Schiit Audio has announced the release of the Mani 3, an MM/MC phono preamplifier that succeeds the company’s well-known Mani 2 model. The new unit features updated circuitry, microprocessor control, and a more ergonomic system for adjusting settings. Notably, the price remains unchanged - like its predecessor, the Schiit Mani 3 costs 149 USD.
While the Mani 2 had its configuration switches located on the bottom panel, the new model moves the gain and primary load settings to the front panel. Four gain settings are available: 30, 40, 50, and 60 dB. Switching is handled by precision sealed relays, managed by a microprocessor - when the gain is adjusted, the system momentarily mutes the output signal to prevent unwanted transients. Settings for load impedance and the low-frequency filter (subsonic filter) are still adjusted via switches on the rear panel.
The circuitry of the Schiit Mani 3 has been significantly overhauled: the OPA1612 operational amplifiers have been replaced by Analog Devices AD4898 chips. The design incorporates an improved DC-offset servo-correction system and a passive RIAA equalization network, built using precision film capacitors and thin-film resistors. The supply voltage for the analog stages has been increased from ±16V to ±17.5V, providing greater headroom and improved overload capacity. The RIAA equalization accuracy is ±0.15 dB across the 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, compared to ±0.2 dB for the Mani 2 model.
The phono stage also features a switchable passive infrasonic (subsonic) filter with a 15 Hz cutoff frequency and a selectable roll-off slope of either 6 dB or 12 dB per octave.
