New phono preamp from SCHIIT - the Skoll

[dxbaudio]

just got to this thread and needed some advice. I have a Thorens TD1500 which I purchased yesterday. It is connected to a Mani 2 - Hegel H390- Omega Junior 8 XRS. Carts are Ortofon 2M Bronze and Cambridge Audio stock HOMC. I might end up buying a couple of more carts - but not in the near future.
Question: will the Skoll be an appreciable change over the Mani 2? If not, which other phono stage is recommended in a similar price range? I have looked at the Parasound XRM (cheaper) and also at the Project Phono Box DS3 B (more expensive). For the former not sure it be considered an upgrade over the Mani 2- and reaching out to the back to fix settings is very difficult for me. One of the reasons I don't fancy the Mani 2.

I am based in Dubai. So buying and returning if I don't like it- is not a possibility. Whatever I buy will be for keeps.

 

[Mr Boochie]

Pro-ject makes good phono boxes. The adjustments via a potentiometer and push-buttons AND on the front are so groovy!

I have the Tubed Phono Box DS2. The Raytheon 5751 tube makes this unit sound muy sabroso!

Look Of Love.
Dusty Springfield off "Casino Royale Soundtrack." Colgems Records. COSO-5005. Indianapolis pressing. 1967.
Run-out: I UZRS - - 4047 - - 3S A2

Subwoofers on.

 

[krautmaster]

I have two Schiit Skolls and love the sound quality and ease of use via their Remote Controls (no dip switches to fool around with) they are a definite improvement over the Mani.

Like Mr. Boochie, I also have a Pro-ject Tube box DS2, also very easy to use with all the buttons right on the front and it has a lot of adjustments, but I don't think they make it anymore, I believe all they have now is the Phono Box DS3 (regular and tube versions) which are quite expensive. My DS2 sounds as good as my Skolls.

 

[Mr Boochie]

I have two Schiit Skolls and love the sound quality and ease of use via their Remote Controls (no dip switches to fool around with) they are a definite improvement over the Mani.

Like Mr. Boochie, I also have a Pro-ject Tube box DS2, also very easy to use with all the buttons right on the front and it has a lot of adjustments, but I don't think they make it anymore, I believe all they have now is the Phono Box DS3 (regular and tube versions) which are quite expensive. My DS2 sounds as good as my Skolls.
View attachment 3391868

The correct phono pre-amp can make a world of difference — almost as much as a good ultrasonic cleaner.

 

[dxbaudio]

I have two Schiit Skolls and love the sound quality and ease of use via their Remote Controls (no dip switches to fool around with) they are a definite improvement over the Mani.

Like Mr. Boochie, I also have a Pro-ject Tube box DS2, also very easy to use with all the buttons right on the front and it has a lot of adjustments, but I don't think they make it anymore, I believe all they have now is the Phono Box DS3 (regular and tube versions) which are quite expensive. My DS2 sounds as good as my Skolls.
View attachment 3391868

thanks. There is a Phono Box DS2 available on Pro-ject USA- I think for $499- same colour scheme as above. I wrote to Schiit asking them if getting the Skoll will be an appreciable difference over the Mani 2 and there answer (quoted below) didn't enthuse me. I am now thinking of the Phono Box S3B- has 5 pin balanced in and XLR out. Less expensive. Similar controls- though not sure how much of an improvement over the Mani 2. On another note, I have on loan a Gold Note PH-10 from the dealer I bought the TD1500. It sounds excellent (costs more too)- at the same gain sounds louder, clearer. My 18 year old daughter listened to both (both connected via XLR - Mani 2 via RCA to XLR cable)- and clearly gave the PH-10 a thumbs up. The songs was Norman xxx Rockwell by LDR.

Good morning, Manu. If you are happy with the sound you're getting from the Mani, then I would say stick with it. But if you want to try to upgrade and see if you can get a better sound, then you can try the Skoll. Especially if you plan on using the Skoll's balanced ins/outs, then that might be a reason to get it. The sound quality jump may not be massive, or it may be night and day. I don't know how your system reacts to the Mani or how it will react to the Skoll. We do have a 15-day trial period where you can experiment and see if it's worth it for you to make that jump. You'd have to pay a restocking fee, but at least you would know if it's worth it or not for you.

 

[Gigantic]

just got to this thread and needed some advice. I have a Thorens TD1500 which I purchased yesterday. It is connected to a Mani 2 - Hegel H390- Omega Junior 8 XRS. Carts are Ortofon 2M Bronze and Cambridge Audio stock HOMC. I might end up buying a couple of more carts - but not in the near future.
Question: will the Skoll be an appreciable change over the Mani 2? If not, which other phono stage is recommended in a similar price range? I have looked at the Parasound XRM (cheaper) and also at the Project Phono Box DS3 B (more expensive). For the former not sure it be considered an upgrade over the Mani 2- and reaching out to the back to fix settings is very difficult for me. One of the reasons I don't fancy the Mani 2.

I am based in Dubai. So buying and returning if I don't like it- is not a possibility. Whatever I buy will be for keeps.

I went from a Mani 2 to a Skoll and found the improvement to be noticeable.