Manley Neo Classic 300B Preamp

Diamond Dog · « **on:** 1 Aug 2011, 01:00 am »

Hi : I've been using a Manley Jumbo Shrimp for a year or two now and like it a lot but as I have been considering adding a headphone amp to my system, it occurred to me that I might consider upgrading to a 300B and get one box to do double-duty. Does anyone have any experience with this particular Manley model? Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks
D.D.

audio.bill · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 03:32 am »

The Manley 300B preamp is a real honey.

It's much richer and more euphonic sounding than the Jumbo Shrimp with a very full bass presentation. Dynamics are exceptionally portrayed since some power supply enhancements were implemented in the design several years ago by Manley. I'd suggest getting one to audition in your system before purchasing if possible, but I'd bet that you'll fall in love with it. The only exception would be if your system is already too far on the warm and rich side and this could tip things further in that direction.

jimdgoulding · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 05:14 am »

Sounds like it might do well with SS amplification. Jez thinking out loud.

bunky · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 11:50 pm »

I heard one at the Capitol Audio Fest and it was very nice

richidoo · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Aug 2011, 01:08 am »

Quote from: bunky on 1 Aug 2011, 11:50 pm

I heard one at the Capitol Audio Fest and it was very nice

Yes Bunky, it sounded gorgeous! With Manley Mahis and what I thought was Carnegie Acoustics big blue line arrays, but I don't see it listed on Carnegie website. It was a great sound.

I finally heard the Jumbo Shrimp in the Manley / Joseph room with Manley Snappers after 2 years of waiting impatiently. I used to own Snappers and tried the original Shrimp several times. I wanted to love it because it was perfect in every way except the boring sound. But the Jumbo seemed to easily keep up with the Snappers in the Joseph Audio demo. I'm thinking about getting one. I'm glad to hear that you love it. I've only heard good things from owners.

I have Neo Classic SEPP 300B power amps, and warmish diy horn speakers. One review that I read said the 300B preamp and amps together was too much. At the CAF the sound of the 300B preamp with the ultra clean Mahis and speakers was still very strong flavor.

There are a lot of great standalone headphone amps out there. But I agree, listening to cans through that 300B preamp monster would be a trip!