wyn palmer
Addicted Member
No. Different architecture. Not comparable specs.
Phono preamp choices
- Thread starter DavidTT
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wyn palmer
Addicted Member
In case you are unaware of it here is the AK thread for the phono stage.
It also has an associated headphone amp.
Ultra high spec. opamp MC/MM phono, warp "elliptic" filter, line, headphone amps. | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
Here is a link to a "white paper" describing the design philosophy etc. at a fairly superficial level.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qlqwoalnysuxysb/whitepaper (2).pdf?dl=0
It includes actual measurements of the SOTA unit, which has actual specs...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y510flwwpuhujqz/acruxspecs.pdf?dl=0
It also has an associated headphone amp.
Ultra high spec. opamp MC/MM phono, warp "elliptic" filter, line, headphone amps. | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
Here is a link to a "white paper" describing the design philosophy etc. at a fairly superficial level.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qlqwoalnysuxysb/whitepaper (2).pdf?dl=0
It includes actual measurements of the SOTA unit, which has actual specs...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y510flwwpuhujqz/acruxspecs.pdf?dl=0
I would also include two other units in your list.
1. the EAR clones off ebay
2. The Marantz 7 clones with tube rectification off aliexpress. Both are better than many on your list.
To outperform the two above, you will need to get into the 1500 dollar range, which edge them out but not blow them into the weeds.
Hello, do you have a source for this information? Mobile Fidelity normally only take defective returns. And only up to 30 days out. https://mofi.com/pages/returns https://mofi.com/pages/a-statement-from-mobile-fidelity-regarding-our-mastering-process
wyn palmer
Addicted Member
SOTA turntables is the "manufacturer". They contract the build. It will be "unveiled" at CAS. They will direct sell them and also through dealers.
The build was delayed due to part availability issues- basically opamps and small signal relays were unobtainium.
wyn palmer
Addicted Member
The SOTA Pyx was designed specifically to take on the Mani 2, but SOTA is selling it at a higher price. I didn't have full control of the specs, but distortion, RIAA compliance and HF overload are all better while the noise is about the same. The Mani 2 has more gain flexibility and has a high pass function that was deliberately excluded in the Pyx. The Pyx also has output turn on relays and a higher "maximum" gain.
Below is the spec sheet.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2b8d7d4a1pdfr57/Pyxspecs.pdf?dl=0
Appreciate the additional info. Have they announced a price point yet? Understand Sota Turntables will have their name on it, market, sell, and support it. Any idea what firm has the contract to do the build and where? If proprietary info please disregard. Thanks for the spec sheet.
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wyn palmer
Addicted Member
I have no idea what the contract company is.
The Pyx retail is $250 I believe.
The Pyx retail is $250 I believe.
If the Pyx is $250 to the Mani 2's $150, I'd think it's in a different price tier and therefore not a competitor - unless the Mani 2 is punching into the $250 tier.
Taking the Mani 2 in terms of price for performance, is it worth consideration? I ask because it seems that any discussion of phono amp contenders below $500 includes the Mani 2. When I didn't see it here, I thought it might be unpopular on this forum.
wyn palmer
Addicted Member
I've suggested that they drop the price a bit, after all the $25 that I was "supposed" to get per unit was declined by me, but I don't know what the outcome is.
The Mani 2 is a great improvement over the original Mani, which really was poor, but the Pyx did very well in listening tests versus the 2, and the Pyx has a higher parts cost so it seems that they thought that the extra was justified.
I bought a Mani before I started the DIY development- just because I was curious- and it really was dreadful and was returned to Amazon immediately.
The Mani 2 is decent, and worth the price.
The strip down of the Mani 2 was interesting and it enabled Sota to do a direct comparison.
patient_ot
Super Member
They are deviating from that policy as a result of the DSD-gate scandal. I believe you have to call or email in order to initiate a return outside the normal process. My info is from a reliable source.
markleewebb
New Member
I tried both the Graham Slee and the Darlington. I kept the Darlington. The noise floor was lower and I preferred the sound. I've used it with both a Vincent SV-500 integrated and a Rega Elex-R integrated, with a Technics SL1500C TT.
desertrat748
Super Member
What did you hear from the Mani that you disliked so much? Just curious. I didn’t find it terrible, but I thought it was noisy. Could pick up hum easily even though it is in the metal housing. I didn’t have much to compare it with so that might be part of problem for me to say much more.
Now when I compare it with the Bugle2 build that was heavily modified w almost all R, C and op amps, mani is door stop or grandkids.
Do you think the opa 1612 used in mani2 had much of an impact? I hear good things about the Mani2 and wonder how it would compare to my diy w Jim’s design.
DR
I can speak for the Graham Slee pre amps, I run a Graham Slee Acession and GS Elevator Step Up, they are very quiet with plenty of gain for the lowest of carts. I’m currently running a cart rated at 0.2MV and I have plenty of gain with no noise and more than enough loading options. They might be just worth your time to try out as they also have the try before you buy plan.
Audiofreak71
Audiofreak71
Is he still planning on posting that thread?
patient_ot
Super Member
Looking back I can honestly say the Mani 1 I had was probably one of the top 2 worst phono stages I have owned or heard. It was very noisy and hissy (regardless of what the factory specs said) and seemed to accentuate noise on records. It also picked up RFI badly, which is why I got rid of it.