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How much difference will a phono stage upgrade make?

For the past couple of years I’ve slowly been upgrading my audio equipment. I currently have a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated amplifier, an EAT C-Sharp TT with an Ortofon Quintet Black MC cartridge, and Tannoy Revolution XT 8F speakers. The weak link at this point, it would seem, is my phono stage, which is a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS. All things considered, my system sounds really good to my ears, but I can’t help but wonder what a phono stage upgrade would bring to the table. I’m looking at the Manley Chinook Special Edition MK II, which is a big step up in terms of cost, but I wonder how much better it will actually sound. Has anybody made a similar upgrade, and was there a marked uptick in sound quality?
12hz

Showing 2 responses by cakids

cakids
166 posts
 
I have both the Manley Chinook and the EAR 834P. FWIW, here are my impressions.
Both are excellent overall. I prefer the Chinook with MM cartridges, and the EAR with low output cartridges. Maybe it’s because the EAR has step ups for mc.  With the Chinook I alway use an outboard step-up for mc cartridges.
cakids
166 posts
 
I have both the Manley Chinook and the EAR 834P. FWIW, here are my impressions.
Both are excellent overall. I prefer the Chinook with MM cartridges, and the EAR with low output cartridges. Maybe it’s because the EAR has step ups for mc.  With the Chinook I alway use an outboard step-up for mc cartridges.
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