Schiit MANI 2 - User Manual

MM/MC PHONO PREAMPLIFIER
MM? MC? DON’T KNOW? WHO CARES?
MANI 2 IS FLEXIBLE ENOUGH FOR ANY CARTRIDGE.
SERIOUSLY. RELAX. YOU’RE SET.
MANI: PERSONIFICATION OF THE MOON IN NORSE MYTHOLOGY.
YEP, IT’S ROUND. SO ARE RECORDS. WE ARE SIMPLE.
THERE YOU GO.
MANI 2
OWNER’S MANUAL

Summary

INTRODUCTION

WHATS IN THE BOX

Lists the items included with the Mani 2 phono preamplifier.

GETTING STARTED

Choose the right location

Guidance on selecting an optimal placement for the Mani 2 to prevent hum and interference.

Choose the right cables

Recommendations for selecting short, well-shielded RCA cables for optimal performance.

Start with the factory settings

Advice to begin with default gain and loading settings for most MM cartridges.

CONNECTIONS

RCA Outputs

Instructions for connecting Mani 2's RCA outputs to a preamp or headphone amplifier.

Ground

How to connect the turntable ground to address potential hum problems.

RCA Inputs

Guidance on connecting RCA inputs from the turntable using short, shielded cables.

Power Switch

Information on using the power switch and important notes regarding system turn-on order.

Power Input

Details on connecting the supplied 16VAC wall-wart to the Mani 2.

CONTROLS (EASY VERSION)

CONTROLS

Filter

Explains the low-frequency filter options (6dB or 12dB) for taming warped records.

Loading

Details on adjusting input loading options (impedance and capacitance) for different cartridges.

Gain

Information on selecting different gain levels (30dB, 42dB, 48dB, 60dB) for various cartridge types.

2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Getting Started
4. Connections
5. Important Operational Notes
6. Advanced Controls (Located on the bottom of the unit)
7. Troubleshooting Tips
8. Maintenance Features

The Schiit Mani 2 is a highly flexible and high-performance MM/MC phono preamplifier designed to accommodate a wide range of turntables and cartridges. It aims to provide exceptional audio quality at an accessible price point, offering advanced features typically found in more expensive units. The device is named after Mani, the personification of the moon in Norse mythology, reflecting its simple, round design aesthetic, much like records themselves.

Function Description

The Mani 2 serves as an intermediary between a turntable and an audio amplifier (preamp or headphone amp). Its primary function is to amplify the very low-level signal from a phono cartridge to a line-level signal that can be processed by standard audio equipment. This amplification is crucial because phono cartridges produce signals that are significantly weaker than those from other audio sources like CD players or streamers. Beyond simple amplification, the Mani 2 also applies the RIAA equalization curve, which is essential for accurate playback of vinyl records. Records are cut with a specific equalization curve (RIAA) to allow for longer playing times and to reduce noise; the phono preamp reverses this curve during playback to restore the original frequency balance.

A key feature of the Mani 2 is its versatility in handling both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. These two types of cartridges have different output levels and impedance requirements, and the Mani 2 provides the necessary adjustments to optimize performance for either. It offers multiple gain levels and loading options, allowing users to fine-tune the preamp to perfectly match their specific cartridge, ensuring optimal signal-to-noise ratio and frequency response.

Another significant function is its selectable dual-slope passive low-frequency filter. This filter is designed to address issues like excessive woofer excursion caused by warped records. Warped records can cause woofers to move excessively, leading to distortion and potentially damaging speakers. The low-frequency filter helps to tame these excursions, resulting in cleaner bass reproduction and protecting audio equipment.

Usage Features

The Mani 2 is designed for straightforward use, though it offers advanced customization for audiophiles. For most users with standard moving-magnet cartridges, the device is largely plug-and-play, coming pre-configured with factory settings (42dB gain, 47pF/47kΩ loading) that work well for the majority of systems. The manufacturer encourages users to start with these settings and only adjust if necessary.

Getting Started:

1. Location: Due to its high gain, the placement of the Mani 2 is important. It should be placed near the turntable and kept away from sources of electromagnetic interference, such as power amplifiers with large transformers or AC cords wrapped around or underneath the unit. This minimizes the risk of hum or other unwanted noise.
2. Cables: Short, well-shielded RCA cables are recommended for connecting the turntable to the Mani 2. Short cables (0.25m to 0.5m) help reduce noise pickup, and good shielding (100% coverage) is crucial to prevent external interference from affecting the delicate phono signal.
3. Factory Settings: The device ships with settings optimized for most moving-magnet cartridges, making it easy for new users to get started without immediate adjustments.

Connections:

The rear panel of the Mani 2 features clearly labeled connections:

• RCA Outputs: Connect to a preamp or headphone amplifier.
• Ground: A dedicated ground terminal is provided to connect the turntable's ground wire, which helps eliminate hum problems.
• RCA Inputs: Connect to the turntable using short, shielded cables.
• Power Switch: Turns the unit on and off.
• Power Input: Connects to the supplied 16VAC wall-wart power supply.

Important Operational Notes:

• Power-On Sequence: Always turn on the Mani 2 first before other audio components (especially power amplifiers) to prevent loud pops through the system. Similarly, turn off power amplifiers before turning off the Mani 2.
• Gain/Loading Adjustments: Crucially, never change the gain or loading switch settings while the Mani 2 is powered on. The entire audio system should be turned off, adjustments made, and then the Mani 2 powered on first, followed by other components.

Advanced Controls (Located on the bottom of the unit):

The Mani 2 offers a range of dip switches on its underside for fine-tuning, catering to different cartridge types and system requirements. These controls are typically not needed for most users but provide significant flexibility for advanced setups.

1. Filter: This section controls the low-frequency filter.

   • 6dB Low-Pass Filter: Engaging the 6dB switches on both channels activates a 6dB low-pass filter, useful for taming woofer excursion from warped records.
   • 12dB Low-Pass Filter: Engaging both the 6dB and +6dB switches on both channels (setting both to "I" or "IN") activates a 12dB low-pass filter for more aggressive filtering.

2. Loading: This section adjusts the impedance and capacitance loading for the cartridge.

   • Default (MM): For most MM cartridges, all switches should be "O" or "OUT," providing a 47pF/47kΩ load.
   • MC Cartridges:
     • Select 200Ω or 47Ω for specific MC cartridges.
     • Setting both switches to "I" provides approximately a 38Ω load.
   • Capacitance: Additional capacitance can be selected: 47pF, 100pF, or both for 150pF, and 200pF loading respectively. This helps match the cartridge's electrical characteristics for optimal frequency response.

3. Gain: This section adjusts the overall amplification level.

   • Default (MM): Factory settings are INPUT = L and OUTPUT = H, providing 42dB of gain for most MM cartridges.
   • Selectable Gain Levels:
     • Gain 1 and Gain 2 both L: 30dB of gain (suitable for high-output cartridges or systems needing less amplification).
     • Gain 1 = H, Gain 2 = L: 48dB of gain (for slightly lower output MM cartridges or systems requiring more gain).
     • Gain 1 and Gain 2 both H: 60dB of gain (typically for low-output MC cartridges).

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Unknown Cartridge: If the sound fades to almost nothing, try 47 ohms loading; otherwise, revert to 47K.
• Distorted Sound: This often indicates that one or more gain stages are overloading. The recommendation is to switch both INPUT and OUTPUT gains to "L" and then adjust them one at a time until the distortion disappears.

Maintenance Features

The Mani 2 is designed for reliability and minimal user maintenance.

• Cleaning: The device should only be cleaned with a dry cloth. Avoid using liquids or abrasive cleaners.
• Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is important. Do not block any ventilation openings or place the unit near heat sources to prevent overheating.
• Power Cord: Use only the supplied power cord or a suitable replacement. Ensure cords are routed away from traffic areas and protected from being pinched. Unplug the cord from the outlet if the apparatus is unused for a long period.
• No User Serviceable Parts: The manual explicitly states "NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE." This means users should not attempt to open the device for repairs or modifications. All servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
• Professional Service: Service is required if the device has been damaged (including cord or plug damage), if liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into it, if it has been exposed to rain or moisture, if it does not operate normally, or if it has been dropped.
• Warranty: The Mani 2 comes with a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in material and workmanship. This warranty is void if the product is modified, tampered with, damaged by negligence or unreasonable use, or if the serial number has been altered or removed. For warranty service, users must contact Schiit Audio first to obtain a Return Authorization (RA) before sending the product back.

In summary, the Schiit Mani 2 is a versatile and high-performance phono preamplifier that offers extensive customization options for audiophiles, while remaining user-friendly for those who prefer a simple, plug-and-play experience. Its robust design and clear instructions aim to provide a reliable and enjoyable vinyl listening experience.

Schiit MANI 2 Specifications

General

Input Impedance	47k ohms
Input Capacitance	100pF
RIAA Accuracy	+/-0.25dB, 20Hz-20kHz
Output Impedance	75 ohms
Power Consumption	4W
Weight	1 lb
Frequency Response	20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.25dB
Crosstalk	20Hz-20kHz
Power Supply	16VAC, 500mA wall-wart
Dimensions	5 x 3.5 x 1.25 inches
SNR	>82dB, A-weighted, ref 5mV