Manley Labs Chinook Special Edition MkII Black Reviews

4.8 Rating 56 Reviews

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Phone:

909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

Location:

2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

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JOEL SCHUYLER

Verified Reviewer

“Outstanding customer service from my salesman Al. Had to wait a couple of months because it was on back order, but everything was handled properly and professional throughout my wait. I appreciate it!”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Warren Grout

Verified Reviewer

“Thanks to Ken, a member of the Analog Team, for answering questions and offering his personal experience with the Manley, I was certain I was making the right decision. The first day of use I was underwhelmed, it was equal to my Schiit Mani, but on day two, WOW it improved and continues to do so. Better soundstage, dynamics and purity. It did reveal that I need better record cleaning, a clean record revealed the sound quality I have been seeking and a less than a clean LP was less satisfying so purchased a VPI MV-1 resulting in better sound but something was still missing so purchased the Degritter (yet to receive). A journey to hear the best sound from an LP, but once I experienced the purity of a clean vinyl, there's no retreat. Thank you Upscale Audio for assisting me on my journey by assembling a team of people (Ken, Joel and others) and for Kevin's online reviews. My system; Klipsch Cornwall IV, Primaluna EVO 400 Integrated, MoFi Ultimate +M and Manley Chinook SE MK2.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Steve Prescott

Verified Reviewer

“This is probably the last preamp I buy. Depth of the music increased substantially, noise floor lowered quite a bit also.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“Ken recommended the Manley after I first tried the KC Vibe and didn’t achieve the dynamics I was after. I’ve loved the Manley gear from prior listening sessions but never owned any, and I prefer tubes, so what the heck. I swapped out my very nice EAR 834p when the Chinook arrived, and set up for 65db gain to match the low output Hana SL. Wow! Bass was much tighter and defined, the top end was now much more extended and airier, but I hadn’t lost the midrange musicality. The music just pulsed with energy. Ken later recommended I change the loading to 800ohm, easily done on the rear dip switch setting, and I also reset gain internally to 65 db to better match the Hana’s lower output. I’ve now got about 20 hours and everything is still getting better. Really happy I spent the extra $$$ to get the Manley. It’s well made, super flexible, and has more dynamics than the very lush sounding EAR but it has the immediacy and body that tubes excel at. Super quiet too, and pairs well with my VPI prime and Woo WA5 300b amp and Devore The Nines.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

Anthony Ingrassia

Verified Reviewer

“First off kudos to the the folks at both Upscale and Manley for amazing customer service, and a personal shout out to Josh who helped me work through the decision making on this one. Going on a month now with the Chinook SE MKII and it's brilliant. Noticeably quieter background, a detailed, airy, dynamic sound with fantastic mid-range and soundstage. Paired with my MoFi UltraDeck, Prima Luna DiaLogue Premium HP amp and ZU speakers, it takes music/vinyl to another level. Once again I sit amazed at how different certain albums sound, and how much they've opened up. The Chinook does an amazing job of making not so hot pressings enjoyable while elevating audiophile recordings to jaw dropping status. The Chinook is a really easy listen, its comfortable, its not strained in any way when you sit down to listen to a variety of music. At this price point and with what I'm hearing from it, in my opinion, you would be hard pressed to find better without a substantially higher investment. Highly recommended, extremely happy with the purchase.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Outstanding product! Quality and output level is exactly what I was looking for!”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“First piece of audio gear I have ever purchased online. (Not sold locally.). Kat and company are pros and very easy to deal with. Felt more at ease with them than B&M stores I’ve purchased from. Chinook is solidly built and looks great. Sounds better than it looks (silent). Super versatile loading and actually pre-set at factory for my cart. Thanks to Manley and Upscale from Pete in SF”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Very impressed with the Chinook SE MkII so far. It has made all my vinyl collection sound so much better. Even my older vinyl is much improved. There are plenty of good phono stages but at this price point while not budget priced, I think you would really have to spend a LOT more to better it. Spoke with Kat for awhile and she asked about the rest of my system and what types of music I prefer. We decided on the Manley. Paired it with a VPI Classic 1 and a Dynavector 20x2L cartridge (Purchased from Upscale). Highly recommended.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago