The Article
Schiit Mani phono amplifier: Good Schiit?
3rd February 2016
American outfit, Schiit, has released a new budget phono amp, Paul Rigby reviews the Mani
OK, I’ll pause a second while you think of 101 additional different jokes surrounding the name, which is apparently German and pronounced ‘Shih-tah’.
Aimed squarely at the budget or entry-level user looking to investigate this new fangled format called vinyl, the Mani is a basic and easy to use phono amp that, although designed and built (not just assembled) in the USA, arrives with a Chinese-made wall wart power supply.
Spanning 127x89x318mm and weighing in at 450g, the solidly constructed, silver coloured miniature amplifier supports MM and, admirably, MC cartridges (although load options are few).
The Mani provides four switchable gain modes, accessible via a small cluster of fiddly DIP switches, situated under the chassis: 30db, 42db, 47db and 59dB.
The front of the box is a simple affair that is dominated by a blindingly bright power light while the rear provides the usual phono amplifier connections and a toggle power switch plus grounding point and access socket for the wall wart power supply.
SOUND QUALITY
At this price point, most users will tote a MM-based turntable but I did briefly test it with my Benz Glider MC while spinning a slice of prog rock and Yes’ Yours Is No Disgrace. Despite a relative lack of dynamic extension and upper midrange insight, the Benz offered an admirably ordered soundstage and bass definition.
Switching to more realistic testing conditions and the Rega RP3/Elsys2 MM, it was noticeable how relatively high the gain was on the Schiit compared to my reference Cambridge. Popping the volume down a touch, I was able to enjoy the open and airy midrange which added distinct length on the treble tails during cymbal strikes. This was helped by the welcome instrumental separation, possibly a result of reduced noise during the design, as seen in our tests. Certainly, the vocals from Jon Anderson were smooth and the accompanied vocal harmonies were sweet and easy on the ear.
The Schiit could also get down and dirty and, again supported by our tests, the phono amp was able to squeeze extra bass from the tiny Roth speaker cabinets giving the Chris Squire bass a more meaty, emboldened bite while the acoustic guitar strums from Steve Howe had an open, rather exposed, string effect. That is, the guitar sounded more like a group of strings being strummed than one tone being produced en masse.
Moving to Mars, the Bringer of War from Holst’s The Planets, it was evident just how scratchy those introductory strings were, adding more portent to the oncoming onslaught, while the following, strong string effect managed to retain a smooth presentation, despite the impact of its entrance.
The enhanced separation added complexity and depth to the soundstage also helped to control the brass in the upper mid region, reducing listening fatigue.
Users who purchase an introductory budget system often have one eye on the upgrade path further down the line so, with this in mind, I installed a pair of the newly introduced Q Acoustics 3020 stand mounted speakers (£190) which would, in fact, be part of an ideal upgrade path for this very system. The Mani could relax a tad with these speakers because they were easier to run, it also allowed me to lower the volume on the amplifier which helped to de-stress the presentation a touch.
CONCLUSION
Despite the glaring power light that threatens to burn any passing retina (a piece of tape should be used to cover the offending article), this compact and easy to use phono amp offers good value for money and excellent sound quality, for the price. Also, the Q Acoustics speaker test shows that there is plenty of good music to be squeezed from the Mani which bodes well for its inclusion as part of a system targeted for future upgrades.
SCHIIT MANI
Price: £120
Website: www.electromod.co.uk
Tel: 01494 956558
Good: overall sound quality, ease of use, compact
Bad: power light
RATING: 8
SYSTEM USED
Avid Acutus turntable, SME IV arm, Benz Glider MC cartridge
Rega RP3 turntable, RB303 arm & Elys2 MM cartridge
Cambridge 540P Phono Amplifier (MM)
Trichord Dino phono amp (MC)
Cambridge Azur 651A Integrated Amplifier
Roth OLi RA1 speakers
Q Acoustics 3020 Speakers & Q Acoustics Stands
Black Rhodium Twist Speaker Cables
Tellurium Q interconnects
Hi Paul,
“Schiit” is pronounced like “sheet” in German. It’s a dialect thing from northern Germany. And, well, it means the same as “shit”.
Cheers
tanja
Hi Paul,
Thnaks for this helpful review!
I’m in the market for my first vinyl-setup and the Elipson turntable caught my eye. I prefer a separate phono-amp for this turntable and would like to know how the Cambridge CP1/CP2, which should be very similar to your reference phono amp the 540P, compare to the Schiit mani? Which one would you recommend?
Thanks in advance!
No problem and good luck with building your hi-fi chain. The Cambridge is nice, very nice and if you go for that then you won’t regret it…but I’d still go for the Mani 🙂
I own a Mani and enjoy the musical sound it produces. However when the music is not Playing there is considerable amount of noise coming from the unit via my speakers. Personally I feel this noise must be added to the music perhaps reducing the quality of the music. I may play with a different power supply or do a battery thing to see if the noise can be reduced or eliminated. If that fails It becomes time for me to consider a costlier product. Too bad as I think the s ok in its price range. If someone has run into this noise problem and solved it please do not hesitate to share.
Hey Bob I had the same thing happening with my schitt mani. I was using the Audio Technica atlp 50 at the time which in time I will upgrade to a more efficient table. I noticed the noise from a hardon and Kardon older stereo amplifier. I still love the sound that came out of the schitt mani. The Audio-Technica tables are great for the money and I noticed though that the ATL p50 was very light and did not have a grounding wire but I was hearing like the radio station coming through the phono preamp in the background after the record went off. I was thinking that it may be affecting the music even though it was still sounding good I exchanged it for the Audio-Technica 80 lp60 turntable which was about 2 pounds heavier still didn’t have a ground wire I guess they don’t believe in one but the biggest thing I did was buying the emotiva ta 100 integrated amp for about 400 bucks not only did it blow away the very respected Harman and Kardon 2 Channel receiver it matched well with the shirt mani phono amp. The emotiva has a wonderful day and a wonderful phone no amp but it did not sound as good as the separate preamp of the mani but it took away all the excess noise that was coming through the preamp and was quiet from the floor up and man I and very happy with the sound of the vinyl with the Audio Technica coming through. I don’t know what you’re using as a turntable and I’m sure you’re happy with your phono preamp but I had the same problem and it may be just something as simple as it being too close to the speakers but believe me I was so happy mentally just knowing that background noise was gone not only do I recommend highly the schitt mani phono pre amp but they emotiva ta 102 grade amp for $400 sounds like the FMJ arcam amps that cost three times as much believe me I’ve bought plenty in the last 20 years and these two gyms have really upgraded my system I can only imagine if I am I able to buy a raiga or project table in the near future that’s about where my price range ends but the audio-technica’s not bad at all for just playing records and getting a pleasant sound especially with those two being the brain of it all and of course a set of good speakers will always be the finishing touches maybe that will help but good luck to you
Maybe coming from your set up,the Mani I use is dead silent.
Hi Thierry – can you elaborate please?
Late to the table, but it may still help you or others: I had a similar issue with an audible hum from my Adam Audio T5v active speakers when using the Mani as source. After all the usual troubleshooting of swapping out cables, moving interconnects away from mains etc, I finally fixed it by plugging the Mani’s walwart PSU into a different power strip from the rest of my equipment. Bizzare, but it worked. All traces of hum have disappeared.
Hi, i am tempting ro buy SCHIIT MANI PHONO AMPLIFIER. I am currently using a Technics SL-B20 (Cartridge AT311EP), with a Yamaha A-S501 phono amplifier. And a pair of good(approximately 10 euros per metre) wires with shield from outside noise.
My question is should i see significance change to the sound quality?
Cheers
Mel
Absolutely. Firstly, because this is an external model and you won’t be using the Yamaha’s internal phono amp. That, in itself, is an improvement. The Mani is also superior to much of its competition too in sonic terms, for the price. So – win-win, therefore 🙂 Next, you really need to upgrade your turntable. In fact, I’d be tempted to suggest that you put the money for the Mani into a budget for a new deck first and buy the Mani later on, when funds allow. Keep the cartridge, though. That’s fine.
Hi, thank you for your reply.
Worth buying a new turntable? Or only with Mani i will improve my listening with my current system?
On the other hand If i choose to buy a new turntable(on a budget around 350$) would you suggest to buy a new or a used(i have found an SL1600 MKII used about 330)?
Cheers
Mel
To answer, I’ll say this. You need to remember how music is created on a hi-fi. It comes from the source. When music emerges from this source, that…THAT…is the best it will ever be. EVER. When it leaves the source it can be tweaked, the tone might change, it might be blanketed by bass for example, etc, etc. Changed is not ‘better’ though. The detail, the stuff that makes music vital and essential, that comes at the top of the chain. The turntable.
Next? The Technics is fun but not audiophile. It’s the sort of deck to have a laugh with. Your, what, 5th turntable? A fun thing. Something you keep in the bedroom or hobby room. Away from the main system.
Look for a deck that tries its hardest to do the job that is most important, extracting the truth from vinyl. Ideally? You’d need a Rega Planar 1 – the new one. But I hear that is super expensive in the US. My advise? Save a bit and buy a Project DC Carbon for around $399.
Hello again, what is your opinion for a used Pro-Ject 1 Xpression? At $130.
Thank you for your replies.
Hi Mel – lots of ‘ifs’ on this one. Basically, it’s an excellent turntable. A couple of years old but still handles itself extremely well. I would have no problems in using one myself.
Any second hand model will include wear and tear, though. You need to check the bearing, the arm, the electrics, etc. I would also budget for a brand new cartridge on this one (so you will need to add the cost to the price). Don’t assume and don’t make do with the original if you want to gamble with the health of your vinyl. I would encourage you to examine the deck before you buy (or requests a detailed video to be mailed to you) to make sure that everything works. This feature might help, the buying from eBay/second hand section would apply to you: https://theaudiophileman.com/turntable-buyers-guidefor-raw-beginners/
Hi Paul!I would be grateful for the information where in the UK I can buy Schiit Mani in region of £120-£140?
Secondly -to compare Schiit Mani vs Musical Fiedelity LX2LPS-which one would you recommend?
Kindest regards
Mirek Mes
Hi Mirek – try here: http://www.electromod.co.uk/schiit/preamp/mani/ The MF is very good but I might lean a bit towards the Mani, when you factor in price/value too.
Keep the Mani AND WALWART AWAY FROM THE TURNTABLE AND IS NO NOISE.
Hi. My setup is Rega rp3 with exact cart, Rotel ra10 amp and Dali zensor 3’s. I’m wondering if the shiit mani would improve the sound. Some of my vinyl sounds good , (but could be better) and others not so good especially at lower volume. Thanks. Dave.
In short, Dave – yes 🙂
Thanks Paul . üëçüèª
Hi Paul, I have a Technics Sl 1200 MK3 (no previous DJ use) turntable with a Nagaoka MP110 stylus, a Cambridge Audio Azur 840A amp and KEF LS50 speakers with two REL T9i subwoofers. I’m just getting back into vinyl after 35 years and was wondering if the Schiit Mani would fit well into my system or would you recommend the newer Cambridge Solo. Appreciate your thoughts. Cheers Roy
Hi Roy – both are excellent. In this case, it’s a question of cash because the Cambridge is around ¬£100 more than the Mani. If you can afford it, go for the Cambridge.
How does the Mani compare to the Tisbury Domino?
Good question, Arthur. Must admit that I have no idea. I think my review request must have fallen down the back of the sofa 🙂 I have heard good things about it from my colleagues, though. From what they say, it competes well. Let me take your query as a reminder. I’ll give them a ring.
Hello, would a Schiit mani provide better audio compared to my Denon x4200 receiver phono? I am using the Music Hall Ikura turntable with 2m blue cartridge.
In a word, Ariel? Yes. An external phono amp will always be better than an internal model.
Sorry for the late reply. Tried my brother’s Schiit Mani against my internal (optional ) Arcam Delta 290’s phono stage, I thought the 290’s phono stage was of a very similar standard with the 290’s, the 290’s sounding a titchy bit deeper and possibly slightly better highs. The middle gain settings on the Mani was a bit louder than the 290’s. The low gain setting on the Mani was quieter. I didn’t try the high setting. Recruited my wife to see what she could hear… said similar. The Mani was a huge improvement on my other brother’s Yamaha amp.