# Schiit Mani 2 vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Schiit Mani 2 (Schiit Audio) and Cambridge Audio Alva Duo (Cambridge Audio) among phono preamps. Schiit Mani 2 is the cheaper of the two at $149.

## Side by side

| Spec | Schiit Mani 2 | Cambridge Audio Alva Duo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $149 | $399 |
| Brand | Schiit Audio | Cambridge Audio |
| Cartridge support | MM and MC | MM and MC |
| Gain (dB) | 33/42/48/60 dB across four Input(L/H) x Output(L/H) combinations; 42 dB is the default MM setting | MM: 39 dB; MC: 60 dB @ 1 kHz |
| Snr (dB) | 87-108 dB, varies inversely with selected gain setting | MM: >90 dB; MC: >70 dB (grounded inputs, 20Hz-20kHz, ref 1V output) |
| Riaa accuracy | ±0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz) | ±0.3 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz) |
| Input capacitance pf | 47/100/150/200 pF selectable, with 47k/200/47/38 ohm resistive loading options | 100 |
| Subsonic filter | Switchable passive low-frequency filter, 6 dB/octave or 12 dB/octave at 15 Hz | Yes |
| Thd percent | 0.0003%-0.0015% depending on selected gain setting | MM: <0.0025%; MC: <0.20% (1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth, THD+N) |
| Output level | 75 ohm output impedance; level varies with gain setting | 300 mV nominal |

## Key differences

- Gain (dB): Schiit Mani 2 33/42/48/60 dB across four Input(L/H) x Output(L/H) combinations; 42 dB is the default MM setting vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: 39 dB; MC: 60 dB @ 1 kHz
- Snr (dB): Schiit Mani 2 87-108 dB, varies inversely with selected gain setting vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: >90 dB; MC: >70 dB (grounded inputs, 20Hz-20kHz, ref 1V output)
- Riaa accuracy: Schiit Mani 2 ±0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz) vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ±0.3 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Input capacitance pf: Schiit Mani 2 47/100/150/200 pF selectable, with 47k/200/47/38 ohm resistive loading options vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo 100
- Subsonic filter: Schiit Mani 2 Switchable passive low-frequency filter, 6 dB/octave or 12 dB/octave at 15 Hz vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Yes
- Thd percent: Schiit Mani 2 0.0003%-0.0015% depending on selected gain setting vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: <0.0025%; MC: <0.20% (1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth, THD+N)
- Output level: Schiit Mani 2 75 ohm output impedance; level varies with gain setting vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo 300 mV nominal

## Sources

- Schiit Mani 2: https://www.schiit.com/products/mani (schiit.com, verified 2026-08-12)
- Cambridge Audio Alva Duo: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/alva/alva-duo (cambridgeaudio.com, verified 2026-08-12)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/schiit-mani-2-vs-cambridge-audio-alva-duo/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Schiit Mani 2 ($149) vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ($399) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/schiit-mani-2-vs-cambridge-audio-alva-duo/
License: CC BY 4.0.