The Devil is in the Cartridge Setup (and a good phone pre)...

I recommend cleaning the stylus after playing every LP side. And apply some Stylast after cleaning.

Talk and more talk. Mods always reduce resale value unless performed by the manufacturer. I would never buy a piece that I knew was modded by an end user, even if returned to stock. Time and time again arguments are made for doing this, and it’s fine as long as the user appreciates the work they’ve done on it. But in the market, it’s a fool's errand.

Stevecham, 

Your question assumes what it seeks to prove:  that I think Manley doesn't know what it's doing.  On the contrary... I love Manley.  I think the Chinook is an amazing piece of gear.  In fact, it's the last piece of gear I'd ever sell.  So, I have no idea what you're talking about.  

Next: I have no intention on ever selling the Manley.  It's that good. I do, however, have curiosity and realize this is a hobby.  

 I have tinkered with electronics since I was a kid.  I'm 44 now.  I've built 3 tube amps.  I'm not sure what your perspective is or experience in this area is so I'll be sensitive.  Op amp removal and install is perhaps less involving than changing speaker cables over and over during the life of a component.  Sometimes an op amp can be soldered.  Other times, and I think IMHO, usually they are drop in.   The takeaway--op amps are no different than fuses.  Would you say that a user made a terrible mistake by swapping fuses?  What if the fuse goes out?  

As far as making many changes in a row, thank you for stating the obvious.  That's exactly what I did and knew it.  Life is busy.  

But above, all, I'm super curious as to why folks drop in to voice opinions in this way.  

And finally, on the issue of modifications.  The amps that I've built have never had one issue and I've swapped in and out caps, resistors, output transformers, power transformers, and so on.  But I've bought some expensive gear and had to have it repaired on multiple occasions--usually with good service from the manufacturer.  

In no way am I suggesting that modifications are better or always safe or don't have an effect on resale (maybe for the better).  What I am saying is... why did you drop in here?  

@teoaudio,  I agree 100%.  And when I built or modded I started to realize the cost of things.  They often seem cheap to an audiophile who's doing a single build. "Why not use Mudorf caps, and try Clarity, Auricaps (cheap but brilliant), etc?" 

Your point is spot on.  The manufacturer has the advantage of economy of scale on one hand (or maybe it doesn't if it's small), but each piece adds up very, very quickly--especially when making multiple units. 




 

A couple other things....

What Nora Jones albums are poorly recorded?  I have a personal opinion of quality ranges for each in her portfolio, but I I wouldn't any are poor in general. 


Thanks for the recommendation on Stylast.  I use the onzo product and I don't clean it as often as I should. Off to buy some Stylast, as it is highly regarded and if it saves or buys me some hours it's probably worth it.