94%
Schiit Audio Mani
Mani 2 is simply the highest-performance affordable phono preamp, period. With super low noise and high RIAA accuracy, plus flexibility for pretty much any cartridge, MM, MC, or MI, it sets the standard for performance and capability in an affordable phono stage.
Simply Stunning Performance
Mani 2 provides super low-noise performance that’s usually only seen in much more expensive phono preamps. Combining TI’s low-noise OPA1612 with a passive RIAA network with 2% precision film capacitors and 0.1% thin-film resistors in a DC-coupled topology, with advanced dual-filtered power supply and +/-16V rails, as well as switchable 1- or 2-pole passive LF filter, provides exceptional transparency and accuracy, as well as high overload margin, in an affordable phono preamp.
Ultimate Flexibility—Loading, Gain, and LF Filtering
Mani 2 doesn’t sacrifice flexibility for low-cost, either. In fact, Mani 2 is the most flexible, capable affordable phono preamp, period. You have total control over:
- Gain: Choose 33, 42, 48, or 60dB of gain, for virtually any cartridge from Decca to low-output MC and MI models.
- Loading: Choose 47KΩ, 200Ω, 47Ω, or 38Ω, and 47pF, 100pF, 150pF, or 200pF for virtually any MM, MC, or MI cartridge
- LF Filter: Choose 6dB/octave or 12dB/octave of purely passive low-frequency filtering to help with warped records or other subsonic problems.
Designed and Built in the USABy “designed and built in the USA" this is what we mean: the vast majority of the total production cost of Mani—chassis, boards, assembly, etc—goes to US companies manufacturing in the US. Our chassis are made in California. Our PCBs are made in California or Nevada, and it all comes together in our Corpus Christi facility.2-Year Warranty, 15-Day Easy ReturnsMani is covered by a 2-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. And if you don’t like your Mani, you can send it back for a refund, minus 15% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Professional Reviews 94/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Cartridge Compatibility
97/100
Build Quality
87/100
Value for Money
98/100
Quiet, neutral, and unusually flexible, the Mani 2 delivers crisp bass control, airy treble, and a spacious soundstage that reviewers at Enjoy The Music and Future Audiophile found far more accomplished than its price suggests. Its broad MM/MC loading options and low-noise design make it a smart, high-value phono stage for vinyl systems that need performance without fuss.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally quiet background with low noise, hum, and RF interference after the update.
Neutral, resolving sound with strong bass control, clear mids, and extended highs.
Wide soundstage and good imaging, with more space and focus than similarly priced rivals.
Highly flexible cartridge support with multiple gain and loading settings for MM and MC use.
&
Cons
The wall-wart power supply and some external connections feel a bit cheap for the otherwise solid package.
The manual and switch labeling are confusing, making setup less intuitive than the sound quality suggests.
Treble can sound slightly less rich and nuanced than a good tube reference, and soundstage depth is a bit shallower.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers consistently describe the Mani 2 as very quiet, open, and more transparent than expected at the price. They also praise its neutral presentation, strong resolution, and the way it preserves bass control, treble detail, and overall musical flow.
Transparency Noise Floor
95/100
Multiple reviews call the background very quiet or surprisingly low in noise, with comments about a blacker, cleaner backdrop and the older Mani's noise issues being addressed. Dagogo specifically notes the updated unit as free of the earlier hum and RF interference problems, which strongly supports this score.
Tonal Balance Musicality
94/100
The Mani 2 is repeatedly described as neutral, resolving, and musically convincing rather than editorialized or etched. Reviewers praise its tonal realism, smooth extended highs, and natural flow, while one notes only a little less richness and tonal color than a tube reference.
Dynamics
94/100
Reviewers hear clear improvements in dynamic reach and microdynamics, especially compared with the original Mani. Notes about greater dynamic range, more energy, firmer bass, and an effortless musical flow show a lively, responsive presentation that does not feel constrained.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
Spatial performance is a consistent strength, with comments about a wider, more spacious soundstage and improved placement of instruments and ambience. Reviewers also mention good focus and a homogeneous presentation across the soundstage, though one notes depth is a little behind a reference stage.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Cartridge Compatibility
97/100
The Mani 2 offers unusually broad cartridge support for the money, with multiple gain settings and selectable loading for MM and MC use. Reviewers highlight that it can handle just about any cartridge and loading you can throw at it, making it very flexible for a wide range of decks and cartridges.
Build Quality
87/100
Reviewers praise the compact design, robust power supply arrangement, and generally solid execution, and one notes the fit and finish is well above what they would expect in this price class. At the same time, there are criticisms of the clunky wall wart, confusing manual, bright power light, and some connections that feel a little cheap.
Value for Money
98/100
The value language is emphatic across the reviews: it is called a giant killer, an incredible value, an absolute bargain, and a real gift at the asking price. Reviewers repeatedly stress that its performance, feature set, and flexibility are exceptional for the money, making this a standout buy.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Schiit Audio Mani
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- Class D Audio USA — online — United States (website)
- Golden Acoustics — in-store — Athina, Greece (website)
- Schiit Audio — online and in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- The Analog Shop — in-store — Victor, New York, United States (website)