Right here we have a second phono preamp review in a new Schiit MANI 2 Review article.
Intro
Contents
If you are a vinyl lover, you know how important it is to have a good phono preamp in your audio system. A phono preamp is a device that amplifies and equalizes the very low-level signals from your turntable and cartridge and prepares them for your amplifier and speakers. A good phono preamp can make a huge difference in the sound quality and accuracy of your vinyl records, and enhance your listening experience.
However, finding a good phono preamp can be challenging, especially if you have different types of cartridges, such as moving magnet (MM), moving coil (MC), or moving iron (MI). You need a phono preamp that can handle any cartridge, and match it with the optimal gain and loading settings. You also need a phono preamp that has a low noise floor, a high RIAA accuracy, and a switchable low-frequency filter. And of course, you need a phono preamp that is affordable and well-built.
That’s where the Schiit MANI 2 comes in. The Schiit MANI 2 is the latest version of the popular Schiit MANI, which has been upgraded with a new passive RIAA network, a new power supply, and a new switchable low-frequency filter. The Schiit MANI 2 is a high-performance and affordable phono preamp that can handle any cartridge, MM, MC, or MI, and deliver exceptional sound quality and accuracy. In this review, I will look closer at the features, performance, and value of the Schiit MANI 2, and see how it compares to other phono preamps in its price range.
Schiit MANI 2 Specifications
Gain 1 = L, Gain 2 = L (Decca Mode)
- Gain: 35dB
- THD: <0.0003%, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
- SNR: >108dB, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
- Crosstalk: -90dB, 20-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 5.3mV for 300mV output
- Overload Margin: >20dB
Gain 1 = L, Gain 2 = H (Standard MM Mode)
- Gain: 45dB
- THD: <0.0006%, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
- SNR: >98dB, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
- Crosstalk: -90dB, 20-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 1.9mV for 300mV output
- Overload Margin: >20dB
Gain 1 = H, Gain 2 = L (Low Output MM/High Output MC Mode)
- Gain: 50dB
- THD: <0.001%, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
- SNR: >96dB, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
- Crosstalk: -80dB, 20-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 1.06mV for 300mV output
- Overload Margin: >20dB
Gain 1 = H, Gain 2 = H (MC Mode)
- Gain: 60dB
- THD: <0.0015%, A-weighted, at 2V RMS
- SNR: >87dB, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
- Crosstalk: -75dB, 20-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 0.33mV for 300mV output
- Overload Margin: >20dB
Input Loading:
- Selectable R: 47KΩ, 200Ω, 47Ω, or 38Ω
- Selectable C: 47pF, 100pF, 150pF, or 200pF
RIAA Accuracy:
- +/- 0.2dB, 20-20kHz
Low Frequency Filter:
- 6dB/octave or 12dB/octave at 15 Hz, fully passive
Output Impedance:
- 75 ohms
Topology:
- Fully passive RIAA network with OPA1612 gain stages, OP07 DC servo, switchable passive CR LF filter, 1- or 2- pole, 0.1% thin-film resistors, and 2% film capacitors
Power Supply:
- “wall wart” style 16VAC transformer, dual-filtered, regulated +/- 16V rails
Power Consumption:
- 4W
Size:
- 12.7 x 8.9 x 3.18 cm
Weight:
- 0.45 Kgs
You can download & view the manual here->Schiit MANI 2 Manual
Features and Design
The Schiit MANI 2 is a compact and minimalist phono preamp that measures 5 x 3.5 x 1.25 inches and weighs 1 lb. It has a sturdy metal chassis with a black finish and a simple front panel with a power switch and a white LED indicator. The back panel has four pairs of RCA inputs and outputs, a ground post, and a power jack. The Schiit MANI 2 comes with a wall-wart power adapter that provides +/-16V DC to the unit.
The Schiit MANI 2 is designed to provide super low noise and high RIAA accuracy, using a passive RIAA network with 2% precision film capacitors and 0.1% thin-film resistors in a DC-coupled topology. The phono preamp uses TI’s low-noise OPA1612 op-amps and has an advanced dual-filtered power supply that reduces noise and interference. The Schiit MANI 2 also has a switchable 1- or 2-pole passive low-frequency filter that can help with warped records or other subsonic problems.
- Schiit’s all-new Mani 2 sets the standard for performance and capability in an affordable phono stage. Super low noise...
- Gain: Choose 35, 45, 50, or 60dB of gain, for virtually any cartridge from Decca to low-output MC and MI models.
- Loading: Choose 47KΩ, 200Ω, 47Ω, or 38Ω, and 47pF, 100pF, 150pF, or 200pF for virtually any MM, MC, or MI cartridge.
- Filter: Choose 6dB/octave or 12dB/octave of purely passive low-frequency filtering (at 15 Hz), to help with warped...
- Designed and built in TX, USA. 115VAC only. USA Plug. Suitable for use in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Will...
The Schiit MANI 2 is also very flexible and versatile, as it can accommodate virtually any cartridge, MM, MC, or MI, with its four gain settings and loading settings. The gain settings are 33, 42, 48, and 60 dB, and the loading settings are 47K ohms, 200 ohms, 47 ohms, and 38 ohms, with four capacitance settings of 47, 100, 150, and 200 pF. The gain and loading settings are controlled by eight DIP switches on the bottom of the unit, which can be easily accessed and adjusted.
Performance and Sound Quality
The Schiit MANI 2 delivers impressive performance and sound quality, as it has a very low noise floor and a high RIAA accuracy. The phono preamp has a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB (A-weighted) and a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.005%. The RIAA accuracy is within +/- 0.2 dB, which is very close to the ideal curve. The Schiit MANI 2 also has a high overload margin, as it can handle up to 5.5V RMS at 1 kHz.
The Schiit MANI 2 produces a transparent and detailed sound, with a wide and deep soundstage and a natural and balanced tonality. The phono preamp preserves the dynamics and nuances of the vinyl records and reveals the subtle differences between different cartridges and pressings. The Schiit MANI 2 also has a smooth and musical character, with a rich and warm midrange, a clear and airy treble, and a tight and punchy bass. The Schiit MANI 2 does not add any coloration or distortion to the sound but rather lets the music speak for itself.
Schiit MANI 2 Video Review
How to Connect Schiit MANI 2 to my Turntable and Amplifier?
To connect the Schiit MANI 2 to your turntable and amplifier, you need to follow these steps:
- You need to choose the right location for the Schiit MANI 2. It should be near your turntable, away from the turntable motor, and not near any power cords or cables that might cause interference. You also need to make sure that the Schiit MANI 2 has enough ventilation and is not exposed to heat or moisture.
- You need to choose the right cables for the Schiit MANI 2. You should use short, well-shielded RCA cables to connect the Schiit MANI 2 to your turntable and your amplifier. Short cables can reduce noise and signal loss, and well-shielded cables can prevent interference from other sources.
- You need to adjust the gain and loading settings for the Schiit MANI 2 according to your cartridge type and preference. The Schiit MANI 2 has four gain settings and four loading settings that you can control by eight DIP switches on the bottom of the unit. You can refer to the owner’s manual for the recommended settings for different cartridges.
- You need to connect the Schiit MANI 2 to your turntable and your amplifier. You should connect the RCA inputs of the Schiit MANI 2 to the RCA outputs of your turntable, and the RCA outputs of the Schiit MANI 2 to the RCA inputs of your amplifier. You should also connect the ground post of the Schiit MANI 2 to the ground wire of your turntable if you have hum problems.
- You need to connect the power adapter of the Schiit MANI 2 to the power jack of the unit and to a power outlet. You should use the supplied wall-wart power adapter that provides +/-16V DC to the Schiit MANI 2.
- You need to turn on the power switch of the Schiit MANI 2 and enjoy your music. You can also use the switchable low-frequency filter of the Schiit MANI 2 to reduce the effects of warped records or subsonic noise if needed.
Value and Comparison
The Schiit MANI 2 has an affordable price, which is very reasonable for a high-performance and flexible phono preamp. The Schiit MANI 2 offers a lot of features and capabilities that are usually only found in much more expensive phono preamps, such as low noise, high RIAA accuracy, passive RIAA network, DC-coupled topology, dual-filtered power supply, switchable low-frequency filter, and multiple gain and loading settings. This phono preamp also has a solid build quality and a simple and elegant design.
The Schiit MANI 2 is one of the best phono preamps in its price range, and it can compete with some of the higher-end models as well. Some of the phono preamps that can be compared to the Schiit MANI 2 are:
- Pro-Ject Phono Box S2: This is another affordable and versatile phono preamp that can handle both MM and MC cartridges, with eight gain settings and four loading settings. It also has a dual-mono design and a switchable subsonic filter. However, it has a higher noise floor and a lower RIAA accuracy than the Schiit MANI 2, and it uses an active RIAA network and a single power supply.
- Cambridge Audio Solo: This is a simple and elegant phono preamp that is designed for MM cartridges only. It has a low-noise and high-accuracy design, with a balanced RIAA network and a surface-mounted circuit board. It also has a subsonic filter and an automatic power-down feature. However, it has less flexibility and versatility than the Schiit MANI 2, and it does not have a DC-coupled topology or a dual-filtered power supply.
- Rega Fono Mini A2D: This is a compact and minimalist phono preamp that is designed for MM cartridges only. It has a low-noise and high-quality design, with a discrete transistor circuit and a linear power supply. It also has a USB output that allows digital recording of vinyl records. However, it has fewer features and capabilities than the Schiit MANI 2, and it does not have a passive RIAA network, a switchable low-frequency filter, or multiple gain and loading settings.
Conclusion
The Schiit MANI 2 is a high-performance and affordable phono preamp that can handle any cartridge, MM, MC, or MI, and deliver exceptional sound quality and accuracy. It has a low-noise and high-accuracy design, with a passive RIAA network, a DC-coupled topology, a dual-filtered power supply, and a switchable low-frequency filter. It also has a lot of flexibility and versatility, with four gain settings and four loading settings. The Schiit MANI 2 is one of the best phono preamps in its price range, and it can compete with some of the higher-end models as well. If you are looking for a phono preamp that can bring out the best from your vinyl records, you might want to check out the Schiit MANI 2.
Schiit MANI 2 Pro & Cons
Pros
- Low noise and high RIAA accuracy
- Transparent and detailed sound
- Flexible and versatile
- Switchable low-frequency filter
- Affordable and well-built
Cons
- Confusing and misleading manual and DIP switch labels
- Bright and annoying power LED
Crackling Sound was created to provide straightforward, unbiased reviews of audio products, catering to those who want excellent sound without delving into complex audiophile terms. I aim to simplify the decision-making process for my readers.
As an audio enthusiast and self-builder for over 20 years, I ensure my reviews are honest, highlighting both advantages and disadvantages. I conduct sound tests to deliver comprehensive and reliable information about various audio devices. My extensive experience in DIY projects, experimenting, installing, and using high-end audio gear helps me provide thorough and comparative reviews.