General Asylum: REVIEW: Manley Laboratories Stingray Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by Sherman Wentworth

Model:	Stingray
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2250
Description:	25W triode or 50W ultra-linear stereo integrated amplifer (tubes: 8 x EL84 output, 2 x 6414 Driver, 2 x 12AT7WA Input)
Manufacturer URL:	Manley Laboratories
Model Picture:	View

Review by Sherman Wentworth ( A ) on September 30, 2005 at 11:54:56
IP Address: 164.109.144.90

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I've been a Solid State man since I was a little audiophile listening to my AM radio and (1) earplug. However now that I'm older with some disposible income, I went in search of a better sound than my cheapo box store receiver (which was starting to give me a headache if I tried to listen to it seriously for any length of time).
I read up on tube amps and one weekend cruised some high end audio stores and listened to a few. What I heard was intriguing. I finally heard a Manley Stingray (an integrated amp with 50 watts). I have some education on wattage ratings from being around musicians and tube amps for many years, so I was not thrown by the wattage rating. However, if you have been indoctrinated to the pitch of "500 watts per channel" $199.00 amps pushed by Circuit City and others, then you may have a bit of a learning curve.
I'm not an engineer, so you'll need to look elsewhere for a description of true wattage ratings and why a Single End Triode (SET) amp of 10 watts or a tube amp of 50 watts or a Solid State amp of 100 watts may all provide more than enough power with the right set of speakers. And why some people may need or want to own a Solid State amp with 600 - 1000 watts, or why running dual mono bloc amps is preferred.
Getting back to my tube amp listening experience. I went into a small boutique store and was introduced to the Stingray. I was warned to let the amp warm up and that the sound would change dramatically, however even from the start I knew this was going to be a revelation. Listening to the Stingray that afternoon in a dedicated room with no outside interference was like (I assume) the warm glow of narcotics running through your veins. As the amp warmed up, I could finally understand what reviewers were referring to when they spoke of seperation, and music coming from in front, from the sides and from behind speakers. And indeed, in regard to speakers disappearing. It was magical.
Now the Stingray, as most high end equipment does not have the compensating Treble or Bass, or even Midrange, controls that I was used to. But I soon realized why it didn't need them. My ears conditioned to years of artificial highs or lows and middling midrange, soon re-conditioned themselves to the entirely flat sound production of the Stingray and the tonal qualities picked up purely from the sources.
My 2nd analogy...like easing into a hot tub after a 20 mile mountain bile ride. Soooo soothing. So musical. So...real.
This is an excellent amp and an excellent value, especially on the secondary market.
I've had mine for 6 months and have recently added some speakers which are far superior to the bookshelves that were used for my initial audition. Now tube amps do take a while to warm up, but given 1-2 hours, and you will be rewarded with simply superior sound.

Product Weakness: Sub out is extra, no phono, no remote
Product Strengths: Cool design, quality build, excellent service and sterling sound quality

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Manley Stingray
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None (integrated)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Arcam 8SE
Speakers:	Silverline Sonatina II (Briarwood finish) & M&K MX100 subwoofer
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Rock, Pop
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Sub out is extra, no phono, no remote
Product Strengths:	Cool design, quality build, excellent service and sterling sound quality