Tubes on a budget?
Written: Sep 03 '00
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Pros: Price, sound
Cons: None so far
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| chrischross's Full Review: Manley 50 Watt Monoblock Amplifier |
If you have any interest in the "tube sound" and can find these used, get them. My system prior to this was:
Audiolab 8000S integrated
Rega Planet
Tara Labs interconnects and speaker cables
After:
Audiolab 8000S running in PreAmp mode
Rega Planet
Nordost Blue heaven interconnects and speaker cables
The difference? More bass, defined cymbals, warmer sound from CD sources. Tubes DO make a difference. If you have a sub-$1000 integrated and want a glimpse of what true high end is like, these amps give you an open invitation.
During my trial period, I auditioned Curtis Mayfields "Right On For The Darkness" -- not your typical audiophile track, but I listen to a lot of 60's and 70's soul and R&B, so any equipment had to be able to play difficult recordings. I listened on my existing setup -- clean but uninvolving. Switched cabling to the Manley's and listened again. From the moment where the guitar comes in quietly, I knew I had something. Once the tune gets cookin' and the drums come in, my feet began to involuntarily convulse. I'm air-drumming along with the song. The violin strings in the song complete the emotional impact of what Mayfield is getting across.
I continued auditioning key components of my collection: Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder. Vocals are more involving, with the usually cool CD sound warmed up quite a bit. Jazz and classical all sound first rate. The Beatles CD's sound exceptional, perhaps because they too were recorded on EL-84 tube gear, which is the tube of choice on the Manley 50 watt. My wife, usually the audiophile skeptic, immediately noticed a difference. Whereas before she would barely touch the stereo, she's all over it now, playing
Downsides? If you're a fan of late 70's - early 80's synth stuff like Gary Numan, then integrateds still seem to sound better. The dynamics just doesn't come across. This may be something in the recordings, but I noticed that I switched the speaker cabling back to the Audiolab, things just sounded a lot better.
Listen to these for yourself. Check out Manley Labs other fine products at www.manleylabs.com. They're not your average electronics manufacturer, since they build mainly professional gear. After hearing these mono-blocks, I'm real curious about their 300B SE's. I found these used for a little of $1000, and as an introduction to the tube sound, I'm more than impressed.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 1100
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Epinions.com ID:
chrischross
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Member: Chris B
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 0 members
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