Yes. The Mani will help. Although, your rig deserves a better phono amp. Make sure your cartridge is set up right and tracking at correct weight. Your room looks "bright" with the wood floors, big window and TV.
Phono Preamp for Thorens TD203 w/ Ortofon 2m Blue
I bought a demo Thorens TD203 turntable w/ Ortofon 2m Blue cartridge > Behringer PP400 $20 phono preamp > Mystere A11 EL34 tube integrated amp > Seas Froy mk3 speakers. It has good PRaT but sounds thin with shrill highs. My Rotel FM tuner sounds better in many respects. I’m assuming the Behringer phono preamp is the culprit. I’m disappointed with the sound playing vinyl.
I was thinking of getting the Schiit Mani phono preamp, but am second guessing myself as to whether the combo will have the synergy to resolve the problem. Does any one have experience w/ the Schiit Mani and/or the Ortofon Blue. Any other budget phono preamp recommendations in the price range of the Mani to consider.
I was thinking of getting the Schiit Mani phono preamp, but am second guessing myself as to whether the combo will have the synergy to resolve the problem. Does any one have experience w/ the Schiit Mani and/or the Ortofon Blue. Any other budget phono preamp recommendations in the price range of the Mani to consider.
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The Mani is dynamic and clean with good highs...the difference between it and what you have is worlds apart. The cheapo device you have most likely is "tinny" sounding - compressed, smeared, and grainy. However, given your bright room, maybe something like a Vincent PHO701 would be more suitable. I believe both can be bought on 30 day trials. On the cheaper end, the U-turn phono gets good reviews and sounds less bright. Stock phono cables will also give you poor sound. Your Blue may not be run in yet so give it some play time when you get a new phono amp. You could also try using a thin cork or leather mat on your Thorens. |
A phono preamp is where the rubber meets the road. You should stretch your budget and try this Bellari VP 130 tube phono. It can be returned if you don’t like it! https://www.needledoctor.com/Bellari-VP130-Tube-Phono-Preamp |
I recently bought a Mani. It had issues when turned on. It would shut off the TV (plugged into the same power bar and disable functions on the preamp. I returned it during the trial period. The charged a restock fee on top of my freight both ways for a defective product. I was worth it to see the backside of this gear which in my mind totally lived up to its name. |
