In Barn for Review: Schiit Mani 2 MM/MC Phono Preamp

And so it begins.

Now that I have my turntable situation sussed, it’s time to explore the great big wide & wonderful world of analog. I will share that after spending nearly 7 years focused on digital-only as the Editor of AudioStream, the idea of reviewing things whose purpose is to play records seems nearly too good to be true. But it is.

The first phono preamp to arrive in Barn is, as you can see, the lovely and diminutive Schiit Mani 2 MM/MC Phono Preamp. As its name says, the Mani 2 can handle those delicate signals coming from both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges and apply the appropriate gain and loading before sending the music on its way to your amplification of choice.

A Texas Instruments OPA1612 Low THD and Precision op-amp is combined with passive RIAA equalization and a DC-coupled topology in the designed and made in Texas 1 lb. Mani 2.

I may have to buy more records (and get more cartridges) to really put the Mani 2 and the other phono preamps coming to the Barn through their paces. Woe is me.


Schiit Mani 2 MM/MC Phono Preamp
Price: $149
Company Website: Schiit Audio

Specifications

Gain 1 = L, Gain 2 = L (Decca Mode)
Gain: 35dB
THD: <0.0003%, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS SNR: >108dB, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
Crosstalk: -90dB, 20-20kHz
Sensitivity: 5.3mV for 300mV output
Overload Margin: >20dB
Gain 1 = L, Gain 2 = H (Standard MM Mode)
Gain: 45dB
THD: <0.0006%, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS SNR: >98dB, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
Crosstalk: -90dB, 20-20kHz
Sensitivity: 1.9mV for 300mV output
Overload Margin: >20dB

Gain 1 = H, Gain 2 = L (Low Output MM/High Output MC Mode)
Gain: 50dB
THD: <0.001%, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS SNR: >96dB, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
Crosstalk: -80dB, 20-20kHz
Sensitivity: 1.06mV for 300mV output
Overload Margin: >20dB

Gain 1 = H, Gain 2 = H (MC Mode)
Gain: 60dB
THD: <0.0015%, A-weighted, at 2V RMS SNR: >87dB, A-weighted, ref 2V RMS
Crosstalk: -75dB, 20-20kHz
Sensitivity: 0.33mV for 300mV output
Overload Margin: >20dB

Input Loading:

Selectable R: 47KΩ, 200Ω, 47Ω, or 38Ω
Selectable C: 47pF, 100pF, 150pF, or 200pF

RIAA Accuracy: +/- 0.2dB, 20-20kHz

Low Frequency Filter: 6dB/octave or 12dB/octave at 15 Hz, fully passive

Output Impedance: 75 ohms
Topology: Fully passive RIAA network with OPA1612 gain stages, OP07 DC servo, switchable passive CR LF filter, 1- or 2- pole, 0.1% thin-film resistors, and 2% film capacitors
Power Supply: “wall wart” style 16VAC transformer, dual-filtered, regulated +/- 16V rails
Power Consumption: 4W
Size: 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”
Weight: 1 lb