I just returned my second defective Manley Chinook


My first Chinook(bought in 2012) was replaced because of numerous pops and hum.Returned replacement Chinook today because of occasional pop and hum from right channel. Manley is going to change out the main circuit board with the latest.This has been very disappointing and I will attempt to return or sell the Chinook after it is returned to me.How should I handle this with the on-line company that sold me the Chinook?This is not a knock against Manley or their product.
When I purchased the Manley I told the phone rep that I would be willing to spend more for a Herron phono but was told Herron worked best when used with other Herron gear.
From everything I have read on Audiogon this does not seem to be the case.
This was my first experience with tubes and it was disappointing so I was thinking about going back to a solid state phono possibly Pass Labs XP15.But I enjoyed the tube sound so still thinking about the Herron.
I am 64 years old and I want this to be the last phono amp I buy so I want to make sure I make the proper choice.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
My system is VPI Classic One with Lyra Delos.Amp and pre-amp is Jeff Rowland.
montgomery
Quicksilver, Herron, Manley. Three good companies that have been around for a long time and deserve our support. There's no need to be critical of any one of them in order to support either one of the others. Same is true in spades of K&K.
Shakey, Kevin charges if I recollect correctly $400 to build a Maxed Out. Since this kit is less complex, I assuming he won't charge more than that, maybe less. If you need an exact number you can call Kevin.
No I don't need the exact number. I just thought it would be good info for the OP to have when he makes his decision. I am completely happy with my phono stage which I purchased in 2001 and have brought it up to current status.

Shakey
Lewm that is a very mature answer. I have a Herron and haven't heard anything come close in that price range. In fact I would say it's the best phono I have ever heard. A foundation research I heard was at least it's equal but I did not hear them head to head. As far as Herron needing to play with herron, that is absolute bs. Although maybe I could use that logic to convince myself to purchase the line stage.
I have been hoping that a Cadence would show up on Audiogon but it seems to be rare. I should have put that in my thread.I was thinking about the Pass Labs or Herron because it might be a long wait for a Cadence. I have decided to stick with the Chinook and continue to watch for a Cadence.