I’ve owned the Chinook and the PS Audio. High marks for both; I recommended the Chinook to my father recently for his MM. Chinook does give you what you want from tubes, and the PSA gives you what you want from SS, with a hint of tubiness. But for MC I have to give the nod to the PS Audio based on the ease of switching gain and load settings on the fly with a remote. That is more than just a convenience; it allows you to judge the best load from your listening position. I loved the Chinook with an MM cart, but had trouble dialing it in with an MC. (That said, I’ve moved back to a tube phonostage, but it cost me).
Suggestion for phono preamp in sub 2k price to complement Rega Planar 8 with Apheta 3 MC
Just got a good deal on a new Rega Planar 8 with Apheta 3 cartridge. I have a vintage preamp that has a MC input but is spec’d for a lower output MC back in the ‘70s. I also want to be able to have the flexibility in settings if/when I change out the cartridge.
I’ve looked at the PS Audio phono preamp and the Manley Chinook both seem well reviewed. Any others I should be considering and I’m not opposed to buying used.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.
I’ve looked at the PS Audio phono preamp and the Manley Chinook both seem well reviewed. Any others I should be considering and I’m not opposed to buying used.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.