the Pioneer. I have an SX-450, the bottom of a newer line than yours, and the phono preamp seriously rolls off above about 5Khz!!! This was so bad sounding that I never even bothered to pay attention to the bass; I built my own preamp. Pioneer's well deserved excellent reputation only applies to the receivers that are closer to the top of the line.

[@geterdunn2733]

True, and working on smaller Pioneer receivers is like sitting on a lighter!

[@markwilliams5792]

Hey! I also have the SX450 and have ordered the Mani Can you share any information about how this combo has worked for you and how you have things set up?

[@theclearsounds3911]

@@markwilliams5792 I stopped using my SX-450 in the late 80's when I upgraded my system. But, without any experience on the Mani, it should be as simple as plugging your turntable's outputs into the inputs of the preamp, connecting the ground lug to the preamp, then connecting an RCA cable from the preamp outputs to the AUX input of your SX-450. If your speakers are any good, you will be absolutely blown away by the improvement of the Mani, that is, assuming the Mani really is as good as I've read. Oh, don't forget to connect the power supply to the Mani.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Enjoyed this video. Love the vintage slant along with modern accessories. I also seem to accumulate vintage audio. I recently picked up a very nice Sansui 5000. It’s shockingly good.

[@danedewaard8215]

Whoa, a son in college, I thought you were in your 30's!!!! Great video and content!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MODAC]

My son is in his 30s! I'm decades older than that! Thanks.

[@danedewaard8215]

Please reveal your secret!!!

[@jluis5188]

Just ordered the MANI tonight. Looking forward to it. Rebuilt my Kenwood 3030 do should sound amazing with my T600 timeframes also rebuilt them.

[@JustinPhillipsScuba]

Those are really pretty speakers

[@jeffbrooke4892]

Good explanation! Thanks

[@laurelhardy4064]

How good your phono preamp sounds very much depends on which cartridge you use, for example I've got the Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge and the schiit Mani is a great match for that cartridge, actually the Mani sounds better with Nagaoka than some preamps costing over $1000, so matching a phono cartridge with the right phono preamp is very crucial, great video, thanks.

[@jdavis234]

Hi I’m new to this and just curious what improvements a cart really makes to the sound. I have a ortophon 2m red and I’m wondering if the cart you mentioned would be an upgrade as they are in a similar price range.

[@laurelhardy4064]

@@jdavis234 It all depends what kind of a sound you after, the 2m red has got a brighter sound than the Nagaoka mp-110, and the mp-110 tracks better, which means you will have less distortion, the mp-110 with the Schiit Mani phono preamp are an excellent combination, to me the mp-110 has a very neutral sound, not bright and not dull, Ortofon cartridges are usually bright sounding and some people like them for that reason, just remember there is no right or wrong, it's what you prefer, if you have more questions don't hesitate to ask, good luck.

[@jdavis234]

@@laurelhardy4064 Great info, thanks very much.

[@juscruzen]

Thanks for the info! I’m looking at the mp 110 and Schiit Mani, and I want to set it up on a pl-550 pioneer turntable, running that through a sx-1280. I’m just not sure if that would improve the sound. Using pioneer hpm 100’s. Or is the phono pre amp built into the 1280 better than the Mani?

[@laurelhardy4064]

If you are buying the MP-110 than get Schiit Mani, specially that now the Mani been upgraded to the Mani 2, I have the original one, but from what I hear the Mani 2 is a much better preamp, and later on if you decide that you want to upgrade the sound even further, all you have to do is to replace the stylus on the MP-110 to the MP-200 stylus, but as for now, for around $300 for both MP-110 and the Mani 2 you are going to have a true audiophile quality sound, good luck.

[@MrAMF50]

Awesome video, very helpful.

[@Chavez-h3j]

All the best for you and your fantastic channel from Berlin, germany!!

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

My Yamaha CR-620 has, for the time, a very good phono stage, but I get much better imaging, separation, and clarity from using my MoFi StudioPhono preamp, through the AUX input.

[@jlpcastro]

OwesomePossum !! Enjoyed the video very much. Cheers

[@zackgoddard5035]

Brilliant video but did have one question, with the schiit mani or ifi zen phono would you need an amplifier as well? My speakers, Marshall Stanmore 2, work with the line out from my turntable. Thinking about getting this upgrade, but don’t want to get it and then can’t use it without an amplifier as well? I’ve got the Audio Technica LP3XBT for my first turntable. Many thanks for anyone’s advice.

[@pedrito77]

Great video! I have the Mani. It's awesome.

[@antonioh5687]

Great video! I also have the M91ED Shure cartridge in my pl 930. Have you considered upgrading yours? Nice setup btw!

[@silviopimentel7247]

I really like ur channel. Im so tore up on modern & vintage I have a few vintage receivers but one particular one (luxman) seems to do what a 2500 modern one doesn't. So it gets so confusing. But love ur honesty on what you hear

[@wkf-7]

Great video!

[@koprcord5338]

Great video. Nice receivers. Curious what stylus you r using on the shure cart, as I have the same on my dad's old turntable. I wonder if onkyo phono preamp in mid 90s receiver could be upgraded with a mani or if it is good enough. Thank you.

[@MODAC]

Bought an N91VL from LP Gear. The cartridge was extremely popular in the 1970s and it was included with an old Technics I bought a while back. Since I am a fan of Shure carts, I sprung for a stylus upgrade. Wonderful sounding now. Hey, try the Mani out. For $599, the Parasound zphono XRM is in another league. Look out for video about it in the near future.

[@koprcord5338]

@@MODAC thank you for the response. The 91 was a workhorse. With the revival in vinyl wonder if shure wishes they were still in the market. I'll check out the lp gear, would like to find a nude stylus, but are getting so expensive.

[@MODAC]

@@koprcord5338 This one is bonded for around $118.

[@roninnovastar1321]

Is there any modern remote control & adapter that can be plugged into vintage receivers that maybe you know of? Would love to have modern remote to turn on & off and control volume and other basic features such as bass & treble.

[@ElixerSue]

Can the preamp be used somehow on an A/V receiver that doesn't have a phono input? Pioneer VSX-D209. If so, how do I jack it in?

[@MODAC]

Yes. Plug the turntable into the Mani inputs, and connect the Mani outputs to an unused pair of RCA analog inputs on the receiver.

[@zam200864]

Where did you connect the mani into the back of your receiver? thanks

[@MODAC]

Just to clear up any confusion in the recent video about connecting the Schiit Mani phono preamp. Please use this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnbSnXuCoMqcqKM

[@zam200864]

@@MODAC Thank you very much, appreciate it

[@aaronrojas5399]

Hi David. Just a question. Which input did you use on your Sansui? The Tape or Aux? Thanks for the video.

[@MODAC]

Either. I prefer Aux.

[@aaronrojas5399]

@@MODAC Thank you

[@geterdunn2733]

Fun video! Have you listened to a Sansui TU-9900 ? I haven’t listened to the 881.

[@brandonbaldwin4535]

I got a question. I have a floor model console stereo from 1965 I inherited from my grandparents. The volume is nice but was wondering if I could put a phono preamp with it to make the sound even louder and richer. If you could let me know I would appreciate it. The stereo is a motorola brand by the way.

[@MODAC]

I would say it’s possible, but may not be easy. You will have to access the phono output cables and probably solder phono RCA connectors to them. You will have to find somewhere to locate a compact preamp, like a Schiit Mani inside and find an aux input to the console amplifier. Good luck.

[@martytoo]

I have 3 Nakamichi receivers. Two need work. One seems perfect. On my TA-3A I would like to clean the contacts in the push switches with DeOxit. But it looks like the contact area may be sealed and also is about 3 to 5 inches behind the front panel. (There is a shaft that is behind the button on the front panel which extends over the circuit board on at least 2 of the buttons I want to clean.) Any tips in cleaning these would be appreciated.

[@juscruzen]

I’m so glad infound this video! It’s excactly what I was looking for. I have the pioneer sx-1280 and pl-550. I want to Order the nagaoka mp- 110 and use the Schiit mani together. What do you think? I really like your videos!

[@MODAC]

Should work well together. Thanks.

[@davidyoung7470]

I have recently put my stereo back together ( in basement for almost thirty years) I have a Yamaha CA-1010 receiver, Yamaha NS-1000 Monitor speakers. My turntables AKAI AP-B110. I do plan on upgrading my turntable . But for now pre amp looks like a great way to upgrade. Is the pre amp you discussed good for all stereos. And suggestions on a new turntable? Thanks

[@edd2771]

On the one hand I have heard great things about the mani. On the other hand I have a carver c-2 preamp with a MM and MC phono stage and I like my vinyl sound. . My assumption is that this was a quality phono stage. But being a vintage piece I wonder if the mani would do far better. I’d like to avoid what you experienced with the nakamichi and spend even a reasonable amount for no improvement. Audio forums don’t have much to say about the carver phono stages in particular. Any thoughts appreciated.

[@MODAC]

The Mani is excellent for the money. Try it. You can return it if you don’t like. I also have a Parasound model that blows it away, but for considerably more money.

[@gwernette5971]

For some reason I'm unable to see picture. I hear the sound but only get a black screen

[@gavins3215]

What kind of RCA cables did you use?

[@JAZZMAN72762]

Next time show the hooking up the Shiit Mani from the the amp,in detail

[@paulf.5261]

Hi, only one question. If you have a old amp with only Phono, Tape And Aux what do you plug the Schiit into? Or does it piggy back with the Phono 🤷‍♂️

[@MODAC]

Use the aux input. Thx.

[@JD-lk7im]

Hi, you just should have made the this video earlier to show to your sons friend.. The glowy screen should keep the "young uns" attention span.. Cool stuff. Thanks

[@kevinreilly7595]

Really mixed feelings about this product. I have a Project Debut Carbon with an Ortofon Blue and a Technics SL 23 with a 2m Red. I have used both with the Mani to a Sansui 7, Sansui 7070, Scott 385R and a more modern Outlaw 2160. The sound improvement was negligible with the Sansui pair and inferior to the phono stage on the Scott. I then hooked it up to my bedroom system with a Vista Audio Spark and Elac Debuts and it was unlistenable being so harsh, bright, hissy and hollow. Simply not a fan, I ended up purchasing a Cambridge Audio Solo which is superior in every way with my equipment in my house.

[@joshualieder7524]

Can I just skip the receiver entirely?..meaning do without it.

[@MODAC]

How will you control the volume?

[@joshualieder7524]

@@MODAC Edufier bookshelf speakers have volume controls. I only use an rt85 turntable.

[@MODAC]

@@joshualieder7524 well, yes.

[@phil0910]

You cannot compare a Shitt to a phono preamp from the 70"s. I would rather use a phono input from any 70's amp to any modern phono pre amp.

[@zorst99]

Recapping is never a bad idea unless you just don't have the skills to do it. If your caps are over 20 years old replace them. Don't even test them.

[@williamwaldroop9603]

nobody listens we are looking at the picture on the wall.

[@MODAC]

I did that painting 25 years ago.

[@jumpsuite]

no it dont just plug in you dont need any to do with pre amp. you just get pure sound not boosted or coloard. so its a mith just to make it louder.there two types of carttridge magnetic and ceramic.and ceramic DONT NEED A PRE AMP.

[@fletchermunson6225]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.