The Manley Stingray iTube Integrated Amp!

This product has been in the works for some time, but the new Manley Stingray iTube Integrated amp is finally here. I've been looking forward to this product for some time as I am a long time fan of the mighty little Stingray Integrated (which is still available BTW). The Stingray iTube incorporates a host of really neat features and improvements over the regular Stingray. The most obvious of which, is that Apple approved iPod Dock located smack top front center on the Stingray iTube's larger chassis (which maintains the Stingray's classic shape). In addition to the iPod dock, the Stingray iTube has a beefed up power supply (over that in the Stingray), and digitally controlled volume, balance, input switching, independent input level adjustments, and some other neat programmable features. You also get a headphone jack, S-video output (for use with iPod), and the uber Manley iTube Remote Control! All this for $3,400 MSRP!

The Stingray iTube remote is a very cool piece of kit in itself... OK, it's a bit large (a bit taller and about twice as thick as a iPhone or iTouch), but its built like a tank and has BOTH RF wireless and infrared capabilities. I can be anywhere in my house and control volume, switch inputs, mute, and basic iPod functions (pause, play, track forward, track back). I also like the addition of a stand buy feature which effectively allows one to shut down the Stingray iTube, but keep your iPod plugged in (charging).

How does it sound??? Through the iPod dock playing Apple Lossless encoded music on my iPod Classic, its quite smooth, good dynamics, with decent staging and tone. Very listenable and enjoyable... I did prefer triode mode to give things a little extra touch of warmth/body when using the Stingray iTube with my Merlin TSM-MXe. Used as a conventional integrated amp with a nice source (our Audio Aero Prestige CD player... a bit more than a nice source), the Stingray iTube is more transparent and dynamic than my classic polished chassis Stingray.

There is even more to cover here (like the neat LED illumination/indicators that surround the two main controls, tape loop capabilities, etc), but I want to get this wrapped up and posted. Very well built, with lots of neat features, the Stingray iTube Integrated amp provides a high quality solution to modern day tech guy who still luvs his tubes!