2. analog
  3. 153047-107182

ModWright PH 9.0 vs Manley Chinook MkII

I have been looking at upgrading my phono preamp and so far have narrowed it down to the ModWright PH 9.0 and the Manley Chinook MkII (4 gain settings).
I am curious to hear from people who have used these and how they would compare the two. Personally, I want a phono pre that is flexible. I am currently running a MM cart but plan to "one day" upgrade to a Lo MC. However, things never seem to go as plan so, in the event that changes, I don't want to limit my options based on my phono's capabilities.
(The only reason I excluded Herron from my list)
Secondly, I want the best tube phono preamp around this price point. I am curious if the Manley with the addition of a  SUT would out-produce the ModWright (i.e with the ModWright you're paying more for the transformer not because the preamp is better). 
As always, I appreciate the advice and experience from the people in here. Cheers!
jimmy225
advanced101
25 posts
 
^Great comments on the built-in SUTs. I often wonder why people glaze over the quality and brand of the built-in SUTs. Many have the cheaper Lundahls or Jensens. Btw if you like "thicker sounding" SUTs my favorite are the EAR SUTs.

I also have a Music First Classic v2, very good but on that detailed and crystalline side of the SUT spectrum.  The differences between the EAR and Music First are interesting.

I am shopping for a new phono stage 2 and from past experience haven’t been a fan of Lundahls. Otherwise the PH150 would be at the top of my list.  I would prefer built-in SUTs but the options are slim.
tobermory
15 posts
 
Never heard the Manley, but can vouch for the Modwright 9.0, I have it to go along with a KWI200.  Great gear, feels just right, sounds great.  You get cartridge loading controls out front which is nice, sufficient gain too, though my Linn Krystal at 0.2mv could perhaps use a tad more. Jimmy, if you're anywhere near Seattle, you're welcome to stop by for a look/listen.  I suspect you are not, since you'd have mentioned MW being close (Amboy WA).
acrylics
29 posts
 
Big fan of Dan Wright's phono preamps, many other 'high end' phono pre's have come and gone over the years and I still own Modwright's SWP 9.0 SE and presently use a PH-150 and PH-9.0.
gdk00111
8 posts
 
Hello, just picked up a ModWright SWP 9.0. Should be here Thursday. I see a lot of folks in forums rolling tubes out of the gate. I spoke with my dealer, he suggested staying put with the tubes it comes with. Was looking to use some Telefunken EC88s. Any thoughts?

VPI Scoutmaster w/ upgraded feet, ring and clamp
Ortofon Cadenza black w/ ST-90 SUT
Modwright SWP 9.0 - coming (was using a VTL2.5)
Hegel P20 preamp
Custom dual mono block 4*kt88 Telefunken tube amp
All silver wiring for RCA, XLR (not speaker cable)
Polk LSI 707s
Custom 2*JL Audio 10in subwoofers

More to discover