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I need help choosing a budget phono stage gift

An older relative recently had an old technics turntable fixed. He is using a Rega carbon cartridge with an older pioneer integrated amp and its built-in phono stage.

I want to gift him a phono stage to help him hear more music from his system.

For $200, I keep seeing the Ifi Zen, Rega Mini A2D and the ProJect Box S2, but I can’t decide.

Any guidance is appreciated.

saulh
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

The Schiit Mani for $129 is a good choice!

elliottbnewcombjr
5,671 posts
 

Yes, buy from Amazon, keep the packaging, free return for 30 days!

Anything to do with Phono chain, from anywhere: return option!!!

I tried iFi, nah. Cambridge DUO, nah. Pyle $14. beat both of them, in-line, out of sight. Gave that to a friend when I didn't need it any more.

Previously, had a Technics AT120 with optional RIAA, a dinky thing to be sure. I liked it's sound more than my McIntosh SS C28 Preamp.

Now, McIntosh mx110z tube tuner/preamp, love it's phono, just try to pry it away from me. 

 

 

jtuba
25 posts
 

Michael Fremer just posted a very positive review of the Schitt Mani 2. $149 and a significant upgrade from the original Mani to paraphrase MF

Post removed 
mr_m
1,900 posts
 

Another vote for Schiit Mani 2.

Hard to beat for the price.

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