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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
icorem
149 posts
 
Another suggestion if I may - check out the BMC mcci which is mc only phono stage but a truly excellent unit. Rave reviewers in stereophile.
You can find a used one easily for your budget.
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.
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