I’ve been a fan, albeit from afar, of Manley Labs for years. There’s something no-nonsense about the company, a refreshing directness and attitude that strikes me as a bit fresh, in the best sense(s) of the word.
The Manley Labs Chinook MM/MC Phono Preamp is the spawn of the famous STEELHEAD according to the company, a product that’s been in production since 2001. People who know me know that I have great respect for products that stand the test of time (who doesn’t?).
From Manley:
Like the Steelhead, each channel employs the two triode sections of a 6922 for amplifying duties with highly accurate passive RIAA equalization networks. In the Chinook, the signal is then directly coupled to another 6922 dual triode serving as the output driver in a White Follower configuration. This output stage circuit is our favorite because of its super-low output impedance and beefy current-driving capabilities. It can drive long cable lengths and difficult loads, tube or solid-state. Bring it on. No wimpy cathode followers here!
Fresh!
The Chinook, named after the fish, offers a boatload (32) of cartridge loading options and the Upscale Special Edition adds four additional gain settings. The SE version also swaps out the Chinook’s stock EH 6922s with Upscale Audio graded and tested Gold Lion 6922s and trades Manley’s purple faceplate for audiophile standard black or silver. Single-ended ins and outs, chassis ground, and IEC inlet complete the rear end.
The Chinook’s sides and top are dressed in black metal mesh which is fine by me, while the recessed company logo and model name sit above the on/off button on the otherwise unadorned faceplate.
I look forward to welcoming the Manley Chinook into the Barn system. Stay tuned!
Manley Labs Chinook Special Edition MkII Phono Preamplifier
Price: $2899
Company Website: Manley Labs
Company Website: Upscale Audio
Specifications
Vacuum-tube complement: 2 x 6922 x 2 (gain stage), 2 x 6922 (output stage). Any 6DJ8, 7308, ECC88 types may be used
Input termination capacitance (MM/MC): 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 pF
Moving magnet input impedance: 47k ohm
Moving coil (MC) input impedance: 5-position user-selectable resistor values of 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ohm offering 32 loading options
Gain: 45, 50, 60, 65 dB
Output impedance: 91 ohm
Minimum recommended load: 2500 ohm
Internal power supply: Fully regulated linear B+, Heater, and control voltage rails.
Fuse: 500mA SLO-BLO size 5mm x 20mm
Standby transformer fuse: 10mA, SLO-BLO, MDL type size 1/4″ x 1 1/4″
Dimensions (WHD): 17″ x 3.5″ x 11″