Mattmiller,
Ive auditioned the Chinook not long ago. Using a .5mv cart, I couldn't figure out why I had to crank the volume past 12:00 o'clock for a listenable volume, and I heard zero life coming out of the speakers.
I realized I didn't check to see if the dip switches were set for the high gain 60db setting.
Whilie I'm no audio expert, I can't imagine a .2mv difference making that much difference as your preamp also provides a couple of DB's of gain as well.
Just another thing to check before throwing in the towel and opening your wallet.
I found the Chinook to be a nice sounding unit. Quieter than my tubed Fosgate, at louder than normal listening levels-past 12:00 o'clock. The Foz however, edged out the Chinook with a more "realistic" presentation.