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In Reply to: RE: I went from separates to integrated a couple years ago... posted by mtbikeNH on May 12, 2016 at 10:05:16
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to audition the Manley Chinook. I use a now discontinued Fosgate V.2 which is under the amp in pic.
The Manley seems to be a popular unit right now@2.5K retail.
Both are tubed units, but have a different circuit layout. The Foz is entirely tubed including a tube rectifier. The Manley is S.S. rectification and its first stage is JFET.
With that in mind, the Manley is a VERY quiet unit, while the Foz does have minor hiss at R&R volume levels(12:00 o'clock) between tracks and quiet passages.
If I didn't have the Foz to compare, I would be quite satisfied with the Chinook.
A panel of non audio geeks(but music fans) along with the S.O. voted the Foz as more realistic sounding. I believe it's that transistor stage that makes its presentation a little different. It does edge out the Foz a tiny bit with micro detail, but for vocals and acoustic instruments, the Foz KILLS the Chinook. This is subjective, so naturally my opinion is just that.
The comparison was pretty equal with both units tubed with NOS glass and plumbed with decent cable(Nordost)
Presently, the Foz is undergoing minor surgery on the distributors bench. I'm listening to that
Cambridge CD deck. It's a tweaked Mapleshade unit and actually sounds decent.
Still no comparison when I drop the needle of my AT ART9 on a record.
While on the subject of carts, consider a LOMC when it's time to replace that Orto.
Follow Ups:
If you enjoy vacuum tube phono preamps I can highly recommend the $2k MSRP Rogue Ares. I'm not active with vinyl right now since moving into a smallish home office setup but I've owned the following phono preamps over the years and the Rogue is my favorite:- Aesthetix Rhea
- Rogue Ares
- Graham Slee Era Gold V MM & Elevator EXP head amp
- Cambridge 640p
- Musical Fidelity V-LPS
- PS Audio GCPH
- Hagerman Cornet II Silver Edition (factory built)
- EAR 834P- And the Bob's Devices CineMag 3440 and 1131 SUTs.
- (Dynavector 17D3, Benz Micro Glider SL, Denon DL-103R, Dynavector DV-20XH)
I wonder if mtbikeNH has auditioned the PrimaLuna. I wouldn't mind trying the DiaLogue Premium HP integrated someday.
Edits: 05/15/16
I've heard that Rogue Ares, and it is a nice piece for the money. Didn't hear it like the Manely -side by side in my system, but did like what I heard.
You certainly have heard your share of good phone amps.
My unit is being repaired with an uncertain completion date, so I broke down and purchased a Schiit Mani to keep the table spinning.
Abe,
My wife and I spent several hours on Saturday auditioning the PrimaLuna. I have to say I was very impressed. The source was all CD and the speakers were Focal.
I can only describe the experience as everything about the music just sounded right. My wife said everything was "pretty". I can't see ever getting tired of listening with this integrated. I should add I have one on order.
If you're ever in my neck of the woods you are welcome to come by for a listen once it is broken in.
Lastly I will say the dealer experience I had was one of the most informative and relaxing listening demos I have ever had the pleasure of sitting through. if mentioning the dealer is appropriate I will do that in another email.
I thought this would be a much longer journey. I only heard about 5 or 6 different integrated amps before settling on the PrimaLuna.
You'll be impressed again when you hook the table up with a decent phono amp.
Also, playing with a few different power tubes if curiosity gets to you. The only tube I haven't tried is the KT150. 8@$100 each is a luxury not on my list. It just may be in my head, but I do find the PL sensitive to a decent power cord over the supplied one. Also, I prefer to hear mine through a PS Audio power plant.
Happy listening
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