In 2002, we brought out our new entry-level tube preamplifier, The Manley Shrimp. But it is so unfair to label it as "entry-level". This preamp sounds sooooo much better than that!
The Shrimp is entirely a single-ended design. The circuitry uses single-ended topology. In order to be able to provide balanced inputs or outputs we would have to convert the signal to balanced using something like some IC's or transformers. Both these options would add more "stuff" to the signal and be certainly audible detracting from the pure sound the Shrimp provides.
If you are dealing with balanced source outputs or driving a balanced amplifier with the Shrimp, check to see if you also have unbalanced connections on that gear, change your cables and go with that. You might be pleasantly surprised that they too added extra audible "stuff" in order to provide balanced XLRs and the RCAs that don't have that extra "stuff" in the signal path actually sound better. (Depends on a given unit's specific design.) Or use some RCA to XLR adaptors.
Most balanced gear has no problem being driven single ended but check with the manufacturer if they are going to want the negative pin 3 of the XLR grounded or floating. Transformer-coupled XLR jacks always can be driven single-ended by running HOT into Pin 2 and grounding pin 3 to pin 1. Some IC coupled XLR inputs will want pin 3 floating, others will require it to be grounded when running single-ended into it. Check with the manufacturer of your gear to see how to hook it up single-ended.
Features:
- Very short, simple minimalist signal path. All-tube design. 2 x 12AT7 + 2 x 7044
- Generous energy storage via large power supply capacitors for more impact in the bass
- No global feedback makes the Shrimp very fast sounding
- Non-inverting two-tube gain stage is direct-coupled for most pure signal path
- Cool White-follower output stage provides low 50 ohm output impedance. This is much better than a boring plain ol' cathode follower. The Shrimp can drive anything, not to worry
- Filament supply floated 80V above chassis ground for quieter operation and longer tube life
- NOBLE audiophile-grade level and balance pots. We use the nice parts in here!
- MIT/MultiCap polypropylene audiophile-grade signal coupling capacitors, including two 30 uF monsters on the output stages
- Warm-up delay / MUTE button. Features and quality components usually not found on entry-level pieces.
Specifications
- ALL-TUBE: Vacuum Tube all-triode design
- Input Tubes: 2 x 12AT7EH large plate Electro-Harmonix Russian
- Output Tubes: 2 x 5687 NOS (was 7044 GE JAN NOS)
- Five Line Level Inputs: unbalanced RCA
- MUTE switch and Warm-Up muting delay
- NOBLE volume control: Accurate tracking usually within 0.5dB. Smooth operation. (no detents)
- NOBLE balance control: Center detented
- Record Output: (AKA "TAPE OUT") Unbalanced RCA jacks, unbuffered, passive (always ON)
- Main Outputs: Two sets of unbalanced RCA main outs for bi-amping or driving a powered subwoofer
- Gain: 11.8dB
- Input Impedance: 250 Kohm
- Input Sensitivity: 200mV in yields 1V out
- Maximum Input Level: 5V in produces 1.5% THD at output
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 80 KHz; 20 Hz - 20KHz, -0.3dB
- Noise Floor: Typically -83 dB 20-20K with volume control fully open
- Noise Floor: Typically -95 dB A WGT 20-20K with volume control fully open
- Noise Floor (shorted input): Typically -94 dB 20-20K with volume control fully closed
- Noise Floor (shorted input): Typically -106 dB A WGT 20-20K with volume control fully closed
- S/N Ratio: typically 95 dB A WGT 20-20K
- THD: 0.02% at 1V rms output
- Output Impedance: 50 ohms
- Maximum Output: +23dBu @ 1.5% THD into 100K load (10.9V rms)
- Maximum Output: +20dBm @ 1.5% THD into 600 ohm load