Bung99.......Manley did not cause your transformer to fail. You purchased the Chinook used without a clue how the previous owner used and/or abused it, so being upset at Manley seems misguided to me. Replacement parts are rarely cheap, but $500 isn't that bad if it will get you back up and running. It could have been worse if Manley didn't have replacement transformers available. Then you would have a Chinook door stop.

Bung99 - Indeed. If you are looking for a warranty with used audio gear you'll need to look at Bryston. Can't think of any others who have transferable warranties. Even Bryston requires a paper-trail for same these days. Ain't no free lunch.

That said, how do you like the sound of your Chinook? Done any tube-rolling?

I have been using this for about 2 months. I put in some amperex bugle boys, found the midrange and vocals much improved over the stock tubes. To be fair I dont think the original tubes were fully run in. Anyone else out there roll in any tubes? I am using a Benz Ruby H now, but have a Kleos SL on the way. Anyone using a Lyra or low output cart with the Chinook? 60 db is a lot of gain, so I figure it should be able to handle .25mv. Thoughts?

Am using JAN Philips 6922s and prefer them to the Bugle Boys in my Cary.

Can you characterize the differences?

Not sure if it isn't a synergy thing. The best sounding (to my ears) set of tubes is the JAN Philips 6922, Tung Sol reissue 6SN7, Tung Sol reissue 6550 and JAN Sylvania 5U4GB. This mix of tubes beats the Svetlana 'Winged C' 6550 with JAN RCA 5U4GBs, GE 6SN7 with the Bugle Boys. When I leave the BBs in with my preferred mix of other tubes, the sound is not as 'solid' to my ears. Sorry, but I lack the "reviewers phraseology" for this.

Any updates on the Chinook & tube selections? I have had mine for about 5 months now and surely have enjoyed it over my previous Acoustic PH1P.

I am loving mine with some amperex 7308's. Too be fair I never burned in the stocks, but the amperex 6dj8 were so much better from the get go, I didn't wanna suffer through. The 7308's just overall better. Great pre! I have a cardas golden reference PC and it made a huge improvement(3-400$ used), so definitely experiment.

Jeff

I'm also running some Amperex 7308 in both stages of the Chinook. Pretty big difference in sound over the stock tubes.

I just added a Chinook in the studio for test pressings and regular listening and love it.