Manley Chinook SE MK2

Sounds like I could "borrow" my son's Variac, connect it up backwards, and have a step-up autoformer!

Yeah, I guess you could, but not much bandwidth in a Variac.

To the op i have a REF Phono 2se > REF 5se w Kuzma CAR-40…. imo running single ended with your REF 6 is leaving a LOT of performance on the table…. 

Probably no coincidence both my main phono stages use FET front end Tube back end… as @lewm said …. The relatively high output MC i use allow me and some close friends who use both those and the low output Lyra to evaluate the impact of FET…. my own judgement is yes there are artifacts but trying to hear them defines audiophile vs music lover…

best to you in your search

I am user of a Phon' and DAC that uses 2 x 6922/ECC88 Tubes.

The Chinook has 4 x 6922 in the circuit. I would class this as fortunate as seeking out a quad matched tube set can be a challenge but not impossible.

I have done extensive Tube Rolling along with a friend with a similar device using 2 x ECC88's.

Our discoveries have been Jaw Dropping in relation to how a Tubes influence can transform the presentation and create a sonic not wanting to be changed.

There is good news and bad News in the earlier Trials, it was Tubes from the early 1960's that proved to be the very best selection.

My friend who is a Two Generation Tube collector, has continued trying different Brands and discovered a Tube easier to acquire, that offers a substantial amount in comparison to the Vintage Tubes.

My suggestion is, before the Chinook is demo'd against a more expensive Phon' Model, it may be well worth the time and nominal expense to experience the Phon' with different Tubes.

Disclaimer: Both myself and friend use Valve Power Amp's and ESL Speakers and are adverse to Valve Bottom Frequency Bloom, as well as a Projected Presence of the Upper most Frequencies.

We both share an attraction for what would be considered, a Bias toward the Mid Range and Upper Frequencies being in Harmony with each and the Bass has a clear defined edge at it decays.      

@pindac  the Chinook came with Tungsram as these were the choice of tubes by Upscale. I believe this is why it was named the SE MK2. Now it comes with EH I think because NOS is getting scarce.