Yeah the MX-VYNL is great but it looks like it’s been discontinued now so it’s likely not a future option. Honestly it doesn’t sound like this is happening anytime soon so I think the only advise is to assess the market and the available options when it’s actually time to purchase.
Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice
- Thread starter Joe Mac
- Start date
Yeah the MX-VYNL is great but it looks like it’s been discontinued now so it’s likely not a future option. Honestly it doesn’t sound like this is happening anytime soon so I think the only advise is to assess the market and the available options when it’s actually time to purchase.
AnthonyI
Well-Known Member
Definitely
basically i mean not as expensive as the 1300-2000 dollars i'd be spending on my turntable and cartridge
apholden
Active Member
Okay. My previous post stands. I've come to realize that, at least for phono stages, used is the way to go. Sutherland equipment is available for the same price as the next model down, and the world of excellent, but discontinued, options opens up.
Even if you're not ready to buy yet, go ahead and save a couple searches in Hifi Shark. That way, you'll have a better idea what each option really costs when it's time.
Even if you're not ready to buy yet, go ahead and save a couple searches in Hifi Shark. That way, you'll have a better idea what each option really costs when it's time.
Splunders
Well-Known Member
I'm glad you're enjoying it! I totally agree with your "full, detailed, natural" description. My previous phono (Musical Surroundings Nova II) was very detailed as well, but the Chinook brings much more of a fleshed out body, weight and scale to the equation. Def endgame for meSo it's been a month with the Chinook and I'm happy to report its a keeper, and rounds off the "End Game" components of the main system
A little on how this came to be, I've said many times that I tend to look at components for a given system in "price pools", meaning that usually components in the same $$ range seem to get along nicely, not to say there aren't components that "hit above" their price range. My budget for the main system has always been a simple $2-3K (ballpark) per component. With that said, I've always wanted to creep up the ladder with my phono stage, the Insight is a phenomenal piece of equipment, there are no qualms about that, but, the DUO was always there kind of taunting me, lol.
The speed bump, as it were, was the cost. Sitting at $4k it was more than I wanted to spend in keeping with my budget, so we slowly started weighing out the possibility of moving to the 20/20 ($2650 w/LPS). There were no negatives I could really find, I knew what to expect from Sutherland and the Insight was staying in the family either way, so it was decided to make the move.
Enter the Manley Chinook ($2800). Manley has been mentioned on the forum more than once, it wasn't a new name or anything, it just didn't seem to jump out in discussions (part of the reason I'm writing this). I logged on to Upscale Audio and brought up the phono stage page and sorted it by price, just to give one last glance at what was in the same price range as the 20/20.........and, literally, right next to the 20/20 sat the Manley Chinook SE MKII. I shot a PM to @HiFi Guy to get his opinions and at the same time gave UA a call to pick their brains a bit about the 2 units.
So little sidebar, huge kudos to both UA and Manley for phenomenal customer service. I spoke to Josh at UA, a few times actually, and a couple of emails as well, in all probably spending close to 90 minutes comparing the two based on my rig, which he was nice enough to ask about, pull up the components to see their specs and use those in formulating an opinion. At the end of it all with all feedback processed we went with the Manley. What I did appreciate was UA breaking it down to this.......spec wise I would most likely enjoy either or, but if I liked the "tube" sound and what I was getting out of my PL I would probably enjoy the Chinook more. As for Manley, it was kind of shocking getting an email directly from EveAnna Manley after registering my Chinook, even more so when they gave me a shout back telling me they may have sent a unit without all the UA tweaks. After some research on their end it was confirmed my unit was fine, but something to take note of, they could have just as easily ignored the issue, it would have been really easy, but they didn't. And on top of that, it was EveAnna who was carrying on the correspondence with me, which was really crazy to me, but I appreciated so much..........I even got a free T-Shirt for my "troubles".
View attachment 78917
So, how about this bad boy? It's brilliant, noticeably quieter background, silent. A more detailed, airy, dynamic sound with a fantastic mid-range and soundstage. The comparison is difficult, if not bordering on unfair, the Insight is a SS stage that I would categorize a level below the Chinook. If I were to compare, I would put the Chinook against the 20/20, if not something a little higher. At this price point and with what I'm hearing from it, in my opinion, you would be hard pressed to find better without a substantially higher investment.
The "Special Edition MKII" is in reference to the tweaks Manley added to this unit exclusively for UA. An expanded capability to handle load/gain requirements and UA "curated" tubes. The tubes were something that weighed heavy on this discussion with the Chinook, is stacking this with the PL going to make it "too tubey", whatever that actually means. I really fell in love with tubes, the tube sound, how ever you want to define it, with the PL, the Chinook has just brought that beautifully "liquid" sound up a couple of notches, if it's too tubey, it's a good thing. The Chinook does go through a factory burn in process and it was recommended to give it a week to really hit it's stride, to which I assumed 40-50 hours would get us in the "zone".
I think, as with anything, you think you've heard great until you hear the next "great". The Chinook, in comparison to the Insight, does take music/vinyl to another level, once again I sit amazed at how different certain albums sound, how much they've opened up. While some phono's tend to reveal the flaws in crate finds or "lesser quality" recordings, the Chinook actually does a really good job of making audiophile recordings sound jaw dropping, and not so hot pressings enjoyable. The Chinook is a really easy listen, its comfortable, its not strained in any way when you sit down to listen to a variety of music. Full, lush, detailed with an overall natural sound.
I do like sticking to things that I know work and work to my liking, but I'm glad I decided to go a little outside the box on this one, if you're in the market and in this price range put it on your radar, If you're considering a 20/20 I would toss the Chinook right next to it, it's a phenomenal piece of equipment.
HayesWeighsIn
Well-Known Member
Enjoying your PLX?
wenis
Active Member
Very much so. My NAD C26BEE came in today and yesterday I was told there may be an opportunity to pick up a Pho 8 soon from a friend of a friend. A new setup is coming together very nicely. At least until I have enough to buy a Sutherland Insight.
So, I'm trying an Arcam SA20 and a Steller Strata. (I'm upgrading an M2si but have space issues). I wanted to put in an MX-VNYL as well but can't find one, so I sprung for an Insight from Southerland. (Moving up from a TubeBox DS)
Thoughts for those looking at these...
The SA20 was an instant improvement to the M2si. The sound stage is wider and there is much more detail. The M2si sounds great and was a big jump for me from powered speakers but it really wasn't close in comparison. I felt the SA20 was a bit splashy with the cymbals, also toms and guitars were further back in the mix compared to the M2si. That may change with time who knows. It wasn't bad just a preference. (left music playing on both for a day while I was gone respectively)
The Strata was input next... It wasn't as significant as the difference between the M2si and the SA20, but it was similar. The sound stage was just as big, The detail was right there as well, but it was cleaner sounding. Cymbals were more organic but every bit as much there. The toms came back and the guitars were where I felt they should be. At this point I'm noticing that there is a shiny quality(sorry it's all I got) to the Arcam in comparison. The Strata seems more dry but that changes with music. I.e. "wet" affected music sounds "wet" but other music does not. The Arcam has a "wet" feel, almost a glimmer, that is always there. Not sure either is better just different. To me the Strata gives you only what you feed it really well with just as much detail but more definition.
I haven't added the Insight yet, but will give both a ride with it. I will say the Tubebox DS has been just fine through all this. I can't imaging getting tons better than what I'm getting without changing more than my phono stage, but we will see.
I realize these are not fair comparisons as some of these vary quite a bit in price and technology, but at least it will give some frame of reference for people who can't get to listening spots.
Thoughts for those looking at these...
The SA20 was an instant improvement to the M2si. The sound stage is wider and there is much more detail. The M2si sounds great and was a big jump for me from powered speakers but it really wasn't close in comparison. I felt the SA20 was a bit splashy with the cymbals, also toms and guitars were further back in the mix compared to the M2si. That may change with time who knows. It wasn't bad just a preference. (left music playing on both for a day while I was gone respectively)
The Strata was input next... It wasn't as significant as the difference between the M2si and the SA20, but it was similar. The sound stage was just as big, The detail was right there as well, but it was cleaner sounding. Cymbals were more organic but every bit as much there. The toms came back and the guitars were where I felt they should be. At this point I'm noticing that there is a shiny quality(sorry it's all I got) to the Arcam in comparison. The Strata seems more dry but that changes with music. I.e. "wet" affected music sounds "wet" but other music does not. The Arcam has a "wet" feel, almost a glimmer, that is always there. Not sure either is better just different. To me the Strata gives you only what you feed it really well with just as much detail but more definition.
I haven't added the Insight yet, but will give both a ride with it. I will say the Tubebox DS has been just fine through all this. I can't imaging getting tons better than what I'm getting without changing more than my phono stage, but we will see.
I realize these are not fair comparisons as some of these vary quite a bit in price and technology, but at least it will give some frame of reference for people who can't get to listening spots.
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The Tube Box to the Insight will be another big jump. The Insight will sound markedly better once you’ve had it powered up for a couple of weeks.
How do you like the NAD?
Crabbers
Well-Known Member
wenis
Active Member
only hooked it up briefly to a TT with a built in pre-amp to check if it worked (it does! they wrapped it in two thick towels, buffered the edges with cardboard and covered it in packing peanuts) so no real thoughts on it besides it turns on, lights work and it gets loud. the original owner seems to have lost the original remote though and purchased a third party replacement. nbd, but I thought that was funny. As it turns out this was through an estate seller on ebay so I cant really track the original owner down anymore.
thank you.. i'd also probably be looking around a good amount on USaudiomart
just looking for a good companion for a mofi studiodeck (the ultradeck seems a bit too expensive but it depends on how money i have in the coming couple years) and a Hana SL.. that is about a 2000 dollar combination so i dont wanna spend it all on something like a PS audio Stellar (though i hear thats an amazing phono preamp it gives me no money for a good bigger headphone amp like a THX 789) but still be able to run the low voltage preamp with the over 400 ohm recommended loading
Jango
Active Member
Any recommendations on speaker cables? Zu Audio? Analysis Plus? Kimber? Coat hangers? I’m currently using bulk cable.
Sebastian
It’s Wool…
Is that an audiophile menorah?
Sebastian
It’s Wool…
I was able to snag a pair of Zu Audio Mission cables for $75 a few months back.
I like the blue jeans at their price. Currently using the bi wire and just ordered a set of the BJC Ten for the new speakers.
kvetcha
Well-Known Member
I bought 100 feet and just cut to length. works nicely.
Jango
Active Member
Thanks, I’ll check them out. I’ve been keeping an eye on the Zu auctions as well, but I don’t have much experience with speaker cables. I’m not really sure how much of an improvement or change I can expect from one to another.
I like Martin Logan electrostatic speakers a whole lot.
That said, there are down sides:
They are quite revealing and you’ll hear everything your system is doing upstream. You’ll want to mate these to a seriously good amp.
They need to to be plugged into the wall to keep the panels charged. They don’t use much power though.
The panels themselves have a limited lifespan- at around 15 years they’ll need to be rebuilt. The ones you posted were discontinued in 2007, so they’ll be due for service at some point fairly soon.