The Schiit Mani 3 isn’t perhaps the most popular product category Schiit Audio’s arsenal, but if you have every been searching for a cheap way to connect your turntable directly to a pair of active speakers, you know the need is real.
The Schiit Mani 3 isn’t even the first iteration of an entry-level phono for the Texas-based company, but it is the latest and greatest from the mind of founder Jason Stoddard. A man who very often keeps updating his products to produce better sound, at nearly the same price point. Not a bad trait for a brand. He also carries a more upriver model called Skoll F for $399.
Full press release below:
“Mani 3 Debuts
October 21, 2026
More Convenience, More Features, Same Price
October 21, 2026, Corpus Christi, TX. Today, Schiit Audio introduced Mani 3, the newest generation of its entry-level phono preamp. Mani 3 adds front panel control of input and gain, microprocessor oversight, precision sealed relay switching, while improving on the performance of Mani 2. Mani 3 remains the same price as Mani 2: $149.
“Mani 3 is the one phono preamp you need to explore a vast realm of cartridges,” said Jason Stoddard, Schiit’s Co-Founder and head of analog development. “With 30,40,50, or 60dB of gain, it’s ready for pretty much anything, from exotic high-output Deccas to low-output moving coils.”
Mani 3 provides an exceptionally low noise floor, high RIAA accuracy, and low distortion, thanks to ultra-high-performance AD4898 op-amps. Mani 3 is also DC-coupled, for the purest signal path. A re-tuned DC servo further improves performance.
The biggest changes to Mani 3, however, are in the inclusion of front panel controls, microprocessor oversight, and sealed, high-precision relay switching. These improve the ease of use of Mani 3 significantly.
Mani 3 also provides a number of DIP switches for more precise tuning: owners can select 10, 50, or 100 ohms, and 50,100,150, or 200pF loading. They can also choose to bypass the low-pass (rumble) filter, or choose 6dB/octave or 12dB/octave slopes.
Mani 3 is made in Corpus Christi, on Schiit Audio’s own SMD assembly line, using high-reliability indium solder and low-temperature processes for ultimate reliability. This helps contribute to its industry-leading 3-year warranty.
Mani 3 is available today at schiit.com for immediate shipment at $149.”
More info: Schiit Mani 3