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Manley Chinook

In Dec 2015 I purchased a Manley Chinook SE from Upscale Audio.  The box I received and serial number stated a SE version but it was actually the standard version.  Kevin D. asked if I wanted to return for the SE model and we agreed that he would send me the Philips PCC88 tubes instead.  This weekend when I went to the room for a listening session once I powered up the Chinook a loud hum persisted.  I checked all connections and they were good.  Changed the tubes - still hummed.  Changed the ICs - still hummed.  Moved to another audio setup - still hummed.  But, after being on for about 30 minutes the hum lessened but a scratchy/crackly sound could be heard in the background.  Yesterday I sent it back to Manley for diagnosis.  I estimate there is less than 20 hrs use.  When I bought this unit I did my research and felt that this would be a workhorse with no problems.  Has anyone else experienced this type of phenomena with the Chinook.  I have hooked my VPI TT back up to my onboard phono stage on my McIntosh C2300; as good as the Mc is I miss the Chinook.
miner42

Showing 3 responses by mattmiller

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
YES MINOR I have had the exact same issue!(bad noises and hum)... I have just had my Chinook serviced and upgraded (serial#MCH028) my unit was a early model manufactured in 2012 (purchased from upscale in 2015). I was ordering tubes for my Jumbo Shrimp when I mentioned my Chinook to Paul Fargo (service tech) at Manley Labs, and he had me send the unit in just because it had never been serviced ...so I did...then Paul relayed to me that the factory has seen higher than normal noise levels from these Chinooks ( and I have personally heard noises, and it was driving me crazy trying to figure out why my system had this noise issue). Manley labs has a direct fix for all Chinooks it involves changing the Main board and as far as I can see it adds a very good ground point. Now My Chinook is dead quiet and I am so happy with Manley labs, I cant say enough about how they stand behind their products, AND all this was free and under warranty!?! Go figure.... Awesome company.


Matt Miller
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
The Chinook has a pre owned price of under $2,000 and new $2500, hardly several K. That's the Stingray!  Still the Chinook is an incredible gateway into awesome vinyl,  And you can roll 4 6922's! I was most impressed at how Manley Labs took less then a month to send it back and did not charge me anything for shipping it back or the service/upgrade. Also, they kept me informed the whole time via emails. I really cant say enough about how an AMERICAN company stands behind their products. Manley is in Chino Ca, not China!!  I wish more people would take the time to really research where there "gear" is made...because most will find its made some where in Asia. I love the sound of American designed and manufactured gear. Speakers?? Thats a whole different thread...LOL


Matt M
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
Minor, $80 is a steal for what they do to the Chinook, I would have paid three times that! well worth the postage fee IMO. Are we being a little nit picky???


Matt M
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