Manley Chinook or Zesto Andros 1.2


Looking to add a phonostage for my system. Right now i have a vpi prime with ortofon 2m black cart, rogue cronus magnum II integrated amp and tannoy xt8f for speakers. I'm leaning on getting a Ortofon Quintet Black.

I've narrowed it down to these two Manley Chinook or Zesto Andros 1.2. I know theres a big price difference but I can get a used andros 1.2 for a good price.

Performance/sound, versatility and quality which one is better? Will any of those phono stage pair up well with my integrated amp?

I want phono that will last for a long time.

Im open to other phonostage as well.
128x128lestelepaul
Another question... Does having a better phono stage and an ok integrated makes a big difference than having a ok phono stage and an better integrated amp?
It will be the phono stage that will extract all that it can from your cartridge; even though the int. amp will be the bottle neck take care of the pieces upstream, get the best you can afford, and, then consider upgrading downstream.
I have a Zesto 1.2 and a Cadenza black running with a SP10/EPA100 arm all through MAC Tube gear and Tannoy 15 inch Monitor Golds in GRF cabs. All I can say is killer pairing. Sounds wonderful.
Buy the Zesto and use the 2m till you can afford the Cadenza black.