Manley Chinook SE MK2

 By the way, if the Chinook is like the Steelhead, the gain stage is a tube/transistor hybrid cascode and is remarkably quiet with a very wide bandwidth.

Define “outperform “.

Di you mean”sounds better”, “quieter “, more gain, or what?

What about adding a SUT? Was recommended by a friend it's a substantial improvement. 

I am not a big fan of tube phono stages and I had a PH3 SE for decades. There are many SS phono stages that will outperform the Manley. The Sutherland Little Loco and the Channel D Lino C come to mind right off the top. 

@rauliruegas 

should chime in on this one. 

I cannot be happier with my Icon Audio PS1 MkII, it has made such a big improvement in the vinyl getting its dynamics back especially in the lower highs and midrange. I was in discussions to purchase a Manley Chinook but settled on the Icon Audio instead,  I almost abandoned my analogue side completely and had been concentrating on my digital end, new dac, new CDT, new control application, streaming service, lots of  high resolution digital downloads PCM's and DSD files, you get the idea. Thinking I have all this vinyl and not playing it much anymore.

So if you are still utilizing a low cost phono preamp, an upgrade here could restore your faith in your vinyl. I have since re-invested in my analogue side, including Clear Audio Concept with Satisfy Arm-Turntable, Hana ML-MC cartridge and a Nagoaka MP 500 MM cartridge, to go with the new all tube phono stage and power supply noted above. I am currently rediscovering alot of my vinyl. The vinyl listening sessions have returned and I am loving it!

I have a Rogers High Fidelity PA-2 and I've not heard anything better. It has an interesting feature where depending on the tube you use, it can provide different levels of gain. I'm currently running an Ortofon Winfeld Ti and it's output is only 0.2mv. The PA-2 makes 70db of gain in my current setup. Even though it's single ended I have no issues with gain. Have looked at doing something else like a ModWright PH150 but what I have is so good I'm reluctant to let it go. It's worth your consideration for sure 

I went from Chinook to Allnic H-5500 and loved the move so much it forced me to continue to upgrade phonos. 

I would highly recommend the Sutherland Little Loco current driven phono stage

if you use a low output MC cart

no more settings for gain and impedance

Good luck Willy-T

I'm using an ARC Ref 3 Phono with my Hana Umami Blue.  A match made in heaven IMHO.  

How does the PL differ in presentation?

samzyx12-

If you want something to play with, get the Roadrunner/Sota speed control setup and gimbal arm replacement for the Classic. OR, if you’re a DIY guy, buy a nice arm that later can be transferred to the new table.

I'm quite pleased with the new PL all tube phonostage.

Different presentation from the Chinook.

@rooze I definitely don’t need a Steelhead with so many features. How does the sound compare to the Chinook?

@tablejockey recently i upgraded my cartridge to a Hana Umami Blue. Its still breaking in but so far i love it. I spoke with Upscale and they recommended the first place i should upgrade was the cart so i did. They said i would have to spend 10k to really up the turntable game so sit tight with the Classic 1.

Recently upgraded my preamp from the LS28 to a Ref6. And several months ago Sonus Faber Olympica 3 to Wilson Sabrina original version.  I have looked at a Audio Research PH8 however,  the downside is only 58db of gain which I think is ridiculous given the cost. Also single ended only.   The Umami Blue is 0.4mv and since I'm single ended, the Ref 6 doesn't have a high gain, I need 65db gain setting. If using XLR I could get by with 60db. 

I compared the MKI Chinook to a Zesto Andros 1.2

The Zesto was more neutral, more detailed, more dynamic, whereas the Chinook had a warmer, fuller, more tubey presentation. I kept the Zesto and sold the Chinook. A few months later I sold the Zesto and bought a Steelhead which I still own.

I use a  VPI Classic  also. Different flavor cartridge.

AT ART9 or spend a little more Lyra Delos or whatever in  between.

You're setup is solid. Open the wallet wider later for a new table- then next level phonostage.

The  Chinook SE has been in my setup.

Lamm, used ARC REF Phono 2se, Herron w HRS damper plate, Nimbus and Nos tubes ….. The Manley is very good…but you have lots of choices

Modwright PH9.0?  Just over $5k with X/T upgrades but good stock.