I use the built-in MM phono pre-amp in my Rega Elicit-R. However, based on the review linked below, I would be buying this new Schiit Mani 2 if I needed a budget phono pre-amp. Seems like a tremendous value.
Schiit Mani 2
Schiit just released a successor to our favorite inexpensive phono pre-amp:
https://www.schiit.com/products/mani-4
Some of the highlights include significantly better SN ratio and distortion levels compared to Mani v.1 and the following:
- 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
- LF Filter: Choose 6dB/octave or 12dB/octave of purely passive low-frequency filtering to help with warped records or other subsonic problems.
What do you think? are the better specs, rumble filer or loading settings enough to get you to upgrade?