Manley Neo-Classic 300B RC Preamplifier 2008 - present - Manual (Page 3)

INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU!...
for choosing the Manley Laboratories 300B Preamplifier RC. Handcrafted in Chino, CA, the Neo-Classic 300B Pre-
amplifier RC uses beautiful sounding parts in a clever and clean signal path. This Preamp features the 300B direct
heated triode as the line and headphone driver. The 300B is typically used in low power amplifiers as a power tube.
These 300B-based amps generally deliver 5 to 9 watts single-ended and cost from $3,000 to over $100,000! Some
of these amps sound very nice coupled with efficient speakers. Our Neo-Classic 300B SE/PP Power Amplifier uses
a pair of 300B’s that can be operated single-ended or push-pull, and delivers up to 22 watts. We consider the 300B
to be an extremely luscious tube for low-power purposes. Driving headphones and cables is a natural application for
these tubes. This is where the impedances are not too low and the power requirements are not too high but where
smaller triodes tubes might run out of steam. In our Neo-Classic 300B Preamplifier, we combine the classic 300B
with another classic - the octal-based 6SL7GT dual triode to perform the amplification duties. To complement this
tube choice we also employ tube-based rectification and regulation as well as our usual extreme filtering with gobs of
large filter caps.
To complement our best sounding line driver to date, we surround it with proven passive components such as gold
plated connectors, high purity copper wire, Mil-spec printed circuit boards with extra thick copper and plating, ce-
ramic sockets, and custom-designed transformers. All the audiophile goodies are in here and together the sum total is
a beautiful sounding preamplifier which we know will provide years of faithful service.
LOCATION & VENTILATION
The Neo-Classic 300B Preamplifier must be installed in a stable location with ample ventilation. It is recommended,
if this unit is rack mounted, that you allow enough clearance on the bottom of the preamp such that a constant flow
of air can flow through the ventilation slots. The top should be given enough clearence to allow sufficient ventilation
above the tubes. We also recommend that the preamplifier be placed at least 10 inches away from its amplifier.
WATER & MOISTURE
As with all electronic equipment, this unit should be kept away from moisture of any kind. You’re allowed to weep
with joy at the sounds it makes, but keep those salty tears away from the power supply!
SERVICING
The user should not attempt to service the preamplifier beyond that described in the owner’s manual. Refer all
servicing other than tube replacement to Manley Laboratories.
SPECIAL NOTES
The 300B’s are packaged separately to prevent damage. You will need to carefully plug them in before powering-up
the preamp. Pay attention to the size of the pins to properly align the tubes before inserting. The large pins go into the
large sockets. It is difficult but possible to insert the 300B’s wrong and damage the preamp. Tubes may become loose
during transit. Straighten and press down each tube before plugging the preamplifier into the mains socket. Further-
more, do not touch the tubes while the preamplifier is switched on, as the tubes do become very hot during operation
and should only be handled after the power has been turned off and the tubes have cooled.
Please read over this entertaining and enjoyable owner s manual carefully as it contains information essential
to the proper operation and maximum enjoyment of this instrument.
Thank you again, and please enjoy your new Neo-Classic 300B Preamplifier RC! (and the clever Owner s Manual.)
UNPACKING: Unpack the preamplifier carefully and make sure that all supplied accessories are present. Carefully
examine all items for any possibility of shipping damage. All the tubes should show no signs of distress such as
chipped glass, loose internal components or obvious breakage.
If the preamplifier is damaged or fails to operate, notify the shipper or your dealer or us or your local authorities
immediately. Or if you suspect The Shipping People threw it off the airplane and onto your front porch whilst flying
overhead at 30,000 feet, notify the shipping company without delay and complain to them as we only guarantee this
unit to be able to survive a drop of 23,487 feet or less.
Your Neo-Classic 300B Preamplifier RC was packed with extreme love and includes the following components
and accessories:
a) 1 each, 6 foot IEC 3-conductor power cable (that you will probably replace with an expensive audiophile cord
anyway.)
b) 1 each, Owner s Manual (that we hope you will keep reading.)
c) The tubes: 2 x 300B, 2 x 6SL7GT, 2 x OD3, and 2 x 5U4 vacuum tubes
d) 1 REMORA Remote Control
It is prudent to retain the shipping materials for future use, as they are custom-formed for the preamp and
will greatly minimize the chance of shipping-related damage should you ever need to put your precious
Neo-Classic 300B Preamplifier in the careless hands of The Shipping People again.
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