Manley 500 / 200 WATT MONOBLOCK User Manual
Page 10
OPERATIONAL NOTES
SWITCHING ON -- SOFT START
The MANLEY 500/200 is equipped with a SOFT-START circuit which lessens the initial stress the amplifier
takes upon turn-on. We recommend that you use this soft start facility whenever you turn the amplifier on
and especially when cold.
1. Ensure that the "mains" switch on the front panel is in the "off" or "0" position
and the OPERATE / STANDBY switch is in the STANDBY mode.
2. Turn on preamplifiers and all source components you plan to use and let them warm up for a
minute.
3. Switch the square mains power switch to the ON position and allow the amplifier a minute or so
to 'warm up'. The blinking LED will indicate that the amplifier is in STANDBY mode.
4. Engage the soft-start swich to the OPERATE position. The blinking standby LED will extin-
guish.
5. Turn up the volume and enjoy.
THE EVER-WARM MODE
After your listening session, if you wish to leave the amplifier in the energy-saving and 'EVER-WARM'
STANDBY mode, engage the OPERATE/STANDBY switch to the STANDBY position. The standby
blinking LED will remind you that the amplifier is in STANDBY mode. The amplifier will draw only 400mA
(30 watts @120VAC) from the mains outlet-- certainly an energy saving way to keep your amplifiers always
ready for a listening session!
TRIODE / TETRODE OPERATION:
With the TRIODE / TETRODE switch, the amplifier may be set for TRIODE or TETRODE
operation. When the switch is in the lower position, the amplifier is in TETRODE mode which will produce
well over 440 watts. When the switch is in the upper position, the amplifier is in TRIODE mode which will
produce half the power of TETRODE operation but as fans of triodes know, nothing can match that sweet
seductive sound of triodes! For some more demanding energetic music, large rooms, or for power hungry
inefficient loadspeakers, you might find you will need the extra power of tetrode operation. Other times and
other situations will find you very well satisfied with the triode mode. One major rule applies for switching
between triode and tetrode:
THE AMPLIFIER MUST BE TURNED OFF OR IN STANDBY MODE BEFORE SWITCHING
BETWEEN TRIODE AND TETRODE!!!!
Follow turn on SOFT START procedure above when re-powering up the unit.
FEEDBACK & SLOPE CONTROLS
The FEEDBACK control varies the global feedback resistor of the amplifier in 2dB steps. This will change
the gain and slew rate of the amplifier. The SLOPE control varies the feedback 'slope' capacitor value which
changes the amplifier's intended roll-off points at supersonic frequencies. The best way to take advantage of
these controls is to let your ears decide which combination works best for your system, speakers, and taste.
Feel free to experiment with different settings to custom-tailor the sound to suit.
TUBE LIFE
You should expect extended life from the tubes in your MANLEY 500/200 if you adhere to the procedures
described above and check your bias at least once every 2-3 months. We stock all the tubes in these
amplifiers should you ever need replacements (and at very reasonable prices too!)
FUSES
The fuses used in your amplifier are standard 1/4" x 1 1/4" SLO-BLO types. The correctly rated fuse has
been installed at the factory for your country's voltage. If replacing a fuse, always unplug the amplifier's
power cord from the wall outlet and always use the exact same type and ampere rating fuse as the one you are
replacing. Failure to do so will void your warranty and can be a dangerous fire hazard. NEVER replace a fuse
with thick wire, tin foil, gum wrappers, or anything else other than the correct fuse!