The most useful hi-fi upgrade is sometimes the one that removes a small daily frustration. Schiit‘s new Mani 3 phono preamplifier moves key cartridge adjustments to the front panel while revising the circuitry inside.

The compact component supports moving-magnet, moving-coil, and moving-iron cartridges, with selectable gain settings of 30, 40, 50, and 60 decibels. Front controls handle basic gain and cartridge loading, eliminating the need to turn the unit over for routine changes. Additional loading adjustments accommodate more specialized cartridges, and selectable passive low-frequency filters help manage the rumble caused by warped records.

The redesign uses Analog Devices AD4898 low-noise amplifiers, a passive RIAA equalization network, and 0.1% thin-film resistors and 2% film capacitors in a DC-coupled topology. The 15Hz filter offers 6 or 12dB-per-octave attenuation. A linear power supply uses dual-filtered, regulated ±17.5V rails. Schiit builds and tests the unit in Corpus Christi, Texas, with a metal chassis measuring just 5 by 3.5 by 1.25 inches.

That combination makes the Mani 3 an accessible entry point for vinyl enthusiasts experimenting with different cartridges rather than a component limited to a single turntable setup. The new phono stage is listed at $149 and is available now in black; the silver finish is currently out of stock. Schiit includes a three-year limited warranty.