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The Manley Reference 100/200 watt monoblocks were built at the old VTL
factory back before the Manley-VTL split-up that took place in 1993.
They were at the time Manley's middle powered models in the Designer's
Reference Series. They were 8-output tube designs. The 100/200's were fitted with
triode-tetrode switching) and used the Sovtek 5881 output tubes. The Input tube was
always the 12AT7A or 6201. Some early models used the 12BH7A for driver
tube although most of the actual production models used 6350 driver
tubes. Those two tube types have the grids and cathodes swapped on the
pinout so make a big note that the 6350 and the 12BH7A are NOT
interchangeable without reworking the circuit board!
Manley 100/200's had a sheet-metal chassis and sometimes stainless-steel
covers. Bias readout tipjacks are located behind the faceplate on the
top deck while the bias adjustment pots are located in front of the
large grey B+ caps on the top deck. Many of the later Manley 100/200's had
MIT-Multicaps. These were always nice sounding amplifiers that used the
same output transformer as the acclaimed 225's.
Serial number codes for these read MAN2005###
This 100/200 model ceased production in 1993 and was never manufactured at
the new Manley Labs factory. Although a similar amplifier with an
"open chassis" was built here at the Manley Labs factory: The
"Euro" 200/100 triode-tetrode or 175 ultra-linear brother
seen below.
The only huge difference between these 200/100 or 175 Euro models
and the older VTL-built 100/200 models were the machined billet chassis and switch to
the 6414 driver tube instead of the 6350. Note that these two tube types are
not interchangeable. The grids and cathodes are swapped, so they cannot
be subbed without an internal re-wire. Otherwise, all the circuitry was
the same as before. 200/100 models had triode-tetrode switches. 175
labeled ones were fixed in Ultra Linear mode.
Serial number codes for these models read MANEM200### or
MANEM175###.
The 5881 tubes proved very reliable over the years. We rarely see
any of these old amps in for service. They are strong soldiers.
We still do perform warranty service on
these old monsters, so if you need help with yours, please first
consult our tech page and if you still have questions, you can email
EveAnna
Manley who actually used to work on these back when she was a bench
tech and QC-chick. Actually, she had these amps at home for quite
awhile in the early '90's.
top view of old Manley 100/200
rear view of old Manley 100/200 photo courtesy of a customer
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