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Manley Stingray II...a quick review....

I got the newest version of the Stingray II from Rich at Signature sound a few days ago. As I'm still waiting for my new Merlin TSM-XMr's I decided to at least break the amp in and connected my theater speakers, a pair of Definitive Technology BP2004 towers. These are fairly good "mid-fi" towers that I use in my theater room.

I was warned that the Stingray would have some glare and grain until it broke in, but I connected my oppo player and sat down to some good music anyway.

Point blank the Stingray, in it's 18 watt triode mode, made the Def Techs sound like a pair of Snells. They were smooth, liquid and detailed. They also played with good volume. I was shocked at what the Stingray II could bring out of the speakers and can't wait to hear the amp with the Merlins.

I went against buying the Ipod version because it just doesn't belong on this amp, nor is it the best way to connect an Ipod into the system.

The Stingray is superior, at least to my ears at this early stage, to my very good Odyssey/Rogue combo. I should mention that this is my fist foray into an all tubes amp. I'm VERY impressed. Once I have the rest of the system up and running I'll post a more complete review.

Cheers,

Bob
robbob
7 responses Add your response
naggots
115 posts
 
I have the Mahis the mono block version of the Stingray. Love the glorious midrange of the EL84s ......

I swapped the 12AT7 for 1962 Brimar cv4033 from Tubmonger, improved eveything smoothed out the treble while opening up the soundstage with added air, mids are liquid and warm while the bass remains deep and controlled. All in all these amps can deliver in spades.
vertigo
130 posts
 
I think the ipod is an ok idea for those who just want some tunes playing in the background at certain times. It's just an extra option. Why not.
robbob OP
273 posts
 
Yup....plus I didn't want the added wiring and complexity cluttering and possibly effecting the purity of the Stingray. They might as well have added a slot for 8 Track!

If I decide to use an Ipod, I'd do with a Wadia unit at the very least.

I think the best result from the Ipod version is that it got quite a bit of press and updated their image a bit.

Bob
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
I'm interested in hearing more about the Stingray II after some more break in of it and the speakers that are on the way.

I agree completely with what you said about the iPod version. I have no idea what they were thinking. Seems like a stupid idea. Maybe its about marketing - ie trying to rope in the iPod crowd? I highly doubt too many be interested in a $3400 integrated amp that only puts out 32 or 18 watts when they can get a $1000 watt JVC boombox from Target for $200 or so.

If it extracted the digital data, maybe. I can't see very many audiophiles buying one that doesn't, especially for a $400 premium over the standard version.
robbob OP
273 posts
 
I've got about 35 more hours on it now. Grain is slowing going away and the overall sound is warming up more. I was told about 200 hours to break the amp in, but I was pretty happy with the sound to start. Of course I don't have the very revealing Merlin TSM XMr's yet to judge, but thus far....this is a VERY impressive amp.

Bob
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goldprintaudio
502 posts
 
Glad to hear. Have a Stingray on the way myself.
hifiharv
351 posts
 
Yup, EL84's again.
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