Manley Chinook with (very) low output MC ZYX?

@soundermn 

Here is a cheaper solution that sparkos labs with strong specs.  Some say specs don't matter so much with op amps.  I have no idea and will let my ears be the judge. 

http://www.doukaudio.com/dual-discrete-op-amp-hifi-audio-preamp-operational-amplifier-opamp-replace-...

Very interesting!  Thank you for sharing your feedback!  I agree that it's staying with me too.  The only thing I would consider if I were upgrading is the Herron... but it's significantly more money, and I wonder how much better it really can be.  

Exactly soundermn!  I also wonder if the Herron would be great yet just different. Since I'm in love with the Chinook it's staying.  

The Chinook is the single best piece of gear I've ever bought, including speakers, tube amps, etc.  Why?  Because it elevated the overall vinyl game into liquid tube honey sound.  It's that good. 

@johnss ,  So after a year of using the Burr Brown 2134 opamps in the Chinook, I bit the bullet and bought the Sparkos Labs SS3602.  

The Burr Browns provided a subtly nice improvement--mostly a lowered noise floor from what I could tell.  

The Sparkos labs are better than the Burr Browns and the stock opamps in the Manley.  They sound so smooth and clean.  Highly recommended.  Not cheap, but worth it. 

 Where are the RPMs in the circuit of the Chinook?. So far as I know, my steelhead uses discrete transistors plus triodes throughout the audio circuitry. So I am wondering what is going on with op amps in the Chinook. Perhaps they only serve for the relays and switching apparatus when you change settings. In which case I would not expect them to have much effect on sound. Thanks for any insights.