Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Manley Laboratories Stingray Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by Lecartel

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 Lecartel ( A ) on October 27, 2002 at 14:08:52
IP Address: 202.3.236.212

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for the Stingray

Superb integrated. Looks stunning, sounds superb.

8 EL 84 tubes ultralinear or triode wired. I found the triode mode is the best in the long run. The better the source and cable, the better the triode mode sounds: more detail, more liquid, more depth.

I prefer the Ei EL 84 tubes and I use Mullards for the AT7 pair.

The unit was delivered with russian EL 84 M but they sounded not as good at all as the Ei tubes: much less details.

Superb tonal balance and dynamics, great harmonics, and the bass is strong and lean, not blotted, even in the triode mode, with the right speakers (Triangle Celius are a perfect match: 92 dB and very dynamic). The Ah Tjoeb also works great with the Stingray and the Siltech interconnect and HP cables: they are expensive (all silver and gold, no copper), but worth it.

I am delighted with the result. If you order one, ask for a switch between triode and ultralinear mode, that way you can choose your sound adapted to your taste and your speakers (the triode mode only puts out 25 wpc, so you have to have efficient speakers).

Those who think the EL 84 do not put out enough bass have not heard the Stingray... But the bass does not spill on the rest on the spectrum, it is tight and very well integrated to the rest. Double bass solos and drum solos are a joy to listen to.

I listen to jazz and there is nothing like a piano trio to judge an amplifier. Also voices are so real...it is almost scary...

A great product !

Product Weakness: None
Product Strengths: MUSICAL , great bass, dynamic sound. Superb triode mode.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Manley Stingray
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Ah Tjoeb 4000, Heart 6000
Speakers:	Triangle Celius (92 dB)
Cables/Interconnects:	siltech G3, (HP and interconnect)
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	contemporary Jazz
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Siltech XP 20 power cable
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None
Product Strengths:	MUSICAL , great bass, dynamic sound. Superb triode mode.