Manley JUMBO SHRIMP - Manual (Page 3)

INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU!...
for choosing the Manley JUMBO SHRIMP® PREAMPLIFIER!
The JUMBO SHRIMP shares key outward features found in many of its counterparts both past and present. It is a two-
channel single-ended line level control preamplifier with five sets of stereo inputs, and two sets of paralleled stereo line
outputs. A five-position input selector switch routes the chosen signal directly to the first amplifier tube’s control grid.
Amplified signals, boosted about 4 times [11.8 dB] are then fed through a dedicated White-Follower stage (using 5670
triodes) to effortlessly drive the (motorized!) high quality ALPS stereo variable attenuator, known for its stability, long
life, ease of servicing and good inter-channel level tracking characteristics. This is followed by a similarly appealing,
center-detented ALPS stereo balance potentiometer.
The attenuator network output is then fed to a special White-follower output stage. This output circuit has been a
favorite of ours for many years mainly due to the stage’s inherently low output impedance, simplicity, wide bandwidth,
ease of drive, modest feedback requirements and graceful overload characteristics. Ordinarily, the typical JUMBO
SHRIMP user would not ever begin to approach the limits of this output stage under normal line and loading circum-
stances.
High quality polypropylene dielectric film-and-foil capacitors have been employed at all signal-coupling points in the
circuit along with two extravagant 30 microfarad metalized monsters coupling the output stage signals to the output
RCA jacks. These are all MultiCaps made by our buddy Bas Lim at Rel Cap. We know you would rather listen to
superior capacitors such as these over some cheap electrolytic capacitors like you might find in other gear.
But the JUMBO SHRIMP’s cardinal feature is its uncomplex non-inverting signal path. This minimal signal path
approach is designed to bring unbalanced RCA-type line inputs up to levels suitable for proper drive of downstream
power amplifiers in the simplest and most direct way possible. This is accomplished by using only three active stages,
as described above, through the judicious use of vacuum tubes, whose purpose-designed application in audio amplifi-
cation is, as always, pressed to full advantage. By so doing, the endeavor here is to provide the most direct, uncolored,
quiet and wide-band signal path possible so that the native character of the chosen source material may be heard with-
out encumbrances from a set of imposed limitations brought on by the preamp. In this spirit, there are no provisions
for balanced inputs or outputs. Since the whole guts of the Jumbo Shrimp are inherently single-ended, adding balanced
I/O would require additional circuitry, transformers, or IC’s which would inevitably color the sound.
Lastly, we would be remiss if we did not mention the clever REMORA REMOTE CONTROL that comes standard
with every Jumbo Shrimp. This little box commands the motorized ALPS volume control via radio frequency signals,
so it works through doors, walls, cabinets, you name it!
Please read over this entertaining and enjoyable owner’s manual carefully as it contains information essential to
the proper operation and maximum enjoyment of this instrument.
Thank you again, and please enjoy your new Jumbo Shrimp! (and the clever Owner’s Manual.)
UNPACKING: Unpack the amplifier carefully and make sure that all supplied accessories are present. Carefully ex-
amine all items for any possibility of shipping damage. All four tubes should be standing at attention in their sockets,
and should show no signs of distress such as chipped glass, loose internal components or obvious breakage. If the
preamplifier is damaged or fails to operate, notify the shipper or your dealer or us or your local authorities immedi-
ately. Or if you suspect The Shipping People threw it off the airplane and onto your front porch whilst flying overhead
at 30,000 feet, notify the shipping company without delay and complain to them as we only guarantee this unit to be
able to survive a drop of 23,487 feet or less.
Your JUMBO SHRIMP was packed with extreme love and includes the following components and accessories:
a) 1 each, 6 foot IEC 3-conductor power cable (that you will probably replace with an expensive audiophile cord anyway.)
b) 1 each, Owner’s Manual (that we hope you will keep reading.)
c) 1 each, REMORA Remote Control
It is prudent to retain the shipping materials for future use, as they are custom-formed for the preamp and
will greatly minimize the chance of shipping-related damage should you ever need to put your precious Jumbo
Shrimp in the careless hands of The Shipping People again.
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