I picked up a Mani 2 expecting it to be a minor improvement over the phono stage in my receiver and was shocked how noticeably better it was to someone that usually can't tell the difference between equipment. The noise floor is very low with the Mani 2.
I had the Cambridge 540P for a few years, and came to the conclusion this was why I never really wanted to listen to my records and reached for the CDs. So I bought the Mani 1 and instantly realised I was correct. "That's better." I said to myself and starting listening to my records again, as well as actually buying new ones. It revived my enthusiasm. So I guess the Mani 2 is the perfect upgrade for most people still with cheaper/budget phono preamps, especially as the MC has been improved.
Thank you for the great video. I ordered one the other day before watching this video and you validated my research and thoughts about how well it is to be expected to sound! I appreciate what effort you’ve put into this video and I look forward to listening to my new Mani 2 , and your next video. 😊
A while ago I was interested in a Mani I but was concerned about potential radio frequency noise that some of the first Mani's suffered from. I ended up getting the ifI Zen phono. I am completely satisfied with the ifI, really appreciate the sub sonic filter. It may be time to try a Mani II. Thanks for the great video. Cheers from Canada. Go Leafs.
Nice review Paul! Thank you. I’m running a debut carbon eco that’s been upgraded with all of the recommendations in your video from a while back (apart from the vibration platform options) & I’ve now just tested my new Mani2 which was upgraded from my project phono E box & I am so happy with the outcome. Even when wearing my closed back headphones the sound is bigger, wider & infinitely more detailed. On a dollar to dollar basis this even upgrade even beats the upgrade to the Project Hi Power which at the time blew my socks off. Keep ‘‘em coming!
Ah, a well trimmed piece of black electrical tape over that bright light can keep you from going blind. My Schiit Modi DACs are similar in that regard. Great review. I can see one of these Mani 2 in my future as an upgrade from the built-in phono stage in my old preamp. Thanks! I was debating about buying a Moon 110v2 phono amplifier (~$600 USD) but since I'll likely never go the moving coil cartridge route, I think - and hope - the Mani 2 will give me all the performance I need.
i have had the schiit mani 2 for sometime since it came out, it was my first phono for my sl1200 mk2, i have no complaints about the sound quality, its really good. but i think my rca audio port may be abit loose (at certain angles), although it had a long warranty i never bothered to return it cos of that issue, really great for the $
Swapped the ifi zen for this and I'm so happy. Mani has big issues on burning out capacitors, it happens to me 3 weeks after the purchase and the shipping to Italy. I saw on some forums many had this, even 3 times in a row after assistance. They didn't want to refund me so I just bought a ifi zen and I cannot be happier than switching from them tbh. Even with the disappointment about the rejected refund. It will be my scar about them which will remember to not buy anymore their stuff.
@@morenocasalegno3532 So you are happy with ifi? I ordered it yesterday and today the Mani 2 is in stock again. one reviewer on youtube said, that the mani 2 is better than the ifi. And: Are 36db enough for mm (Ortofon 2m bronce).
For even better results, I bought a Loki M, Schiit’s equalizer and hooked it up with the Mani 2. Not all recordings are the the equal and it just fine tunes everything. It’s also fun too!!!
@Paul - I think many of your followers, myself included, would like to see you review the iFi Zen as well. The Mani 2 and Zen seems to be close competitors in this particular category and price range - it’s a tough decision. Cheers!
I just wonder if it's worth upgrade from the previous one? I have the previous mani and i have a lot of thoughts on my mind about upgrade but i'm not sure...
So I’m running my 2 Technics 1210’s (with upgraded tone arm wiring), using Concorde Club MK2 cartridges through my A&H Xone 23 (which has upgraded channel pots and converted to a rotary mixer) and through the Mani 1’s, outputting to Rokit 5 speakers. Without upgrading speakers or the mixer, do you think I’ll get a decent upgrade in sound if I upgrade from Mani 1 to Mani 2 ?
Great review if you want to hear the Mani 2 compared to a pre-amp that cost half the price instead of the competition that sells for the same price, notably the Pro-ject Phono box S2. But thanks., now we know the $200 Mani 2 sounds better than the $100 competition.
Paul, what would you say about NAD PP2. It continuous it’s presence on the market. You do like NAD turntables. How about this little box as compared to other budget phono stages. That you don’t mention it is telling, or ?
good review paul. would you say the mm performance of the moon lp110v2 is worth the extra duckets? also, what's your position on the need for a phono stage w/a subsonic filter? tia.
Currently, and for the past 3 years, I own and use the Mofi Studiophono. Although I think it offers wonderful features, soundstage and detail, the noise floor is higher than optimal and I often get something I can only believe to be EMI/RFI, probably from the crappy wall-wart power supply. I'm tempted to try the new Mani 2 and see how it compares in my system.
Good day sir. I enjoy watching your episodes. I want your opinion on buying the Shiit Mani 2 I have this year purchased a Project Debut Evo and have been using the Mani 1, I recently purchased A Denon 103R cartridge, would this be a good match for the Mani 2, which I am considering purchasing. Thanks for everyone's thoughts
Looking forward to this one. I tried a Mani 2 out of curiosity and gave it to my buddy for his system. Came close to my Project Tube Box DS, albeit without the depth or top end smoothness. Neither of those touch my Sutherland though! Still, Mani 2 is a great budget amp for MM.
Just ordered this to replace the Fosi I have to pair with an AT VM740ML i just picked up. Seemed to be the only reasonable phono stage with options for proper loading as this cartridge seems to be picky with pF loading. Maybe I'll even get my toes wet with some MC carts as well now that I have the option.
Paul, picked up the Mani 2 to see if it played well with HOMCs. To my surprise, my Sumiko Evo III and both my SAE 1000 (LT & E) were quite good with this phono stage. LOMCs sounded excellent with SUTs, but without them, not as much. As far as that LED was concerned, I installed a much larger SMD resistor value to tame the brightness down from spotlight to nightlight. Thanks again, Bяadley.
My mani 2 arrives today and I run a nagaoka mp-110 on my sl1200MK2. Glad to hear itnpairs well. Did you adjust any dip switches or just go factory settings?
had mani for a few years now using mani2 much better I used a toothpick to push that light back inside the case can still see it but not blinding me now
@@TheAudiophileMan Wait, yes, I saw the Ifi zen review on another chanel,, my bad, but again, I like the simplicity of the Ifi, but does it sound better than the Mani 2?
Because I haven’t reviewed the iFi I can’t say for sure. I do like iFi, have reviewed lots and have never heard a bad component from the company. So I’m sure it will perform well. I do know that the Mani 2 is superb, especially in MM mode.
That is NOT some Schiity switch-mode power supply. Quoting from the Schiit website: "Holy schiit that’s a stout power supply. Switcher? Nope, 100% linear. It’s a phono preamp, for gods sake. What are you, a savage?"
Weeeellll, I'm not sure. I'd need to grab confirmation because I'm not sure but I *think* they supply a switching. I'm pretty positive that you can upgrade to a third-party linear, if you wish though.
Yes, that is correct. It is not switched. But with a little twist, since the external powersource is a transformer that delivers 16 volt AC to the Mani 2. (You can read "AC in" on the backside of the RIAA unit). Inside the Mani 2 the incoming AC then gets rectified to DC and smoothed with the capacitors inside. In total a "linear" power supply. 🙂
@@TheAudiophileMan this is what the website chatbot of "that company" says: "Holy S*****, my friend! The power supply of the Mani 2 is 100% linear. We don't mess around with switcher power supplies for a phono preamp, that's just not how we roll. We believe in providing the best possible performance for our customers, and that means using a linear power supply."
![GEEK TIMË [OFFICIAL AUDIO]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ry-6RvkH880/mqdefault.jpg)
As a Texan, Schiit Audio, from Texas, is of course BY FAR the best!! 😊😊😊
I picked up a Mani 2 expecting it to be a minor improvement over the phono stage in my receiver and was shocked how noticeably better it was to someone that usually can't tell the difference between equipment. The noise floor is very low with the Mani 2.
I had the Cambridge 540P for a few years, and came to the conclusion this was why I never really wanted to listen to my records and reached for the CDs. So I bought the Mani 1 and instantly realised I was correct. "That's better." I said to myself and starting listening to my records again, as well as actually buying new ones. It revived my enthusiasm. So I guess the Mani 2 is the perfect upgrade for most people still with cheaper/budget phono preamps, especially as the MC has been improved.
Thanks for the comprehensive review. The Mani 2 seems to be the ideal phono preamp for the Goldring E4 cartridge.
Thank you for the great video. I ordered one the other day before watching this video and you validated my research and thoughts about how well it is to be expected to sound! I appreciate what effort you’ve put into this video and I look forward to listening to my new Mani 2 , and your next video. 😊
A while ago I was interested in a Mani I but was concerned about potential radio frequency noise that some of the first Mani's suffered from. I ended up getting the ifI Zen phono. I am completely satisfied with the ifI, really appreciate the sub sonic filter. It may be time to try a Mani II. Thanks for the great video. Cheers from Canada. Go Leafs.
Nice review Paul! Thank you. I’m running a debut carbon eco that’s been upgraded with all of the recommendations in your video from a while back (apart from the vibration platform options) & I’ve now just tested my new Mani2 which was upgraded from my project phono E box & I am so happy with the outcome. Even when wearing my closed back headphones the sound is bigger, wider & infinitely more detailed. On a dollar to dollar basis this even upgrade even beats the upgrade to the Project Hi Power which at the time blew my socks off. Keep ‘‘em coming!
Ah, a well trimmed piece of black electrical tape over that bright light can keep you from going blind. My Schiit Modi DACs are similar in that regard. Great review. I can see one of these Mani 2 in my future as an upgrade from the built-in phono stage in my old preamp. Thanks! I was debating about buying a Moon 110v2 phono amplifier (~$600 USD) but since I'll likely never go the moving coil cartridge route, I think - and hope - the Mani 2 will give me all the performance I need.
I have both the 1 and the 2. Great accurate review. Good job!
I’m looking to upgrade my $60 Fosi Phono Amp. Glad to hear this is a favorable option.
i have had the schiit mani 2 for sometime since it came out, it was my first phono for my sl1200 mk2, i have no complaints about the sound quality, its really good. but i think my rca audio port may be abit loose (at certain angles), although it had a long warranty i never bothered to return it cos of that issue, really great for the $
I have a McIntosh ma 5200 ($4000 integrated amp from 2014). Do you think this would be an upgrade over the built-in phono preamp?
Swapped the ifi zen for this and I'm so happy. Mani has big issues on burning out capacitors, it happens to me 3 weeks after the purchase and the shipping to Italy. I saw on some forums many had this, even 3 times in a row after assistance.
They didn't want to refund me so I just bought a ifi zen and I cannot be happier than switching from them tbh. Even with the disappointment about the rejected refund. It will be my scar about them which will remember to not buy anymore their stuff.
I meant to say, swapped this for the ifi zen.
@@morenocasalegno3532 So you are happy with ifi? I ordered it yesterday and today the Mani 2 is in stock again. one reviewer on youtube said, that the mani 2 is better than the ifi. And: Are 36db enough for mm (Ortofon 2m bronce).
For even better results, I bought a Loki M, Schiit’s equalizer and hooked it up with the Mani 2. Not all recordings are the the equal and it just fine tunes everything. It’s also fun too!!!
@Paul - I think many of your followers, myself included, would like to see you review the iFi Zen as well. The Mani 2 and Zen seems to be close competitors in this particular category and price range - it’s a tough decision. Cheers!
Nice review! And what about the iFi Zen Phono? I think that the real contender for Mani 2 is the iFi...
The iFi Zen is arguably the best phono stage under £500
Thanks for the review Paul. Any chance we could get a comparison between Mani2, ifi Zen Phono (with balanced output) and the Pro-ject S3 Balanced?
I just wonder if it's worth upgrade from the previous one?
I have the previous mani and i have a lot of thoughts on my mind about upgrade but i'm not sure...
So I’m running my 2 Technics 1210’s (with upgraded tone arm wiring), using Concorde Club MK2 cartridges through my A&H Xone 23 (which has upgraded channel pots and converted to a rotary mixer) and through the Mani 1’s, outputting to Rokit 5 speakers.
Without upgrading speakers or the mixer, do you think I’ll get a decent upgrade in sound if I upgrade from Mani 1 to Mani 2 ?
Great review if you want to hear the Mani 2 compared to a pre-amp that cost half the price instead of the competition that sells for the same price, notably the Pro-ject Phono box S2. But thanks., now we know the $200 Mani 2 sounds better than the $100 competition.
Paul, what would you say about NAD PP2. It continuous it’s presence on the market. You do like NAD turntables. How about this little box as compared to other budget phono stages. That you don’t mention it is telling, or ?
good review paul. would you say the mm performance of the moon lp110v2 is worth the extra duckets? also, what's your position on the need for a phono stage w/a subsonic filter? tia.
Yes, the Moon is a step above. I don't like filters, they may detail .
Currently, and for the past 3 years, I own and use the Mofi Studiophono. Although I think it offers wonderful features, soundstage and detail, the noise floor is higher than optimal and I often get something I can only believe to be EMI/RFI, probably from the crappy wall-wart power supply. I'm tempted to try the new Mani 2 and see how it compares in my system.
A review of the schiit skoll would be great please!!
Nice one Paul .. expert extraordinaire ..
Any ideas how it compares to the pro-ject tube box .. ?
Hi!
Thanks for the review!
What‘s the record on the right behind you?
A certain Ratio?
Durutti Column?
👋
That will be the shoegaze outfit, Ringo Deathstarr.
Ah, now I can read it - I saw it only on the tiny phone-display yesterday ;-)
@@TheAudiophileMan Nice! Never heard of them!
Hi Paul, nice review. It would be great to see a review of the Graham Slee GramAmp 2 Communicator, or one of the bigger models. Thanks very much !
Good day sir. I enjoy watching your episodes. I want your opinion on buying the Shiit Mani 2 I have this year purchased a Project Debut Evo and have been using the Mani 1, I recently purchased A Denon 103R cartridge, would this be a good match for the Mani 2, which I am considering purchasing. Thanks for everyone's thoughts
I don’t see why not, Randy. I actually think the match will work rather well.
I have one of these. They are fantastic. And for the price, you can't really go wrong. 😊
Any thought's on How the Mani 2 would compare to my Marantz 2250B with the Phillips 212 turntable and Stanton 681ee cart. Thanks
How does it compare it to the iFi Zen Phono?
I got this for my birthday and would love to know how to ground it effectively. Have you produced a video on this?
Hi Paul, is there any chance you could do a review putting the Mani 2 against the Rothwell MM Simplex and the Moon please?
Thank great video.
Looking forward to this one. I tried a Mani 2 out of curiosity and gave it to my buddy for his system. Came close to my Project Tube Box DS, albeit without the depth or top end smoothness. Neither of those touch my Sutherland though! Still, Mani 2 is a great budget amp for MM.
I just placed an order for the mani 2
Just ordered this to replace the Fosi I have to pair with an AT VM740ML i just picked up. Seemed to be the only reasonable phono stage with options for proper loading as this cartridge seems to be picky with pF loading. Maybe I'll even get my toes wet with some MC carts as well now that I have the option.
Great review
one of the best product reviews...Thanks!
That’s very kind of you. Thank you.
I have the cheap Audio-Technica mod 60 turntable and it sounds louder with its own preamp than with the Mani. any thoughts?
Louder can be a loser when it comes to quality. Besides either the Mani 1 or Mani 2 has db gain adjustments.
How did the Mani 2 hold up against the Lima Elements phono stage for LOMCs ?
Paul, picked up the Mani 2 to see if it played well with HOMCs. To my surprise, my Sumiko Evo III and both my SAE 1000 (LT & E) were quite good with this phono stage. LOMCs sounded excellent with SUTs, but without them, not as much.
As far as that LED was concerned, I installed a much larger SMD resistor value to tame the brightness down from spotlight to nightlight.
Thanks again,
Bяadley.
I use a Mani with a Nagaoka MP-110. I think it is a really good combination.
Me too
i m using mani2 with mp-500, its great haha
@@aciel-tv A cartridge far expensive than actual phono-stage😊
My mani 2 arrives today and I run a nagaoka mp-110 on my sl1200MK2. Glad to hear itnpairs well. Did you adjust any dip switches or just go factory settings?
thanks for pro & con of sub $200 . Subscribed
had mani for a few years now using mani2 much better I used a toothpick to push that light back inside the case can still see it but not blinding me now
I was going to get the Ifi zen based on your review, but now I'm debating, Mani 2 or Ifi, I'll be using it with a MM.
Am I going bonkers, maybe my mind is going but did I review the iFi phono amp? The Zen Phono? I can't remember. I may have sorted a news item...
@@TheAudiophileMan Wait, yes, I saw the Ifi zen review on another chanel,, my bad, but again, I like the simplicity of the Ifi, but does it sound better than the Mani 2?
Because I haven’t reviewed the iFi I can’t say for sure. I do like iFi, have reviewed lots and have never heard a bad component from the company. So I’m sure it will perform well. I do know that the Mani 2 is superb, especially in MM mode.
Wow, thanks for the review. I just checked my Mani 2 and it has the standard 500ma power supply. Time to upgrade me thinks.
That is NOT some Schiity switch-mode power supply. Quoting from the Schiit website: "Holy schiit that’s a stout power supply. Switcher? Nope, 100% linear. It’s a phono preamp, for gods sake. What are you, a savage?"
Thanks for this. Listening to the the 2, and how good it sounds, that makes a lot of sense.
love mine for mc ,decent real sound...
I don't think the Mani PS is switched, but rather of the "old fashioned" linear type.
Weeeellll, I'm not sure. I'd need to grab confirmation because I'm not sure but I *think* they supply a switching. I'm pretty positive that you can upgrade to a third-party linear, if you wish though.
Yes, that is correct. It is not switched. But with a little twist, since the external powersource is a transformer that delivers 16 volt AC to the Mani 2. (You can read "AC in" on the backside of the RIAA unit). Inside the Mani 2 the incoming AC then gets rectified to DC and smoothed with the capacitors inside.
In total a "linear" power supply. 🙂
@@TheAudiophileMan this is what the website chatbot of "that company" says:
"Holy S*****, my friend! The power supply of the Mani 2 is 100% linear. We don't mess around with switcher power supplies for a phono preamp, that's just not how we roll. We believe in providing the best possible performance for our customers, and that means using a linear power supply."
cheers
4k ???
They are now called S. Not Sch**
I had a Schiit Mani.....better than Rega but nowhere near Moon or Whest.
How do you adjust for mc?
There's DIP switches underneath. Check out my website version and you can look at the still shots: theaudiophileman.com/mani-2-phono-amp-from-schiit/