Power Supply for Schiit Mani Phono Preamp

Well, that is because everyone who has reviewed the Mani with one of these LPS units has called it that, including Swagman.

Of course it is a transformer, as, from what I understand at its simplest, an LPS *is* a transformer that takes AC and converts it into DC. And that’s what the Swagman, and the unit I bought does. It certainly isn’t a ‘switching’ power supply. And the Schiit wall wart also turns AC into DC, but without an additional power transformer. But both convert AC into the required 16v DC power.

Before I purchased mine, I read from another about the circuitry within the Mani, and was dumbfounded that these units worked, but they sure seem to by those who have purchased them, installed them, and used them with success and better performance.

@mktracy

Good to hear it only took a couple weeks. I contacted the owner of Swagman right in the beginning of the pandemic, and he could not guarantee a reasonable delivery time. That was a reasonable warning all things considered.

The one I got via AliExpress; I made sure had very similar specs to the Swagman. I think I did OK.

I am also experiencing the same improvements, especially that the Mani is much more ‘smooth’ in its presentation. 

Well worth the $110.

They make one specifically for the Mani

Do it. I got one recently through AliExpress. Selected one that looked to have a good build (there are many who build them). Unfortunately, unless you want to spend a fortune for a $130 phono stage, these Chinese built options are, IMO, the best bang for the buck. $110 shipped, and really made a nice improvement to my Mani. Well worth the money.

Just checked, the person/company who built mine was named ‘ SENGTERBELLE HIFI Audio World Store’

I inquired with swagman, unfortunately their shipping time could not confirmed and to expect long delays, which is why I went in another direction. I really don’t think swagman offers any more that others can, at a less cost.

Swagman is not the only maker of these LPS’s that will work with the Mani.

Yes, you are correct about the Mani’s power circuitry. But believe me, the LPS makes a positive difference, and does not hurt the Mani. Many folks have been using the Mani with a separate LPS for a long time now, and all agree it improves its overall sound. And it does. For the cost or each/both, I’m not too worried about the warranty. The Mani may not be in my system anymore without the sonic benefit the LPS has provided as I stopped looking for a $500-$1,000+ replacement.

Not to say the Mani is ‘bad’ without it. It’s a steal either way.

@lowrider57 

You can’t compare the quality of a wall-wart transformer to a LPS containing a large toroid or R-core transformer. 

Yep. I went with one that had the R-Core transformer, as a ‘cheap’ toroidal can cause noise, and figured the R-Core was a safer bet.

But but these power supplies *are* an advantage, no matter how Schiit created the circuitry. My, and others who have ears, have heard their advantage first hand. In my case, the performance increase was somewhat substantial. The additional money spent took the very good value Mani to another level. As one reviewer I read stated, ‘his Mani, with the Swagman, made it into a phono pre that easily rivals those costing $500-700’. So still a great deal.

In the end, the performance increase is all that matters for those who have ponied-up the additional $110-130. 

As I believe I stated, I was ready to make a move-up to a more expensive pre, (perhaps much more), but took the chance on one of these power supplies first. There wasn’t really much to lose. And I’m glad I did. That doesn’t mean I won’t replace it, I’m sure I will at some point, but don’t feel that necessity right now.

And I have done a little research regarding ‘linear power supplies’.