{"product_id":"manley-labs-neo-classic-300b-rc-tube-preamplifier","title":"Manley Labs Neo-Classic 300B RC Tube Preamplifier","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Manley Neo-Classic 300B RC is a full vacuum tube stereo preamplifier featuring 2 x 300B output tubes, 2 x 6SL7GT input tubes, 2 x 5AR4\/5U4G rectifiers, and 2 x OD3 voltage regulators.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eManley Labs is an interesting company on the market as they produce high-end hi-fi stereo gear alongside professional audio equipment for recording studios. Much of their experience in the pro audio sector bleeds into their hi-fi gear and vice versa, creating a cool dynamic and exceptionally neat products.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Neo-Classic 300B RC is a standout in their range with a beautiful fit, finish, and retro-modern aesthetic. Standout features include a motorized ALPS audiophile volume control, pure Class A output topology, and custom-designed output transformers wound directly in Manley's own magnetics department.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the avid headphone fans among us, this preamp also has you covered. This model utilizes a dedicated headphone amplifier rated for a massive 1W (1000mW) into a 600-ohm load, complete with a 3-way impedance selector switch. This provides an incredible amount of distortion-free power on tap for cans that require it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn testing we were impressed by its \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIncluded will be its original RF remote control, manual, and box to make this a complete set for the next owner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSkyFi Cosmetic Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnit is in great condition, Very minimal signs of wear. The included manual is a printed copy, not an original document.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Manley Labs: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExperience the Manley Neo-Classic 300B RC, single-ended triode preamplification\u003cbr\u003eThe Manley Neo-Classic 300B RC Preamplifier employs the 300B triode as a dedicated line driver in single-ended Class A configuration, combining vacuum tube rectification and regulation with advanced ripple rejection circuitry for exceptional noise floor performance. Hand-assembled in California, this all-triode design delivers the transparency and dimensional imaging characteristic of zero-crossover-distortion amplification while providing comprehensive source integration and remote control functionality for modern high-fidelity systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePure Class A triode topology with tube-regulated power supply\u003cbr\u003eThe preamplifier architecture maximizes the linearity and bandwidth of the 300B triode in single-ended operation. Vacuum tube rectification and regulation, combined with proprietary ripple rejection topology, achieve exceptionally low noise performance essential for resolving micro-dynamic information and spatial cues. The all-triode Class A signal path maintains phase coherence and harmonic accuracy from input to output, ensuring faithful reproduction of source material without solid-state artifacts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIntegrated headphone amplification with impedance optimization\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 300B output stage functions as a dedicated Class A headphone amplifier, delivering 1 watt into 600 Ohm loads with exceptional current drive capability. A three-position impedance selector optimizes output matching for headphones ranging from 30 Ohms to 4000 Ohms, ensuring proper damping factor and transient response across all driver types. This topology provides reference-grade headphone performance directly from the preamplifier without additional amplification stages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComprehensive connectivity with motorized remote control\u003cbr\u003eSystem control is executed through a precision motorized ALPS volume potentiometer operated via omnidirectional RF remote, providing wireless functionality through walls and cabinetry. Five line-level inputs accommodate multiple sources, while a dedicated unbuffered record output and post-volume subwoofer output enable flexible system integration. The Neo-Classic 300B RC serves as a complete analog control center for discerning high-fidelity installations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSkyFi Technical Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis preamplifier has been fitted with a mix of tubes. Vintage USA Regulators, JJ Rectifiers, and Russian preamp and line driver tubes. The 300Bs line drivers are Elecrto-Harmonix Gold Pin.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOwnership:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSingle Owner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eConnections:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRCA Inputs and Outputs, IEC Power\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral Sound:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCosmetic Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e8\/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/pages\/our-rating-scale\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWorking Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorking perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnit, Box, Manual, Power Cord, Remote\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePacking:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginal Manufacturers Packing\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOriginal MSRP:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e$7,999.00\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecs:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTubes\u003cbr\u003e2 x 300B, 2 x 6SL7, 2 x 5AR4 (Rectifier)\u003cbr\u003eInputs\u003cbr\u003e5 stereo pair Unbalanced RCA\u003cbr\u003eMax Output\u003cbr\u003e+17.2 dBu (Line Stage)\u003cbr\u003eHeadphone Power\u003cbr\u003e1 W into 600 Ohms\u003cbr\u003eS\/N Ratio\u003cbr\u003e105 dB typical (A WGT)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e19\" W x 13\" L x 4\" H (Top Deck)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e28 lbs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLink to Manual:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/static1.squarespace.com\/static\/582f5ce4e4fcb562b921bdc3\/t\/5aa3284971c10b74be79351b\/1520642122208\/NEO3BR_manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommended Cables:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-hero-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-silver-streak-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - TAK-CU - New Speciality Series Tonearm Cable, New - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-tak-cu-phono-cable-with-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Phono Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-pk14-pk-14-ascent-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-ascent-series-pk10-pk-10-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTesting Process:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and\/or outputs these are tested as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Manley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67620530356478,"sku":"108140","price":4136.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/3275\/9084\/files\/manley-labs-neo-classic-300b-rc-tube-preamplifier-463.jpg?v=1790709621","url":"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/en-gb\/products\/manley-labs-neo-classic-300b-rc-tube-preamplifier","provider":"SkyFi Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}