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Schiit Mani - Sent in for repair, no response. Looking for rec's on a replacement preamp

Hi Everybody - first time posting here.  I've run into a serious issue with Schiit.  My Mani ran into a hardware issue (dead left channel).  I mailed it to Schiit on July 3rd, they received it on the 10th and emailed me confirming they had received it and would get back to me in a few days, but to no avail.  I've emailed them a couple of times and just called their number and no response.  I'm getting the feeling I'll never receive my Mani back at this point and I'm not sure if I have any legal remedy to get them to respond (at this point, I don't understand why they didn't just send me a replacement unit). 

So I started looking for a replacement phono preamp.  I have a VPI Prime mounted with a Nagaoka MP-110. Budget is set at 500ish. Any recommendations that will wipe the floor with that piece of schiit?

Thanks in advance,

George 

gloco

Showing 9 responses by gloco

gloco OP
14 posts
 
Wow, thanks for the replies guys! 

@williewonka - I love the mani, it's a wonderful sounding unit, I have no complaints about the sound, very detailed and clean.  Bass thunders when it's supposed to and overall the sound is very cohesive and fun.  I've thought about doing a big upgrade so my wife cleared me to go for it, lol.  

@tablejockey - I'm going to look into the Manley and Simaudio units that Willie mentioned as well as a new cart that's more in league with the Prime.  

Thanks again!
gloco OP
14 posts
 
Thanks for the responses again guys.  I've been googling the rec's posted here and I'm eyeing the budgie.  I love tubes, I previously owned a MG Head OTL tube headphone amp and it sounded glorious with my sennheiser HD580's.  I'll probably go for it soon ;-) and report back.  No word from Schiit - I can understand going on a vacation, but it's been a month since I shipped it out.  At this point, I don't expect to ever see my mani returned to me...and if it is, I'm selling it.
gloco OP
14 posts
 
@tablejockey - I sent a note to the seller offering $1450 as you suggested :-)

Appreciate all the guidance I’m receiving (fist bumps all around)
gloco OP
14 posts
 
@mulveling unfortunately, he didn't accept my offer as someone else offered him the asking price.  I'm still researching as I'm taking the advice from you and several others (spend a little more=future proof) rather than having to upgrade again down the road ;-)
gloco OP
14 posts
 
No worries, @gdhal - I received an email from Schiit that my Mani was repaired and on its way back to me.  This will buy me some time to research a bit more and look for a good deal on a replacement phono preamp, while the Mani will become my back-up.  

The lack of communication did burn me on Schiit- I'm used to receiving updates as I work in the IT field and this is how we operate...we communicate to the customer and provide updates.  

Fortunately, forums such as this one are truly helpful and I appreciate all the guidance I received.  
gloco OP
14 posts
 
@gdhal  - hopefully they will look into the matter and make some changes to how they interact with their customers pending a response on  a warranty repair.  It would be great if they issued case numbers with the ability to look up your case number on their website for updates and provide a realistic eta.
gloco OP
14 posts
 
Hey Guys - I'm eyeing three phono amps:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/phono-audio-research-corp-ph-5-tube-phono-stage-black-excellent-co...

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649366178-ear-ear-834p-deluxe-phono-preamplifier-mmmc/

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649371975-liberty-audio-b2b1-phono-preamplifier/

Any thoughts?  I've read reviews and they all sound great to me.  Just looking for some thoughts from 'goners.

Thanks in advance!
gloco OP
14 posts
 
@mulveling  thank you!  I just found a Manley Chinook on here :-)  I sent a message to the seller regarding what else is included (ie type of tubes, packaging).  Hopefully it's still available.  Once he answers back I'll make him an offer, hopefully this time I will get it!

 After the Chinook I'll look into replacing the Nagaoka with a quality MC, the carts you mentioned are out of my budget until I'm rich, but I'll spring for a cart in the 1k region.  

Really appreciate all the guidance you and the rest of the folks on here have given me.  Kudos to all of you!
gloco OP
14 posts
 
@zkidd I settled on a Tavish Adagio phone pre and I love it. 
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