Manley Labs Neo-Classic 300B RC Preamp Headphone Amp Review
Read Time: Approx. 12 min.
A Hidden Gem In The Sea of High-End Headphone Amps
Earlier this year, we had an opportunity to sit down with EveAnna Manley, CEO & Co-Founder of Manley Labs. She's the genius behind some of our favorite tube components, particularly the Neo-Classic 300B RC Preamp Headphone Amplifier. The Neo-Classic 300B has a rich history as one of the last products Co-founder and former CEO David Manley created before he departed from Manley Labs, establishing a legacy that continues in their Chino, California, facility alongside products like the Manley Core Processors and Stingray II Stereo Integrated Amplifier.
The Manley Neo-Classic 300B RC Preamp Headphone Amp is a force to be reckoned with, delivering audiophiles a unique tube sound that's big and voluptuous with a warm, friendly character reminiscent of their famous tube mic preamplifiers. As a high-end preamp and headphone amplifier combo unit rivaling their Absolute Headphone Amplifier and Steelhead, the 300B can function as a central component in your hi-fi system alongside DACs and converters. Many forget that the Neo-Classic 300B is a headphone amplifier, but we're here to emphasize that. It offers exceptional headphone performance with no impedance matching issues, distinguishing it from solid-state amps.
Manley Laboratories' philosophy emphasizes maintaining sound quality through incremental improvements rather than radical changes, using reliable components like Electro-Harmonix 300B tubes that balance performance with reasonable cost–the same approach seen in their pro audio lineup, including mixers, power conditioners, and the Stereo Limiter. If that sounds like something you're interested in, keep reading!
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PROS
- Underrated Headphone Amp!!
- Manley Lab POWER!
CONS
- Decently-sized unit
Design
I don't know what it is, but there's just something magical about the look of a tube headphone amplifier that distinguishes itself from monoblock amplifiers. It awakens this urge to spin records, smoke a cigar, and reminisce on the good 'ole days. Okay, maybe that was a little far, but you get my drift. In today's digital age, we get hi-fi components akin to something you'd find on a Star Wars starfighter. Ultra-modern and ultra-minimalistic. The Neo-Classic 300B sits somewhere in the middle, sharing design language with products like the Chinook and Manley Nu Mu.
Manley Labs has kept the Neo-Classic's design fairly minimalist. It's not overly crowded with buttons and switches, and uses complementary colors for its finish. The top panel of the Neo-Classic 300B features two 300B Electro-Harmonix output tubes, two 6SL7 Sovtek input tubes, two 5AR4 Ruby rectifier tubes, and two OD3 regulator tubes. Seated alongside the tubes are three switches: A headphone impedance switch, a transformer switch, and an output switch.
Customers can choose from three face plate finishes: Manley blue, silver, and black. Aside from the faceplate, the rest of the component is shiny black. On the front panel, you'll find a 5-position switch for input selection (Aux, tape, CD, tuner, video), two balanced 1/4" headphone jacks, volume control, and a power switch. Manley Labs' logo with the product name is clearly displayed on a backlit panel which illuminates when the component is powered on.
Now, the back panel is where all the fun happens. You'll find the mains fuse, IEC mains socket, main left and right outputs driven by 300Bs, a subwoofer output, a record output, tuner input, aux input, video input, CD input, and tape input. At 19" W x 13" L, the Neo-Classic 300B is a decently sized unit that's got some heft to it in the weight department. You can certainly pick it up and move it if needed, but I would suggest placing it in a dedicated spot once you get it.
One of the most valuable accessories included with the Neo-Classic 300B is its radio frequency remote control. I know, I know...it's just a remote control, what's so special about that? Well, let me tell you. Traditionally, most remote controls use infrared light to send the signal to your component. Manley Labs has implemented radio frequency into its remote control, something they started doing back in the '90s and haven't stopped since. This allows you to send the signal from longer distances without standing in front of the amp. You no longer have to point and shoot the remote directly at the amp. You can quickly adjust the volume from another room or skip a track while still reclined in your favorite chair with headphones on.
This remote control magic is possible thanks to the Neo-Classic 300B's motorized volume control. The ALPS audiophile volume control delivers precise adjustments, magically rotating with each increase or decrease on the remote control.
Sound
To get the most out of the Neo-Classic 300B, we listened to it in two different setups–As a preamp with floorstanding loudspeakers and as a headphone amp with over-ear wired headphones.
Testing Setup #1: Preamp Stage
Manley Labs Neo-Classic 300B RC Preamp connected to the Pass Labs X150.8 Stereo Amplifier (as our power amplifier), Focal Sopra No. 2 Floorstanding Loudspeakers, Manley Labs Oasis Phono Stage Preamp, and Technics SL-1210G-K Turntable.
In this setup, we get a good mix of class A, class AB, and tube amplification. The 300B tubes and the Pass Labs X150 are a glorious match. You get a nice, detailed sound quality that's premium in every way.
Testing Setup #2: Headphone Amp Stage
Manley Labs Neo-Classic 300B RC Preamp Headphone Amp with the Grado Signature HP100 SE Headphones
The Neo-Classic 300B really flexes its sonic muscle as a stellar headphone amplifier. I think the 300B gets disregarded as a headphone amplifier. You know, you see the fancy 300B tubes and the large form factor of the component, and can only picture it in a two-channel setup. Well, I'm here to tell you that the Neo-Classic 300B's superpower is its performance as a headphone amp. The meticulous circuit design of the amp promotes exceptional sound quality and performance. It's got a warm, friendly sound that's full of character.
With plenty of headroom and no impedance matching issues, I had no problem finding a pair of headphones to enjoy with this amp. It pairs well with many headphones, from demanding, power-hungry cans to easy-to-drive models. Finding a component that can exist in two setups is like striking gold! Want to enjoy the Neo-Classic 300B with loudspeakers? You can! Want to enjoy some immersive headphone listening? That's no problem either!
Fire On The Horizon
By Stick Figure
(Set In Stone)
Dear God
By Tate McRae
(So Close To What)
Somehow It's Been a Rough Day
By Ai Kuwabara with Steve Gadd and Will Lee
(Live at Blue Note Tokyo)
Way Bigger
By Don Toliver
(Life of a Don)
300B Tube Rolling
Arguably, the best thing about tube headphone amplifiers is tube rolling. When you invest in a tube headphone amplifier, you get the luxury of swapping tubes over time. Whether that's for necessity or to invite in a new tonality, it's a fun hobby that yields highly rewarding results. We carry a collection of 300B tubes here at Moon Audio that are compatible with the Manley Labs Neo-Classic 300B RC Preamp Headphone Amp. Check them out and start tube rolling today!
Features
- 300B can be used with both digital and analog sources
- Output transformers made directly in house
- Classic Tube Design: The preamplifier utilizes classic 300B tubes, renowned for their smooth and natural sound reproduction, offering a vintage appeal with modern performance.
- Triode Operation: All triodes, including the 300B and 6SL7GT tubes, operate in pure Class A mode, ensuring accurate and distortion-free amplification of the audio signal.
- Single-Ended Configuration: The preamp is designed in a single-ended configuration, providing ideal impedance matching and power delivery for optimal performance, particularly with headphones.
- Vacuum Tube Rectification and Regulation: Incorporates vacuum tube rectification and regulation in the power supply, enhancing stability and reducing noise for a cleaner audio signal.
- Ripple Rejection Circuit: Features an innovative ripple rejection circuit that effectively filters out power supply noise, ensuring an ultra-low noise floor and pristine audio reproduction, especially critical for headphone users.
- ALPS Audiophile Volume Control: Equipped with an ALPS audiophile volume control for precise and smooth volume adjustments, allowing users to fine-tune their listening experience with precision.
- Gold-Plated RCA Connectors: Utilizes gold-plated RCA connectors for high-quality audio connections, ensuring minimal signal loss and maximum conductivity.
- High-Purity Silver Wire: Incorporates high-purity silver wire for signal transmission, minimizing signal degradation and preserving the integrity of the audio signal.
- Mil-Spec Printed Circuit Boards: Features mil-spec printed circuit boards with extra thick copper and plating, ensuring durability, reliability, and optimal signal integrity.
- Custom-Designed Output Transformers: Utilizes custom-designed output transformers, hand-wound in Manley Labs' own magnetics department, to ensure precise and consistent signal transmission, contributing to the preamp's rich and captivating sound signature.
Circuit Path: Headphone Stage vs. Preamp Stage
Manley Labs has done an exceptional job of delivering us both a highly capable preamp and headphone amp. Regardless of what stage you're using, you'll get to experience the full sonic properties of the 300B tubes.
When using the Neo-Classic 300B as a headphone amplifier, the signal begins its journey through input tubes that drive the 300B amplifying output tubes. From there, the signal passes through a substantial rail capacitor before reaching the custom-wound Manley output transformers, which play a crucial role in the overall sound signature.
These output transformers feature dual primary and dual secondary windings that serve a specific purpose in the design. The impedance switch on the unit controls how these secondary windings are configured, toggling between parallel and series connections to create different impedance ranges suitable for various headphone requirements. So, in layman's terms, this switch is where you take care of impedance characteristic issues.
A key distinction exists between the line output and headphone output paths: When using the RCA line outputs, users have the option to engage or bypass the transformers via the dedicated switch. This allows for tonal customization without needing external equalizers. When using the headphone outputs, the signal must travel through the transformers, as they are essential for matching the high impedance from the 300B tubes down to levels appropriate for headphones.
You don't have to worry about damaging your headphones through improper impedance matching. The preamp offers substantial headroom and voltage swing, making it compatible with virtually all headphone types without risk of damage or performance issues–even if the selected impedance setting isn't technically optimal for a particular headphone model.
Dragon Cables
[Silver Dragon Premium Interconnect Cable, Bronze Dragon Premium Interconnect Cable, Black Dragon Power Cable]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
Who is the Neo-Classic 300B for? As a highly capable component with vacuum tube rectification, vacuum tube regulation, and switchable transformers in the output stage, the Manley Labs Neo-Classic 300B RC Preamp & Headphone Amp is for the audiophile with a strident system that demands some character in its presentation. The Neo-Classic 300B does an exceptional job of delivering a big, voluptuous sound with lots of flavor to otherwise analytical loudspeakers or headphones.
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What's in the Box
- Neo-Classic 300B Preamplifier RC
- 1 each, 6 foot IEC 3-conductor power cable
- 1 each, Owner s Manual
- The tubes: 2 x 300B, 2 x 6SL7GT, 2 x OD3, and 2 x 5U4 vacuum tubes
- 1 REMORA Remote Control
Specifications
Inputs: 5 stereo pair unbalanced RCA jacks
Outputs
- 2 stereo pairs MAIN out same as SUB out unbalanced RCA jacks
- RECORD output: 1 stereo pair pre-volume control unbalanced RCA jacks
- HEADPHONE Outs: 2 front panel 1/4" headphone jacks
- Optimized headphone impedance switching: 30-400 Ohms to 300-4000 Ohms
- MUTE: Selecting HEADPHONE operation mutes LINE outputs
Vacuum Tubes
- Output: 2 x 300B Electro-Harmonix
- Input: 2 x 6SL7 Sovtek
- Rectifier: 2 x 5AR4 Ruby
- Regulator: 2 x OD3
Gain: Factory set at 12 dB at max Volume
Internal Variable Feedback: 8.5 dB of global NFB is used @ 12 dB of gain, adjustable trim -1.7dB to +1dB
Noise Floor: Typically -70 dB (1 Hz - 100 KHz)
S/N Ratio: Typically 105 dB (A WGT, 20 Hz - 20 KHz)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 50 KHz 1dB
Channel-to-Channel Separation (L to R): @1KHz 48 dB; @10KHz 35 dB; @20KHz 34 dB
Channel-to-Channel Separation (R to L): @1KHz 50 dB; @10KHz 40 dB; @20KHz 37 dB
THD: 0.08 % @ 1KHz at 1V rms out
Distortion THD+N: -80 dB (.01 %) zero "crossover" distortion, mostly 2nd harmonic
Input Sensitivity: 250mV (-9.8dBu) yields 1V out
Input Impedance: 100 kOhm Noble volume control
Maximum Input Level: 5.5dBu or 1.459 Vrms @ 1KHz, volume control at maximum
Output Impedance (LINE STAGE): 100 Ohms
Maximum Output Level: 17.2dBu or 5.636 Vrms @ 1KHz, volume control at maximum
Output Power (100 Ohm Headphones): 1W (10 V RMS) (28 V P-P)
Output Power (600 Ohm Headphones): 1W( 25 V RMS) (70 V P-P)
Power Consumption: 170 Watts (1.4 A @ 120VAC)
Operating Mains Voltage: Factory set for 100V, 120V or 220-240VAC operation for original destination country's mains voltage
Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~ 60Hz
Mains Fuse Value: 3A SLO-BLO (100, 120VAC operation), 1.5A SLO-BLO (220-240VAC operation)
Dimensions: W=19" x L=13"
Top Deck Height: 4"
Transformer Height: 3 1/2"
Suggested shelf height minimum: 10" (depending on height of 300B tube)
Shipping Weight: 28 lbs.
