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Manley Chinook

In Dec 2015 I purchased a Manley Chinook SE from Upscale Audio.  The box I received and serial number stated a SE version but it was actually the standard version.  Kevin D. asked if I wanted to return for the SE model and we agreed that he would send me the Philips PCC88 tubes instead.  This weekend when I went to the room for a listening session once I powered up the Chinook a loud hum persisted.  I checked all connections and they were good.  Changed the tubes - still hummed.  Changed the ICs - still hummed.  Moved to another audio setup - still hummed.  But, after being on for about 30 minutes the hum lessened but a scratchy/crackly sound could be heard in the background.  Yesterday I sent it back to Manley for diagnosis.  I estimate there is less than 20 hrs use.  When I bought this unit I did my research and felt that this would be a workhorse with no problems.  Has anyone else experienced this type of phenomena with the Chinook.  I have hooked my VPI TT back up to my onboard phono stage on my McIntosh C2300; as good as the Mc is I miss the Chinook.
miner42
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,982 posts
 
Sorry you had a problem.  Unfortunately, defective gear does occur.  At least it was still under warranty.

Manley equipment is pretty well built and reliable.  Sounds like a ground issue. Maybe a cold solder joint.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
YES MINOR I have had the exact same issue!(bad noises and hum)... I have just had my Chinook serviced and upgraded (serial#MCH028) my unit was a early model manufactured in 2012 (purchased from upscale in 2015). I was ordering tubes for my Jumbo Shrimp when I mentioned my Chinook to Paul Fargo (service tech) at Manley Labs, and he had me send the unit in just because it had never been serviced ...so I did...then Paul relayed to me that the factory has seen higher than normal noise levels from these Chinooks ( and I have personally heard noises, and it was driving me crazy trying to figure out why my system had this noise issue). Manley labs has a direct fix for all Chinooks it involves changing the Main board and as far as I can see it adds a very good ground point. Now My Chinook is dead quiet and I am so happy with Manley labs, I cant say enough about how they stand behind their products, AND all this was free and under warranty!?! Go figure.... Awesome company.


Matt Miller
sschmidt
19 posts
 
I set up a friend’s stereo in Dec 2015 that included a Chinook purchased directly from Manley. After a couple months it developed the same problem as you and Matt Miller described. Manley repaired it under warranty by installing a new board. The repair took about three months, but the wait could have been that it was one of the first in for the repair and they were diagnosing the problem. Works well now.

asp307
159 posts
 
I wouldn't be too thrilled @sschmidt if I spent several $K on a preamp, had issues, sent it back and had to sit tight for a quarter of a year so my unit could be the guinea pig..Why wouldn't they just send a new unit...or perhaps a loaner?
tortilladc
121 posts
 
I have a used Chinook (purchased from audiogon seller) without noise issues. I also purchased a used Manley Shrimp preamp that I sent to Manley for the upgrade to Jumbo Shrimp (took about 3 weeks). Great company to deal with. Warranty and after-market support is often an overlooked factor when considering a brand.


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