Manley WAVE DAC/Preamp

Whether you want to view it as a high-end preamplifier with a built in magnificent DAC or a Converter with 4 extra analog inputs is up to you. It starts with 4 digital inputs spanning the AES/EBU, SPDIF, Toslink and ST formats. February 2002 brought us a new 24 bit 96KHz digital to analog converter board designed by Fred Forssell. We merged this new DAC with an improved tube stage and added two analog balanced AND two unbalanced inputs. Outboard power supply too. Three sets of outputs and a processor loop are also all switchable from the front panel AND (big news...) REMOTE CONTROL!!!!!!!!!!!!! MANLEY's first piece with remote control is a total "over-killer" The *entire* faceplate can also be operated by the remote, especially and finally including the volume control.

The WAVE by MANLEY is a unique product combining a high end Digital to Analog Converter with an audiophile vacuum tube preamp and remote control. It is one of the very few products equally at home in a professional Mastering facility for producing CDs as it is in a superb home listening system matched with great amps and speakers. The combination of features and functions came about from analyzing existing systems and finding them functional but lacking in elegance in signal flow, operational convenience and synergy. We set out to build something we wanted in our own living rooms, something that could be upgraded as new standards evolved and something that could meet the needs of mixed balanced, unbalanced and digital connections.

The WAVE accepts 4 digital inputs and 4 analog inputs as standard. The digital inputs accommodate most of the current interconnect standards. The Analog inputs allow both balanced and unbalanced interconnects. Normally it ships with 2 balanced and 2 unbalanced inputs but the factory can custom configure a unit for special requirements (such as 4 balanced inputs) In recognition of real life needs, extra input/output facilities are standard. For those who record, or have need of external processing we include an Insert loop (the term borrowed from pro audio) similar to a Tape Loop or processing loop. There is also provision for more than one set of amplifiers/speakers with 3 outputs (2 can be switched, 1 is always on). We packaged all this in a visually attractive box, gave it a external power supply and a full function remote control and we didn't stop there. The tube analog section is a new design and was developed to out-perform our previous benchmark both audibly and in specifications.

Features:

• 24 Bit 96KHz Digital to Analog Converter Board
• Totally DUAL MONO design
• Vacuum tube output stage (2 x 12AX7EH, 2 x 7044 JAN NOS USA)
• BALANCED and UNBALANCED outputs x 3
• BALANCED and UNBALANCED analog inputs x 4
• Motorized ALPS quad-attenuator volume control
• 4 x switchable digital inputs AES, SPDIF, ST, Toslink
• 1 x SPDIF digital output pass-through
• 4 x switchable ANALOG inputs balanced & unbalanced
• Tape/Processor Loop
• Separate outboard Power Supply Unit
• Remote Control controls the whole faceplate
• Dimensions: 19" W x 5.25" H x 13" D
• Unit Weight: WAVE = 23 lbs.; PSU = 15 lbs.
• Shipping Weight: 49 lbs.