Lehmann Black Cube SE II or Manley Chinook?


Hello all - just looking for some advice as I consider a change in phono pre. I'm running a vpi classic into a budgie Jensen SUT into a Lehmann Black Cube SE II into an ARC LS26. Power amps are Quicksilver Mini Mites driving Triton Two speakers. On the whole I'm very happy with this combo and I've been a fan of the black cube se ii for some time now. But someone I sell a lot of records to wants to move his Manley chinook and is willing to strike quite a deal with me for it. He is a dedicated audiophile with pristine gear so I'm very tempted having read many of the raves of the chinook over the years and having one friend who swears by this pre. So my questions are:

1. Does anyone have experience with both pres who can give me a sense of what kind of an upgrade I would get with this move?
2. I'm a little concerned about having too much tubiness going on with the Manley/LS26/mini mite combo - should I be worried about this?
3. Currently I experience absolutely no noise at all using my SUT into the Lehmann with the two very close together. Of course the Lehmann has a separate ps that is way down near the floor of my rack. If I put the Manley close to the SUT will I possibly experience hum problems? I was skeptical about the SUT approach for a long time and just ran my MC cart (dv20x2) into the Lehmann with appropriate MC settings. But when I got a chance to try the SUT, well, I was quickly hooked on the sound.

That's all. Appreciate any input, thanks.

davelarz
davelarz-

I have a Classic and have demoed the Chinook. The Chinook should have a more convincing "realistic"  presentation over the SS  Cube.

This of course is subjective. I have an all tube system. Phono amp, linestage and amp. Used Chinooks are showing up in listings around $1500. 

Unless you you plan on using a super low MC-less than .2-3mv, the 60db gain is sufficient. You can lose the step up .





It's a 20x2l. Wish I could get my man's Manley over at my place but the logistics involved make it pretty much impossible. Never too many tubes indeed. It's probably a silly concern I know. LS26 is not a tubey sounding pre in the least
Why not ask your buddy if you can try the Manley in your system? Never too many tubes! BTW,why do you need a SUT with the high output DV ?