[mcullinan]

 
My first foray into tube amps.  Im going from Nuforce 9 SE v3s to the Manleys. It was time to try something new & Im glad I did. My speakers are Merlin VSM MXs, preamp Supratek Sauvignon, Bryston BDA-1 DAC, Squeezebox 3 with CI Audio PS.

First thing, they require careful setup. I had to swap out all my MAC Palladium cables for shielded ones (Blue Jean). EMI from the transformers I am told. I also need to get some rubber feet to soak up some vibration (using paper towels for now )  This minimized hum. I dont like my speakers making any sound, I got close enough.

Wow! They take a while to sound their best 30+ min Id say. I was concerned about whether they would play loud enough and they seem fine. I am listening at a good volume without distortion. Listening to Jean Michael Jarre... lots of ambiance. Great sound stage.

The bass is very good. It sounds a bit more natural than the Nuforce. A little more bloom but still tight, not flabby. The highs seem more open and expansive, I might be tripping right now.. lol!

The things I give up from the Nuforce is a bit of inner detail and ultimate loud as I want dance tracks. The Manleys are dynamic and pretty much neutral. I thought they would have a warmer sound, but no. I hear more texture with the Manleys. The background is not as dark as the Nuforces. The Nuforces are cleaner sounding, but the Manleys are more musical.

I guess every amp has its trade offs. Ive had my Nuforces for about 3 years and have enjoyed them VEry much! But this is new (Manleys) and pretty cool!
M

[Lyndon]

Manley gear is built like a tank.
Please post when you put some sweet photos of the new set up in your gallery.

Have not thought of Jean Michael Jarre in a very long time. I have Oxygen, and isn't there an album
cover with a skull in the motif?

Lyndon

[mcullinan]

I have Oxygene too. Not sure what the skull album is.
Big album in my college days, being a stoner.. lol
M

[Nels Ferre]

 Hi,

You hit the nail on the head as far as texture. I have Mahis as well and love them. (Triode Mode/ Standard Feedback.) I am running them with a Manley Jumbo Shrimp preamp.

How do you have yours set?

[Bill Baker]

Not a bad choice for a first venture into tube or even a last venture. I was a Manley dealer for a while and really likes the Mahi's. In my opinion, the best looking of their amps as well.

Enjoy

[zybar]

A couple of pics from the Manley website:







These are indeed nice amps.  Great sound, no fuss, just fun!

George

[satfrat]

Also from the Manley website:

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $2500 clams per pair (USD $)
 

I wonder if they'd settle for shrimp instead? 
 
OK, enough yokes, those are some mighty pretty tube amps you have there to replace the digital Nuforce's Mike,,, congratulations and happy listening of your "new" system.    Your comparisons between these 2 different amp designs is definitely an interesting read, especially the wattage difference in relation to your "to the max" listening preferences.   
 
You have a very sweet system indeed Mike. 
 
Cheers,
Robin

[mcullinan]

They are pretty cute looking. At first I thought they looked a little odd, but they have big personality for such small amps!

[mfsoa]

Hey Mike,

Get away from those Blue Jeans cables ASAP for a significant step up.

I expect your next cables to be far more open and revealing than the BJC, if that's a direction you want your system to take.

Congrats on the new gear!

-Mike

[mcullinan]

What are some really good shielded cables without the mucho $$$?
I really liked the MAC Palladiums.. but I need shielding!

[naggots]

Glad you like the Mahis, I came from Audio Research VT 50 and couldn't be happier.

You may like to try changing the 12AT7 tubes to these http://www.tubemonger.com/Brimar_CV4033_NOS_1960_62_Prem_CV4024_STC_Eng_FAC_p/2042m.htm

not expensive but according to Tubemonger in the top 3 of 12AT7s. The Mahis are warmer and airier, and they last for 10000hrs.

Not worth changing the 6414 tube, but if you could get some Mullard EL84s..........

[naggots]

I use Zu Gedes with my Mahis, no hum and cheap ($100ish) from Zu ebay store or second hand. Replaced Cardas Golden Cross which I found so smooth they became boring.

sorry to hog your post

[Triode Pete]

They are pretty cute looking. At first I thought they looked a little odd, but they have big personality for such small amps!

These amps are the epitomy of you, Mr. Nose Picker!!!

[mcullinan]

Nice... I see some of your setup on Audiogon. Ill check those tubes out. MAn I am enjoying the hell out of these little amps. Like a kid in a candy store!
I have a Mullard ECC801S in the front tube position and right behind that is a Raytheon. The other tubes are EL84 Amperex from JApan/ 1970s.
M

[mcullinan]

These amps are the epitomy of you, Mr. Nose Picker!!!

ahhahahaha!

[Lyndon]

Here you go, Mike.



Not a bad memory from a guy who managed a record store 20 years ago...

[mcullinan]

Sweet! So that album is the one with the skull. Great album for treading space & time!

[santacore]

Mahi's rock!! Those are one of the few amps that I regret selling. I'll never forget the day I took them down to a local dealer and compared them to some massive(and expensive) Rogue mono-blocks. Both the sales guy and I thought the Mahi's sounded better. In fact he mentioned he wanted to look into buying a pair. Ha!

Great little amps that are dynamic, musical, and with surprising bass. Enjoy!

[doug s.]

i had dead-quiet background w/mahi's using unshielded alpha-core tq2-ag cables.  these neutral detailed (imo) cables reduce noise thru their purled construction, w/o shielding.  best i/c deal out there, imo, when you can find 'em used...

doug s.

[bunky]

What are some really good shielded cables without the mucho $$$?
I really liked the MAC Palladiums.. but I need shielding!

I run Palladiums from my source to my preamplifier without a problem.I cant run them between the pre and the power amps without picking up noise though