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Which phono preamps among these three?

1. Manley Chinook Tube phono stage
2. Whest PS.30R
3. Aesthetix Rhea

I picked these three because they are currently available for sale in audiogon, and all three have very good reviews. All three are a bit over my budget at the moment, but I expect to get enough fund in the short future.

I mostly listen to Jazz (50s-60s) and classicals, occasionally pops and rocks. Rhea is more expensive than the other two, but Rhea supports three inputs while the other supports only one input, switchable to MM or MC. The other two cost about the same as used Rhea.

If you are to pick one, which one? For what reason? Is one definitely better than the others? Or, they are pretty much in the same league with different characteristics?
128x128ihcho
lohanimal
659 posts
 
I have a PS 0.2 and that is superb. I am told by James Henriott that the 0.3 is an altogether more impressive animal. I preferred the Whest to the Tom Evans Groove in my system. I know that Michael Fremer had to backtrack on an initial review of the Whest 0.2 that was compared to be on a level with the Manley Steelhead - he wrote a rather bizarrre follow up where he then put the Whest on a par with the Graham Slee Era Gold. Do bear in mind that the Whest is very solid state and you are seeking to compare it with two tube amps - they are not cut from the same cloth from what I have read
nestell
3 posts
 
I own the Manley Chinook and have no acoustic feedback issues. I also own a Sutherland Insight phono preamp which you should consider ($1400 MSRP). The Chinook has a lively sound with good detail. The Sutherland has more refinement, better detail but less dynamics. I like both and switch between them periodically.
jperry
2,433 posts
 
Further to the comments from Dougdeacon regarding the Rhea, I want to note that I thought the Rhea was much improved by using NOS tubes. I purchased my tubes from Andy at Vintage Tube Services.

I saw that the Rhea currently listed has NOS tubes from Andy, so that is a plus.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Is selling your line stage, and going with a full function preamp an option?
tablejockey
3,804 posts
 
I see someone went off topic and gave you another suggestion, so I won't feel guilty.Referencing the Manley price point, if you see one listed-Fosgate v.2. Get one for a deal(under 2k)and do an extravagant NOS tube splurge if you don't feel the stock setup isn't enough.
I'm enjoying mine and won't part with it!
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