grounding issue solved! I connected the grounding wire on the skoll to a chassis screw instead of the grounding knob and no humming anymore, which means something isn’t really grounding in the knob itself I guess? not surprising schiit did a shit job
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Whoa…
Wait what.
I’m probably confused. Isn’t the SL a MC cartridge recommended impedance at >400Ω. IME, the greater than is the way to go. Opens up significantly.
I also have a Hana and got the PS Stellar Phono. Very impulsive buy as my TT was in the mail. It seems to be a good pairing in my system. The reviews are pretty accurate (neutral with strong midrange). It seemed a bit noisy at first, but I’ve maybe gotten used to it.
Amazing
It is MC and according to Hana prefers loading at or greater than 400ohm.
Dealer sold me the sutherland tz vibe with the cart and I didn’t do my homework.
Ive tried a schiit mani and the ypsilon sut and I couldn’t pick any differences against running direct into the levante’s MM stage (47k ohm) so have stuck with that for the moment rather than throw more money at it, plus its less cables and power.
I’ll keep an eye out for a well priced Ypsilon MC05 or similar sut or a soundsmith moving iron cart - something that doesnt require the use of another power point.
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Gotcha. Yes, I was confused. Haha. I’ve only heard the SL for a limited amout of time, but didnt think it was too quick and had good tone. Sorry it didnt work out. If your in So Cal, you’re welcome to try out the Stellar.
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Posted the Schiit on USAM and sold after three hours. Even after fixing the grounding issue, my ifi phono has a lower noise floor and that was the last straw. I guess I’ll jump deeper and go higher end if I end up investing in my analog rig.
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There’s a neat little device (never heard it, just considered it) called the Puffin.
RIAA + ADC w/ output into your DAC.
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Interesting. I just read up on it. I’ve been looking into devices that are trying to go the other direction. Look at digital sources to feed into phono to break in without putting milage on the cartridge. Also, just can’t keep it running like digital.
The Thor Phono burn in seems like it might have started it all. Anyone try or hear about these products for phono burn in?
RIAA inverter - KAB PreconLP
https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/preconlp.htm
Hagerman iRIAA inverse filter
Very mixed opinions and experiences out there.
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and locally made here in WA state!!
Too bad about the skoll I had high hopes for it. 
Thinking of saving for something like this:
I heard the og chinook a few years back and it was quite good. I image the likes SE mk2 edition can only be better.
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I am not surprised about the Skoll, it is really an entry level phone with balanced inputs. Their phono stages are just that entry level, a Mani would have been more appropriate. If one has a cart wired for balanced, chances are their rig is going to be pricey.
In the world of cartridges and phono stages, matching them up based on specs is extremely important, makes most of our talk about amp/DAC synergy look like child’s play. One can have a crap vinyl experience if they don’t approach these things in a thoughtful and educated (as in educated on the matching of phono stage to cart) manner.
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