Is The Schiit Mani V1 Phono Preamp A Pile of Good Schiit?

When it comes to budget-friendly yet high-quality audio gear, Schiit Audio has a reputation for making some seriously good Schiit. I was browsing the buy and sell and saw a gently used Mani V1 for a great price and thought, well Schiit, let’s try it! The Mani V1 (they now have the V2 for $149), their entry-level phono preamp, promises to bring high-end performance to the budget-conscious vinyl enthusiast. But does this little box of Schiit live up to the hype, or is it just a bunch of… well, you get the idea? So, is the Schiit Mani V1 Phono Preamp a pile of good Schiit? Let’s discuss!

Build and Design: Solid Schiit

Right out of the box, the Mani V1 feels like quality Schiit. It’s a small, unassuming metal box, measuring about 5 inches wide, 3.5 inches deep, and just over an inch tall. While it’s not flashy, the minimalist industrial design is in line with Schiit’s other products—sturdy, functional, and built to last. No cheap plastic here, just solid Schiit.

On the back, you’ll find the expected RCA inputs and outputs, a ground terminal, a power input, and a small gain switch. The bottom of the unit hides a set of DIP switches for further gain and loading adjustments, giving you some flexibility in dialing in the right settings for your cartridge. It may not be the most convenient location for frequent tweaks, but, once set, you probably won’t need to mess with them much.

I know that a lot of folks might not like the thought of the DIP switch. Being a long-time computer nerd, I am used to flicking little switches to get things to work. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. So don’t let the lack of a knob scare you, it’s easy Schiit to set up!

Features and Adjustability: Smart Schiit

One of the Mani’s biggest selling points is its versatility. Many budget phono preamps offer little to no adjustment, but Schiit gives you four gain settings (30, 42, 47, and 59 dB), making the Mani compatible with both moving magnet (MM) and high-output moving coil (MC) cartridges. If you’re running a typical MM cartridge, the default 42 dB gain setting will be just fine. But if you’re dealing with a lower-output cartridge, the 47 or 59 dB options provide a nice bump in level.

Schiit also includes adjustable loading settings, allowing you to fine-tune how the preamp interacts with your cartridge. Most users will stick with the default 47k ohm setting for MM carts, but the added flexibility is a nice touch for those who want to experiment.

I am using the Schiit Mani with my Fluance RT85N and I will use both the Nagaoka MP-110 and Ortofon 2M Blue for my tests. In my review of the Nagaoka, I said it needed a bit more oomph than the phono stage on my Onkyo could offer, so this is the perfect pairing!

Sound Quality: Sweet Schiit

For an entry-level phono preamp, the Mani V1 delivers impressive sound. It’s quiet and brings a noticeable improvement over built-in phono stages found in many budget receivers and turntables. Actually, let’s go a bit farther. I have yet to find a decent phono stage in any modern AV receiver. It’s not that they are bad, it’s more that they are an afterthought. Plus, not a ton of folks are actually using a turntable anymore, so why jack up the price and put a good one in? Most folks, myself included, usually opt for a separate phono preamp.

One thing that I found when adding gain to a phono stage is that you get an increased noise floor. What does that mean? When you raise the volume, with nothing playing, there is a hiss in the background. I have found this a deal breaker in a lot of inexpensive phone preamps I have tried (and returned). I am glad to report that the Schiit Mani V1 is dead silent.

While it won’t perform miracles on a scratched-up thrift store find, it does a good job of keeping unwanted hiss and hum to a minimum. Schiit claims an ultra-low noise floor and in real-world use, it’s impressively quiet for the price.

Comparisons: Is This the Best Schiit?

So, how does the Mani V1 stack up against the competition? At its price point (the V2 is $149), it competes with most “budget” phono preamps well. Sure, if you do a quick search on Amazon you can get a plethora of choices, both higher and lower. The main thing I noticed is that anything cheaper was stuck to MM only and a single gain setting. To get a phono preamp with the same feature sets was at least 1/3 more.

For most vinyl lovers looking for a great budget phono stage, the Mani V1 delivers some of the best Schiit you can buy.

Downsides: Some Schiit to Consider

While the Mani V1 is a fantastic value, it’s not without its flaws. The Mani V1 runs a little warm. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s worth ensuring the unit has proper ventilation. That said, as long as you don’t have it jammed inside a closed cabinet, it’s fine.

Again, I am going to mention the DIP switches. I have zero issues with them, and I didn’t find any issues at all getting it set up. However, someone who might be technologically adverse, or loves to tinker with their setup might find this offputting. For me, it’s set it and forget. I have long since given up the habit of endlessly tinkering with my stuff once I get it close enough.

Conclusion: This Schiit is Legit

At the end of the day, the Schiit Mani V1 proves that great sound doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With its solid build, adjustable gain settings, and impressive sound quality, it’s one of the best budget phono preamps around. It’s not perfect—no budget gear is—but for most vinyl enthusiasts, it’s an upgrade over built-in phono stages.

If you’re looking for a high-quality yet affordable way to get better sound out of your turntable, the Mani V1 is absolutely worth considering. Simply put, it’s some of the best Schiit you can buy.

So, is the Schiit Mani V1 Phono Preamp a pile of good Schiit? You bet. AV Gadget Approved!