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Phono preamp: Sutherland 20/20 or Manley Chinook?

Hi guys -

I'm looking to upgrade my Lehmann Black Cube twin phono preamp to either of the above (also open to other suggestions).

System is Michell Gyro/SME 309/Benz Micro Glider SL (low output MC); EAD Pre/Pro; Bryston 9BST power amp and Dali Euphonia MS-4.

I want a warm sound and very musical presentation that pulls you in and doesn't fatigue - hence these two on the shortlist. I am not after the nth degree of detail or insight but would like kindness and tolerance of surface noise for some of my less than perfect recordings.

Max budget is $2500; used is ok too provided I could find a 240v version of the Chinook.

Has anyone compared these two phono preamps? What did you go with?

All suggestions gratefully recieved!
wadiman
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
EAR 834P is the warm phono stage you are looking for and save some bux. I had both the Chinook and the EAR (now the Steelhead) and the EAR is tubey and warmer, the Chinook being more detailed and dynamic.
teeshot
123 posts
 
I would call Keith Herron and see if he has any demo units of the VTPH-2. It does exactly what you want and does it better than the Chinook which I also auditioned. It is in your budget. It is a fine piece of equipment which more than fit in a relatively more expensive system than the Herron (Magico, Esoteric, Basis etc). It stands in my opinion with units costing much more.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Steve- You mentioned the OP would save money with the 834 Deluxe. It has gone up in price AGAIN, and is $2595 as of January 2014. If I'm not mistaken, the Chinook actually costs less. I would think the K @ K, along w/ the Herron already mentioned, would be great choices as well. I have heard the phono stage in the Ear 912, and it was indeed on the warmer sideĀ…!
wadiman OP
2 posts
 
FJN04 - perhaps i'm missing something but not sure about what you mean by k@k?

Teeshot - the straight 834 certainly has increased in price - it used to be much less I think! Still - i'll explore as it certainly seems to have the kind of sonic signature i'm after.
bpoletti
1,548 posts
 
I agree with teeshot. IMO, the Herron VTPH-2 is in a class all by itself at the top of the heap. Getting a demo for your budget amount would be a great score.
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