Manley Absolute Headphone Amplifier ($4500)
- Manley Absolute Headphone Amplifier.jpg (340.62 KiB) Vist 32575 gange
Manley Labs has been designing and manufacturing professional and high fidelity audio equipment since the late 1980’s. In recent years, we have noticed audiophiles increasingly turning to personal headphone listening. To meet this new demand, Manley has combined its professional and domestic engineering skills and experience to develop an exciting and groundbreaking product, The Manley Absolute Headphone Amplifier.
Headphone listening is not new to us; we have been producing headphone personal “Cue Mixers” for recording studios around the globe for over twenty years. In the HiFi world, our legendary Manley Neo-Classic 300B Preamplifier has become a total cult classic with headphone listeners for the last two decades. Reaching forward, we wanted to produce a new standard and load it up with desirable features for a wide-ranged sonic experience set. The new Manley Absolute Headphone Amplifier achieves this goal and more.
There are fifteen independent controls designed for maximum performance and customizable handling of sonic adjustments for a wide variety of audio experience. Of special import are the custom hand-wound air-gapped dual-mode MANLEY IRONⓇ output transformers, designed and manufactured at the Manley Labs factory in Chino, California. With a push of the button, these transformers are easily user-configured to drive three ranges of headphone loads, from 12 to 600 Ohms or greater. Additionally, the output stage can be switched on-the-fly between all-triode Push-Pull and Single-Ended topology.
The Variable Feedback switch applies from 0dB to 10dB of Global Negative Feedback around the amplifying stages while maintaining absolutely ruler-flat frequency response across the audio band, demonstrating how stable this design really is. For absolute transparency and reference tracking accuracy the Volume Control is performed by a Precision Stepped Relay ladder matrix. Furthermore, left-right Balance control is also provided to trim out uneven recordings. The Manley Absolute Headphone Amplifier operates fully symmetrically, enabling it to drive balanced headphones through its XLR outputs. Standard non-balanced ¼” TRS jacks are also provided. When the headphone amplifier is powered down, another very useful feature is included, a direct preamplifier output which routes your first line input through the system to feed an external power amplifier or powered loudspeakers. Useful, as your main audio system source can drive either playback system without having to change upstream cabling. Thus, the Manley Headphone amplifier can also be used as a stand-alone transformer-coupled preamplifier!
The Headphone Overload Protection System is also user-configurable so that exotic and precious headphones are never overdriven. We proudly incorporate our newest innovative purpose-designed-for-audio High Voltage switching power supply into our new Manley Absolute Headphone Amplifier. All super-low impedance DC rails are fully regulated and worlds quieter than any linear supply we have ever encountered. The resulting sound is fast and dynamic with deep punchy bass, dead-quiet inky blacks and superior headroom.
The Manley Absolute Headphone Amplifier also incorporates Bass and Treble Tone Control circuits. What? In an audiophile product?!! Yes! And why not? We have been building legendary equalizers for recording studios for decades. We know how to do this well! Adjust the flavor of the sound to your preference, or invoke total bypass of the EQ circuits for purist listening sessions.Features
• Balance, Treble and Bass Controls use silent conductive plastic potentiometers
• Tone Bypass for purist signal path
• All switching via high-grade gold-contact relays
• Mono / Stereo function
• Mute Switch
• User adjustable Headphone Overload Protection System
• MANLEY IRONⓇ hand-wound wide bandwidth air-gapped output transformers
• High Speed, Low Impedance, Low Noise custom switching PSU
• Teflon® insulated and gold plated RCA jacks
• Solid billet chassis in black, copper or silver
• Walnut-burl veneer accents for the headphone head-band and ear pad rest areas
• Supplied with Remora RF remote control
Specifications
• Amplifier Topology: Triode Vacuum Tube Output Stage, Switchable Topology Single-Ended or Push-Pull
• Vacuum Tubes: 2 x 12AT7 (ECC81), 4 x 6AQ5A (EL90)
• Inputs: 2 x RCA (Input 1 & Preamp Output = Pass-Thru when amplifier is in Standby or Off)
• Input Impedance: 50 kOhms (Pass-Thru= 300 kOhms)
• Maximum Input Level: 7.7 VAC RMS (+20 dBu)
• Gain: Load 16/62/200 ohm: 12/17/22 dB (Min FB), 3/8/13 dB (Max FB)
• Input Sensitivity: 600 mV AC RMS for an output of 100 mW / 1.9 VAC RMS for an output of 1W
• Volume Control: Precision Stepped Relay Attenuator 0.5dB per step (63dB total attenuation, Volume MIN = MUTE)
• Outputs (transformer coupled): Headphone 1/4" TRS + 4-pin XLR, Preamp 1 pair RCA
• Output Impedance: Switchable - Low 12-50 Ohm, Mid 50-200 Ohm, High 200-600 Ohms
• Maximum Output Power = 1W into 12 Ohms BW 22Hz-22kHz
• Variable Feedback Control (FB): MIN 0dB / MAX 10dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 83 dB (1kHz sine wave, 100mW output, BW 22Hz-22kHz)
• Noise Floor: -80 dBu BW 22Hz-22kHz / -85 dBu A-Weighted
• Channel Crosstalk: -71 dB left ch / -72 dB right ch (1kHz sine wave, 100mW output, BW 22Hz-22kHz)
• Balance Control Channel attenuation: 72 dB left ch / 72 dB right ch (1kHz sine wave, 100mW output, BW 22Hz-22kHz)
• Frequency Response: Push-Pull= Flat 10Hz – 20 kHz (-1dB @ 40 kHz), Single-Ended= 20Hz – 20 kHz (-0.5dB @ 10Hz, -1dB @ 50 kHz)
• Distortion: Push-Pull= 0.16% THD+N (BW 20Hz-22kHz), Single-Ended= 1.0% THD+N (BW 20Hz-22kHz)
• Operating Mains Voltage: 90-250 VAC, 50-60Hz, universal works worldwide
• Power consumption STANDBY mode = 0.5W, Max Power = 80W
• Unit Dimensions: 11.5 x 5.5 x 8.2” (LxWxH)
• Unit Weight: 12 lbs
• Shipping Weight: 13.5 lbs
• Packing Carton Dimensions: 17 x11 x 15”
https://www.manley.com/hifi/mabhpaManley Neo-Classic 300B Preamplifier RC ($7300)
- Manley Neo Classic 300B Preamplifier RC.jpg (242.75 KiB) Vist 32575 gange
Our most esoteric product is THE 300B PREAMPLlFIER. This is the first and only preamp to feature these classic tubes. We had been designing the 300B into small power amps for many years and have always had great respect for the smooth natural sound of this tube. However, a single 300B provides truly appropriate power and voltage swing for headphones and makes a remarkable line driver. Here is where the impedances are not too low and the power requirements are not too high: ideal for this kind of tube in a single-ended configuration. This was the genesis of a new preamp.
We combine the historic 300B with another classic, the large octal based 6SL7GT, for the input stage- all triodes running in pure Class A operation. To complement this 'retro' feel, we implemented vacuum tube rectification and regulation in the power supply along with plenty of capacity. We also developed an additional (and innovative) ripple rejection circuit to filter out power supply noise making this an incredibly low-noise preamplifier- especially critical for headphone users.Specifications
• Inputs: 5 stereo pair unbalanced RCA jacks
• Outputs: 2 stereo pairs MAIN out same as SUB out unbalanced RCA jacks
• RECORD output: 1 stereo pair pre-volume control unbalanced RCA jacks
• HEADPHONE Outs: 2 front panel 1/4" headphone jacks
• Optimized headphone impedance switching: 30-400 Ohms to 300-4000 Ohms
• MUTE: Selecting HEADPHONE operation mutes LlNE outputs
• Output Vacuum Tubes: 2 x 300B Electro-Harmonix
• Input Tubes: 2 x 6SL7GT Russian (Electro-Harmonix or SOVTEK)
• Rectifier Tubes: 2 x 5U4GBEH Electro-Harmonix or 5AR4C by Ruby
• Regulator Tubes: 2 x OD3 NOS JAN USA
• Gain: factory set at 12 dB at max Volume
• Internal Variable Feedback: 8.5 dB of global NFB is used @ 12 dB of gain, adjustable trim -1.7dB to +1dB
• Noise Floor: typically -70 dB (1 Hz - 100 KHz)
• S/N Ratio: typically 105 dB (A WGT, 20 Hz - 20 KHz)
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 50 KHz 1dB
• Channel-to-Channel Separation (L to R): @1KHz 48 dB; @10KHz 35 dB; @20KHz 34 dB
• Channel-to-Channel Separation (R to L): @1KHz 50 dB; @10KHz 40 dB; @20KHz 37 dB
• THD: 0.08 % @ 1KHz at 1V rms out
• Distortion THD+N: -80 dB (.01 %) zero "crossover" distortion, mostly 2nd harmonic
• Input Sensitivity: 250mV (-9.8dBu) yields 1V out
• Input Impedance: 100 kOhm Noble volume control
• Maximum Input Level: 5.5dBu or 1.459 Vrms @ 1KHz, volume control at maximum
• Output Impedance (LINE STAGE): 100 Ohms
• Maximum Output Level: 17.2dBu or 5.636 Vrms @ 1KHz, volume control at maximum
• Output Power (100 Ohm Headphones): 1W (10 V RMS) (28 V P-P)
• Output Power (600 Ohm Headphones): 1W( 25 V RMS) (70 V P-P)
• Power Consumption: 170 Watts (1.4 A @ 120VAC)
• Operating Mains Voltage: Factory set for 100V, 120V or 220-240VAC operation for original destination country's mains voltage.
• Operating Mains Voltage: changeable with power transformer re-wiring and fuse value change.
• Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~ 60Hz
• Dimensions: W=19" x L=13"
• Top Deck Height: 4"
• Transformer Height: 3 1/2"
• Suggested shelf height minimum: 10" (depending on height of 300B tube)
• Shipping Weight: 28 Ibs.
https://www.manley.com/hifi/neo3brManley Stingray II ($7300)
- Manley Stingray II.jpg (233.05 KiB) Vist 32575 gange
The STINGRAY II is the next evolution from our acclaimed Stingray Integrated Amplifier, legendary in the hifi world since it first swam from our labs in 1997. Originally conceived with particular attention paid to optimal component placement for the purity and symmetry of the signal path layout, the Stingray quickly became one of our best-selling products. The Stingray II retains the same basic tube circuitry and marvelous output transformers as the original with some important improvements:
The high voltage tube energy storage has been increased vastly resulting in even more solid and coherent bass control and impact. A headphone jack has been added to the right side facia. This jack re-routes the output from the speaker binding posts and mutes the Subwoofer output feed. This makes the Stingray II a fabulous headphone amplifier! The 4th input source is an 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS mini jack for convenient hookup with portable devices and computers on the left front facia.
The Remote Control works with both Radio Frequency and InfraRed technologies. Using the remote in RF mode gives freedom from having to "point and shoot." The RF remote is omnidirectional and works through walls and cabinets. IR capability is included for those with Universal Learning Remote Controls for consolidated integration into existing systems. The volume control, balance adjust, input switching, and display options are all on the RF/IR Remote Control. Additionally user can perform the MUTE, DIM, INSERT and STANDBY commands with the Remote Control.
Each INPUT can be individually level trimmed to match and to optimize system gain staging of various input devices. The fancy blue LED displays surrounding the INPUT and VOLUME encoder knobs can be dimmed down or turned off entirely, after a user-settable time period, or a "screen-saver" random light sequence can be selected. Speed and intensity of the "Starlight" mode can be tweaked to taste. All custom user settings are hard written into memory when the unit is put into STANDBY mode and thus retained if power is later interrupted.
Individual sealed gold contact relays deliver the selected input into the volume control system before hitting the first 12AT7 input tubes. Following the mighty 6414 driver/phase splitter, the trusty EL84 output stage can be switched between either 20 watts of TRIODE power or 40 watts of Ultra Linear mode push-pull operation. Individual bias for each tube is easily adjusted using the trimpots and test points, conveniently located on the top surface of the amplifier. The Stingray's power supply is extra-rugged and stiff, a MANLEY hallmark. It swims with the sharks: fast, agile, fluid, and with consummate authority.Specifications
• 3 x Stereo Line RCA Inputs
• 1 x Stereo Line 1/8" TRS mini-jack Input
• TRIODE - UL Output Stage Mode Switching
• RECORDING OUT
• SUBWOOFER OUT
• TAPE LOOP (Insert) with Bypass switch
• 1/4" Headphone OUTPUT (mutes speakers and subwoofer output when deployed)
• Logic controlled Volume and Balance functions
• All-Vacuum Tube Lo-feedback Stereo Integrated Design
• Output Tubes: 8 x EL84 Ships with Russian NOS EL84M (aka 6Pi14Pi-EB)
• Driver Tubes: 2 x 6414 Ships with GE or RAYTHEON JAN NOS USA or 6414W
• Input Tubes: 2 x 12AT7EH Ships with: 12AT7EH large plate Electro-Harmonix Russian
• Maximum Output Power UL mode: 32 Watts x 2 channels 1.5% THD @ 1kHz into 5 Ohms
• Maximum Output Power TRIODE mode: 18 Watts x 2 channels 1.5% THD @ 1kHz into 5 Ohms
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz - 58 kHz, -1dB
• Gain: 35 dB at max Volume
• Input Sensitivity UL Full Power: 210 mV in = 32 watts out into 5 Ohms with volume control at maximum
• Input Sensitivity Triode: 41mV in = 1W into 5 Ohms with volume control at 20dB gain setting
• Input Sensitivity UL: 35mV in = 1W into 5 Ohms with volume control at 20dB gain setting
• Crosstalk: -72dB: See Chart
• S/N Ratio: typically 72 dB A-WGT, 1W output, 20dB gain, Source Z = shorted input
• THD+N Ratio: typically 64 db at 1W output, Bandwidth 22Hz-22kHz, Source = 1kHz Sine wave
• Input Impedance: 12 kOhm nominal
• Optimum Speaker Load: 5 Ohms
• Speaker Terminal Output Impedance at 20Hz: 2.36 Ohms; at 1KHz: 2 Ohms; at 20KHz: 1.83 Ohms
• Damping Factor: 2.4
• Headphone Jack Output Impedance: 53 Ohms
• Scratch Factor: Use pennies under pointed feet to avoid marring cabinetry. Try quarters if you are in upper tax brackets. The bargain performer would be nickels. Paper currency does not function as well. Euro coins work 1.54 times better.
• Remote Control Type: RF (radio frequency) and IR (infrared), user selectable
• Volume Control: Cirrus Digital Level Control System, controlled by Grayhill Rotary Encoders
• Volume Control Range: 102dB in 1dB steps turning slowly, with larger steps as rate of turn increases
• SLEEP timer: 15, 30, 45, 60 minutes
• Power Consumption (Standby): 6W
• Power Consumption Idle: 198W&a
https://www.manley.com/hifi/m2st