Manley Chinook


In Dec 2015 I purchased a Manley Chinook SE from Upscale Audio.  The box I received and serial number stated a SE version but it was actually the standard version.  Kevin D. asked if I wanted to return for the SE model and we agreed that he would send me the Philips PCC88 tubes instead.  This weekend when I went to the room for a listening session once I powered up the Chinook a loud hum persisted.  I checked all connections and they were good.  Changed the tubes - still hummed.  Changed the ICs - still hummed.  Moved to another audio setup - still hummed.  But, after being on for about 30 minutes the hum lessened but a scratchy/crackly sound could be heard in the background.  Yesterday I sent it back to Manley for diagnosis.  I estimate there is less than 20 hrs use.  When I bought this unit I did my research and felt that this would be a workhorse with no problems.  Has anyone else experienced this type of phenomena with the Chinook.  I have hooked my VPI TT back up to my onboard phono stage on my McIntosh C2300; as good as the Mc is I miss the Chinook.
miner42
I know it will be repaired by why such an issue early on in the life of the unit?  Plus, to send back to them and insured was $80, which in my mind I should not be responsible for.  My cover was screwed back on tightly so I know that was not the culprit.  I had taken out the EH6922s and replaced with Philips PCC88s and hum was still present.
@miner42 I empathize with you. I would reach out to Manley regarding the shipping fee. Great it's under warranty and they'll fix it but it's not free if you have to shell almost $100 to get it there, especially if it's a faulty unit to begin with. Judging how this thread had turned into a walk down memory lane, Manley advertising, lunch stories and bass amp praise I'm not so sure your're going to get much further here...
Minor, $80 is a steal for what they do to the Chinook, I would have paid three times that! well worth the postage fee IMO. Are we being a little nit picky???


Matt M
@mattmiller how is $80 shipping paid for by the purchaser a ’steal’ if indeed he bought defective gear?

you said you would have paid 3 times that for what they do to the Chinook? You mean make it work as it should’ve from the jump?