Manley Chinook or Zesto Andros 1.2


Looking to add a phonostage for my system. Right now i have a vpi prime with ortofon 2m black cart, rogue cronus magnum II integrated amp and tannoy xt8f for speakers. I'm leaning on getting a Ortofon Quintet Black.

I've narrowed it down to these two Manley Chinook or Zesto Andros 1.2. I know theres a big price difference but I can get a used andros 1.2 for a good price.

Performance/sound, versatility and quality which one is better? Will any of those phono stage pair up well with my integrated amp?

I want phono that will last for a long time.

Im open to other phonostage as well.
128x128lestelepaul
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Seeing all the input everyone has made I stated out looking at the Chinook then found the Allnic H1202. I was told that they would choose Musical Fidelity Nu Vista Vinyl, and just learned about the Zesto 1.2. Current system setup is a Rega Planar 3 with a Denon MC cart. A Yamaha CX-800 to Anthem P5 into MB Quart Domain 55’s till I get my B&W Matrix 802 series 3 moved and looked up system sounds amazing. I also use a Denon DP62L with a Stanton cart. And recently acquired a Thorens TD 160.
Will a phono preamplifier really make the system that much better?
I appreciate all of your valuable input. 
Thank you. 

Can I add a question here I was considering a used chinook (here on the gone)or a used musical surroundings super nova 2 phono preamplifier. both are about the same price with in a couple hundred. I know one is tube and the other battery SS. 

 I run a  300b SET amp so have tubes in the chain already, Garrard 301 Jelco 12"er and a Van Den Hul MC 10 (modified by vdh low output not the newer higher out put) and will be adding other carts in the future with possibly another arm but having a Phono stage with 2 phono inputs is not the deciding factor at this time. i'm looking to buy something that will last a very long time in my system. something that is musical as well as refined and detailed slightly on the warmer side. I think both fit in this

what would you pic and why.

You won't be disappointed in your selection!  I just went through this exact process a few months ago... Chinook vs Zesto...everything lead to the purchase of the Zesto over the Chinook!  This also meant that my cart upgrade got pushed off, but the Zesto is an amazing phono preamp and I'm SOOOO glad I went in this direction!

I have a Zesto 1.2 and a Cadenza black running with a SP10/EPA100 arm all through MAC Tube gear and Tannoy 15 inch Monitor Golds in GRF cabs. All I can say is killer pairing. Sounds wonderful.
Buy the Zesto and use the 2m till you can afford the Cadenza black.
It will be the phono stage that will extract all that it can from your cartridge; even though the int. amp will be the bottle neck take care of the pieces upstream, get the best you can afford, and, then consider upgrading downstream.
Another question... Does having a better phono stage and an ok integrated makes a big difference than having a ok phono stage and an better integrated amp?
I've  heard both with my tube amp, the "value" goes to the Chinook.

The Zesto is nice for the 2 arm setup. Aesthetics goes to the Zesto as well.
Adjustability nicer also, since knobs are all on the back. 

Both were quiet and straight forward as far as operation.The Zesto subjectively, edged out the Chinook in a "real" sound. I suspect the difference could be smaller, with tube/power cable swap in the Chinook. 

Both will sound nice in your system, it's your ears that will make final judgement. But if you can acquire the Zesto at a nice price-buy it.

I have the Classic/ AT ART9 ,your Prime is a step up. Bump up your LOMC budget to the Cadenza line, I heard a Blue on the Prime and thought WOW!
Yeah, that Quintet Black is nice, but we're here just once.....you deserve the best
possible.












In regards to the two phono stages you mentioned, Zesto is the easy choice.   I own the Andros 1.2 and would never consider changing it out.   If you need a Zesto dealer, definitely message me.  I've been working with one for a while now.  
I would also consider the Sutherland Insight or 20/20 if you can spend a little more.The DV P-75 is also high value (price/performance) phono pre as well. Cable Company sells all 3 and I'm sure they'll be able to send you demo units to try first.
I can stretch out my budget and get the andros. But I won’t be able to get a cart for the meantime. I just want to make sure that the andros is worth the $$$ than the chinook and it would be a good match with what I have right now.
^...and you would expect that with the price difference, so no surprise there.  It all depends upon your budget.....which would help others give their opinion.  What is your budget?
Zesto is better built and better sounding with great bass,stage,inner detail,midrange and bass.Heard it at length at my stereo club.Good luck.