Manley Chinook Phono Stage

Product Description

The Manley Chinook Phono Stage is a premium, all-tube phono preamplifier designed for audiophiles seeking exceptional vinyl playback with moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. Inspired by the renowned Manley Steelhead, it features a clean, quiet audio circuit with two 6922 triodes per channel for amplification and output, delivering a lush, musical sound. With selectable gain (45 dB for MM, 60 dB for MC) and extensive input impedance/capacitance options, it ensures precise cartridge matching. Housed in a compact, robust chassis with a minimalist design, it uses high-quality components like gold-plated RCA jacks and a MANLEY POWER® switch-mode power supply for low noise and reliability. Handcrafted in California, the Chinook reflects Manley Laboratories’ commitment to seductive sonics and professional-grade performance since 1989.  

Key Features  

• All-Tube Design: Employs four 6922 tubes (two for gain, two for output in a White Follower configuration) for warm, detailed sound with no global negative feedback.
• Selectable Gain: Internal settings for 45 dB (MM) or 60 dB (MC) optimize performance for a wide range of cartridges.  
  
• Flexible Impedance/Capacitance: Rear-panel DIP switches offer 5 resistive loads (50, 100, 200, 400, 800 ohms, plus 47k ohms for MM) and 7 capacitive loads (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 pF) for precise cartridge tuning.  
  Passive RIAA Equalization: Highly accurate passive network ensures faithful vinyl reproduction without coloration.  
  
• MANLEY POWER® Supply: Switch-mode power supply designed for vacuum tubes provides 300V DC rails, 6V heater lines, and low-noise performance for superior audio clarity.  
  
• Versatile Connectivity: Features unbalanced Teflon® and gold-plated RCA input/output jacks and a ground terminal for seamless integration with turntables and amplifiers.  
  
• Automatic Mute Timer: Mutes output for 45 seconds on power-up to allow tube warm-up and circuitry stabilization, with instant mute on power-down.  
  
• Compact, Durable Build: 2U chassis with a sleek black finish and high-quality components ensures reliability and aesthetic appeal.  
  
• Handcrafted in California: Built in Chino with meticulous craftsmanship, embodying Manley’s dedication to audiophile-grade quality.  
  
• User-Friendly Design: Set-and-forget gain and loading options prioritize simplicity for music lovers, with a focus on sonic excellence over excessive tweaking.

Why Choose the Manley Chinook?

The Chinook delivers a warm, engaging sound with exceptional detail and dynamics, making it ideal for genres like jazz, classical, and rock. Its all-tube design and passive RIAA equalization provide a pure, musical vinyl experience, while the flexible impedance and capacitance settings ensure compatibility with virtually any MM or MC cartridge. The MANLEY POWER® supply and low-noise circuitry offer a blacker background and crisp high frequencies, enhancing the listening experience. At a fraction of the cost of the flagship Steelhead, the Chinook combines professional-grade performance with affordability, making it a perfect choice for audiophiles building a high-end vinyl setup with a focus on sonic purity and reliability.  

Product Specifications  

• Gain: 45 dB (MM), 60 dB (MC), internally selectable  
  
• Input Impedance: 47k ohms (MM default), 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 ohms (MC, selectable) 
  
• Input Capacitance: 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 pF (selectable)  
  
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz (±0.5 dB, RIAA)  
  
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01% (1 kHz, 1V output)  
  
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80 dB (MM), >70 dB (MC)  
  
• Inputs: 1 unbalanced RCA (phono input with ground terminal)  
  
• Outputs: 1 unbalanced RCA  
  
• Vacuum Tubes: 4 x 6922 (or 6DJ8, 7308, ECC88 compatible)  
  
• Power Supply: MANLEY POWER® switch-mode, 300V DC, 6V heater, multi-rail  
  
• Power Consumption: 47W (operating), <0.5W (standby)  
  
• Dimensions: 17" W x 3.5" H x 11" D (432 x 89 x 279 mm)  
  
• Weight: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)  
  
• Finish: Black  
  

Perfect For  

• Audiophiles seeking a high-fidelity, tube-driven phono stage for MM and MC cartridges  
  
• Vinyl enthusiasts needing flexible cartridge matching for optimal sound  
  
• Music lovers valuing Manley’s craftsmanship and warm, musical performance