Mains block or mana reference shelf for 3.5

Posted by: Martin C on 04 July 2001

Dealer let me borrowed a LAT mains block (X8) for home trial, it's GBP 240, as I understand that it will benefit to the whole system.

Or should I go for the Mana reference shelf (GBP 380) for my CD 3.5 instead, as I read so many positive things about mana effect on the forum.

Please help, I need to return the mains block by Sat.

By the way, do anyone know how much is it for a Mana Phase 4 table?

Cheers
Martin

Posted on: 04 July 2001 by Tony L

quote:
Dealer let me borrowed a LAT mains block (X8) for home trial, it's GBP 240, as I understand that it will benefit to the whole system.
Or should I go for the Mana reference shelf (GBP 380) for my CD 3.5 instead, as I read so many positive things about mana effect on the forum.

Whilst I have not heard the LAT mains block, I have heard many, many "improved" mains solutions, and have found them with one exception to be utterly disastrous. The one exception is the Musicworks Megablock and leads, and I actually like these enough to use them myself. Do a search on Musicworks or Dave Cattlin and you will get a idea of what they do.

I really like Mana and use it myself, but it certainly does not seem to be right for everyone, the great thing is that you can try it at home, and if you don't like it send it back for a complete refund. Just be very careful in setting it up, the supplied instructions are pretty basic, though there is a good FAQ by John Watson on the Mana conference manaforum.atinfopop.com

Tony.

Posted on: 04 July 2001 by Nigel Cavendish

If you have the mains block - try it.

Mana (works for me) is sale or return if not delighted - try it.

Let your ears decide.

cheers

Nigel

Posted on: 04 July 2001 by Mick P

Martin

The first thing I would do is to install a dedicated spur. This is relatively cheap (say £100 to £150 for a tradesman or £80 DIY) and then pay £200 for the Musicwork block.

That will give you an immediate improvement for a modest financial outlay.

As regards to racks, there are lots of choices, Mana, Hutter, Ash Design etc.

Try to listen to all of them because the Mana effect is different from Hutter. I liked the sound of Mana but prefer Hutter much more because it seemed more musical and natural. However, your views may well be totally opposite.

Chosing stands is difficult because its almost impossible to A-B, so scrounge a few visits from your local forum members and compare. Most members are only to keen to show off their systems, so in a strange sort of way, you are doing them a favour by critiqing their set up.

Take your time and get it right, because once you start with a particular make, you are effectively stuck with it, as mixing types is not recommended.

Regards

Mick

Posted on: 05 July 2001 by Martin C

Thanks for all these advices, I would really like to try the mana reference shelf. I am not that
convinced for the LAT mains block, perhaps when switching back to normal, the difference will be obvious, will try that.

Mr Pig, I assume you are using reference shelf?
I heard about the return policy of Mana, but I think you need to drill a few holes to fix the shelf? Any suggestion for other mana shelf or rack & how much? (perhaps I shouldn't ask question about mana on this forum? anyway!)

Actually I am at the crossroad at the moment,
either go for CDSII/82/250X2 or switch to AV (DVD player/processor/Amp - waiting for naim's AV2+3 channel amp/speaker set(use SBL (front) & introII as rear + REL & Proac centre) to please my Mrs???
Of course I want to upgrade my hi-Fi, but life is complicated when you are married! Surely lots of you out there are facing the same problem!

Cheers
Martin