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Big Manley price increases in February ??

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Posted on January 21, 2011 at 15:41:00
AbeCollins
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Posts: 49008
Location: Maidenhead Grid Square DM79
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Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 Can anyone confirm price increases on new Manley gear coming this February?

I saw an Audiogon ad for a dealer demo pair of Manley Snappers. The dealer who placed the ad said Manley gear will go up in price significantly this February.

Any truth to this?

 

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RE: Big Manley price increases in February ??, posted on January 21, 2011 at 16:02:56
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 782
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 I read something like that about the Stingray. I believe it stated that the Stingray will be around $6k.

 

Yep, posted on January 21, 2011 at 16:12:45
Bill Musgrave
 Snappers are going up by around $3K! Jumbo Shrimp and Stingrays are getting a big increases, too. Manley says they've been losing money on these products and they've never had a price increase. Steelheads are only rising by $500, which is reasonable. (I just ordered one!) Orders placed by 2/14 will beat the increases.

 

True..., posted on January 21, 2011 at 16:13:47
Rich Brkich
Dealer

Posts: 836
Location: Near Syracuse, New York
Joined: April 3, 2000
 They go into effect Feb 15th. If someone wants to buy some Manley gear, get it now... orders places now may take a while to get filled, but they are honoring the current prices until the 15th. Some examples:

Manley Mahi will go from $2,500/pair to $4,600/pair
Manley Stingray II will go from $3,000 to $5,650
Manley Snappers will go from $4,250/pair to $7,250/pair
Manley Jumbo Shrimp preamp will go from $2,300 to $3,660
Happy Listening,
Rich Brkich
Ownwer/Operator Signature Sound

 

All I can say, posted on January 21, 2011 at 16:27:31
Stale
Audiophile

Posts: 3267
Location: So. California
Joined: August 3, 2001
 Good luck selling at those prices


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane."

 

Amen to that , posted on January 21, 2011 at 16:55:52
plantsman
Audiophile

Posts: 4792
Location: Maine
Joined: April 4, 2002
 It us a tough world out there in high end audio and I think they are trying to step up well out of their weight class.
"There are political consequences to remembering things that never happened and forgetting things that did." Ariel Levy

 

RE: True..., posted on January 21, 2011 at 17:03:19
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 782
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Thanks for the info, Rich. it's a shame, the Stingray was on my radar to pair with my TSMs but the increase takes it right off the list.

It's interesting because there are many fine intagrated amps out the in the $3-4k range. I hope that Manley doesn't price themselves out of the market for their gear. I can't imagine what the Neos will be going for.

Scott

 

RE: True..., posted on January 21, 2011 at 19:05:51
Eric B
Audiophile

Posts: 312
Joined: October 11, 2001
 45% increase?! Not a good sign. Please let us know when the going-out-of business liquidation sale happens.

 

RE: Amen to that , posted on January 21, 2011 at 19:19:27
AbeCollins
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  Since: February 2, 2002
 If you look at CJ, VTL, and others, I think Manleys have been a relative bargain at the old prices.

 

RE: True..., posted on January 21, 2011 at 19:21:22
AbeCollins
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Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 Thanks Rich for the details. Any word on the Neo-Classic 250's?

 

RE: True..., posted on January 21, 2011 at 19:27:56
Wasatch
Audiophile

Posts: 260
Location: Layton, Utah
Joined: December 15, 2008
 I think those went up to 12K.

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February ??, posted on January 21, 2011 at 19:29:34
Wasatch
Audiophile

Posts: 260
Location: Layton, Utah
Joined: December 15, 2008
 Definitely true. I think they just shot themselves in the foot. At old prices, they owned the market (price point), at new prices, their screwed.

 

RE: Amen to that , posted on January 21, 2011 at 19:46:19
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 782
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 I guess you could say bargain but I'd describe them as relatively reasonable at what they charge now. Manley makes great stuff, no doubt, but we've also got amazing companies like Rogue producing wonderful tube gear at reasonable price points.

I just hope it works out for them. Who knows, maybe it's like the "new" Coke thing and after a few months they'll give the people what they want and go back to the old price structure or at least one that makes more sense. I've only been in the hobby about eight years but I have never seen such a jump in prices.

 

Death wish, posted on January 21, 2011 at 19:59:35
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7977
Location: Eagle, Idaho
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 This is nuts.
'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

RE: True..., posted on January 21, 2011 at 20:00:30
Rich Brkich
Dealer

Posts: 836
Location: Near Syracuse, New York
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 Correct...$12.5K to be exact.
Happy Listening,
Rich Brkich
Ownwer/Operator Signature Sound

 

RE: True..., posted on January 21, 2011 at 20:05:54
Rich Brkich
Dealer

Posts: 836
Location: Near Syracuse, New York
Joined: April 3, 2000
 I don't think a going out of biz sale will be happening anytime soon. From what (little) I do know, Manley has a very solid pro-audio business and I think that even if this slows down their HiFi biz (which I think is the much smaller part of their business) a bunch, this will not hurt them.

This is Manleys first price increase that I can remember and I've been a Manley dealer for about 10 years or more. The Mahi's when they came out in 2003 (8 years ago) were $2,500... still the same today. Neo Classic SE/PP 300B... same price now as when they came out 8/9 years ago. I'm pretty sure the cost of copper/wire, many passive parts, transformers, steel/aluminum (not to mention any of the other costs of fabricating and building HiFi gear in the USA) have gone up in the past 10 years. So, I don't think a price increase is unexpected.

However, I do agree the price increase is steep on some items, but as long as the products can compete with the other gear out there at their new price points, they will continue to be successful. In the end, the market will decide.

Happy Listening,
Rich Brkich
Ownwer/Operator Signature Sound

 

what is theIr current price ?, posted on January 21, 2011 at 20:16:04
Pinkus
Audiophile

Posts: 533
Joined: August 13, 2000
 .

 

$9K USD -nt, posted on January 21, 2011 at 21:03:05
AbeCollins
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 .

 

Rogue Price Increases in February , posted on January 22, 2011 at 07:09:50
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7977
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 I think the Atlas power amp and Cronus integrated are going up a hundred bucks.

Even at a hundred bucks more I think both of those amps are the biggest bargains in hi-fi.

I just ordered an Atlas Magnum yesterday.





'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

Another Manley family tube company?, posted on January 22, 2011 at 08:35:56
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7977
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 Someone was telling me that Manley used to be one company, then it split in two, but they couldn't remember the other company.

Is this ringing a bell with anyone?





'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

I believe the other company is VTL *, posted on January 22, 2011 at 09:07:18
Mike K
Audiophile

Posts: 14061
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Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone

 

I'll be damned , posted on January 22, 2011 at 09:16:09
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7977
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 I always thought VTL was a Brit company. Never knew that much about them, never owned a piece.


'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February ??, posted on January 22, 2011 at 09:29:46
tmsorosk
 When founder David Manley split for Japan , Luke Manley started VTL , and Evanna Manley took over Manley Equipment .

 

RE: True..., posted on January 22, 2011 at 09:48:09
Eric B
Audiophile

Posts: 312
Joined: October 11, 2001
 Hi Rich,

Good effort in trying to put a positive spin on unpopular huge price increase. With the exception of Abe, who buys everything used, you are not going to find a lot of support for an insane 45% price increase. Especially, in this down economy. IMHO, Manley's idiotic business philosophy to avoid raising prices is going to come back and bite them in the ass. The main redeeming quality and selling point of Manley gear was its relatively affordable pricing. As others have pointed out, Manley's new prices puts them in a different category/league where they will be competing against manufacturers who have traditionally manufactured very refined looking & sounding gear. At this point, I don't see Manley competing. We'll see.

 

RE: Rogue Price Increases in February , posted on January 22, 2011 at 10:00:42
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 782
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Congrats on the Atlas. I bet your in for a treat. If I ever go tubes again The Atlas and Metis is where I will go first, period.

My favorite (and one of the best) reviewer, the late John Potis, did an amazing review on the Rogue gear. I once had the Art Audio Carissa (845 SET) that I purchased after John's review and he was so spot on about its virtues.

 

Does anyone happen to know if..., posted on January 22, 2011 at 10:08:09
PeterCapo
 ...these price increases are limited to Manley? For example, I read something about Frank Van Alstine raising his price on one amp, and someone else in this thread mentioned that Rogue is increasing their prices. Is this going to be widespread?

 

David Manley..., posted on January 22, 2011 at 10:20:47
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 38130
Location: SF Bay Area
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 ...was/is British. I'm not sure if he is still alive.

In the early 1990s, IIRC, he split VTL in two, keeping Manley Reference for himself and giving his son Luke the VTL side.

Then a little later he turned Manley over to Eveanna and went back to England to focus on pro recording studio equipment.

 

Fair enough, posted on January 22, 2011 at 11:07:16
Des
Audiophile

Posts: 2121
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Joined: August 3, 2000
Never liked any of their stuff anyway--my ears never fully recovered from the assault they took from a Manley/Horn setup at a Stereophile show in LA a few years back.

Des

 

Rogue price increases are small...., posted on January 22, 2011 at 11:32:12
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7977
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 Like a hundred bucks and only on some products.

The Atlas, for example, is going from $1495 to $1595.

















'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

David Manley started VTL in England,, posted on January 22, 2011 at 12:30:11
M3 lover
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  Since: July 4, 2007
 then moved to the US, ultimately ending up in So. Cal. His son, Luke worked there, as did his (eventual) wife, EveAnna. The Manley brand was added initially as their professional line, then expanded as upper end consumer products too.

At some point David became burned out (I heard he moved to South Africa so who knows?), Luke took over and revitalized VTL and EveAnna became head of Manley as a separate company.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

 

David Manley was from South Africa, not UK. nt, posted on January 22, 2011 at 12:36:51
Rich Brkich
Dealer

Posts: 836
Location: Near Syracuse, New York
Joined: April 3, 2000
 NT
Happy Listening,
Rich Brkich
Ownwer/Operator Signature Sound

 

"At old prices, they owned the market (price point)", posted on January 22, 2011 at 13:19:27
darkmoebius
Audiophile

Posts: 18780
Location: Los Angeles, California
Joined: December 28, 2000
 You can't "own a market and lose money" for ever, if staying in business is a goal.

 

But, they do them more often...., posted on January 22, 2011 at 13:20:37
darkmoebius
Audiophile

Posts: 18780
Location: Los Angeles, California
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 Manley hasn't raised prices at all in 8-10 yrs.

 

you're joking right?, posted on January 22, 2011 at 13:44:51
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7977
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 Rogue raises their prices twice in ten years.

Total price raise (atlas) : $200

Manley raises their prices once in ten years.

Total price raise (stingray) : $2100

You think it's worth commenting on the number of times they have an increase like that means something in the wake of this insane increase?















'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

RE: Fair enough, posted on January 22, 2011 at 16:45:28
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 49008
Location: Maidenhead Grid Square DM79
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Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 Had to be the horns 'cuz their tube amps sound wonderful.

 

Possibly a mismatch, posted on January 22, 2011 at 18:53:53
Des
Audiophile

Posts: 2121
Location: Great Barrier Reef
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I posted my concerns here just after that Show--EvaAnna (?) replied apologising for the sound-maybe just was'nt my imagination.

Des

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February!, posted on January 22, 2011 at 22:56:55
Vanimal Manley
Manufacturer

Posts: 266
Location: Beautiful and Bovine, Chino, CA.
Joined: December 17, 2000
 Rich's posts are bang-on.

Last year we went through all of our products, both pro studio and hifi, and re-audited all of our build costs and recalibrated the prices. It is all based on a simple multiplier up from actual build cost. The pro gear prices went up in December. No whining on the pro audio boards. Most folks have seen rising costs all around them and can appreciate that our manufacturing costs have also gone up. Is this any big surprise?
--
Cheers, EveAnna Manley


 

MANLEY hifi gear....., posted on January 22, 2011 at 23:00:30
Vanimal Manley
Manufacturer

Posts: 266
Location: Beautiful and Bovine, Chino, CA.
Joined: December 17, 2000
 Actually, MANLEY branded hifi gear pre-dated the pro audio gear. We built the first MANLEY branded microphone preamps and Pultec EQs in 1989. (That was the year I started.) There were a few MANLEY branded power amplifiers and the first MANLEY Reference Preamplifier already in production about a year before that.

VTL and MANLEY split in 1993. David Manley left Manley Labs in 1996.
--
Cheers, EveAnna Manley


 

RE: MANLEY hifi gear....., posted on January 23, 2011 at 04:16:16
Dangerbird
Audiophile

Posts: 242
Location: The Beach
Joined: December 28, 2006
 I looked on the Manley site,, nothing posted regarding a price increase.Wonder when the general community will be informed? Hate to see it happen,,, my best wishes to the company though.Wonder what this will do to the used market,,eh?

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February ??, posted on January 23, 2011 at 04:42:09
tmsorosk
 Thanks Eveanna for clarifying those points .

 

Why are you so mad at hi-fi customers?, posted on January 23, 2011 at 06:44:35
erik
Audiophile

Posts: 1161
Location: New England
Joined: April 3, 2000
 I don't know about pro-audio, and, yes, everyone sees rising costs, yet increases are incremental, but your enormous price increase speaks to a stupid business model (clearly, you did not have a handle on your manufacturing costs), and in a few years you will be whining about losing hi-fi.

 

I think it'll probably be Manley doing the whining soon., posted on January 23, 2011 at 09:33:21
Rick W
 At current retail prices for your hifi products - or at least somewhere near those prices - I think they represent very good value, and I'd guess many (if not most) of your customers were attracted by the sound quality/price ratio. IMO these radical price increases are a game changer. You've just eliminated the competitive advantage Manley had in the market and placed your products in direct competition with too many products to name.

Good luck.

 

His accent fooled me...thanks...(nt), posted on January 23, 2011 at 09:48:21
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 38130
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
 (nt)

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February!, posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:22:51
Eric B
Audiophile

Posts: 312
Joined: October 11, 2001
 Last year you conducted an audit? What about the previous five years? Were you aware that Manley was supposedly losing money on products for some time? Do you think that anyone wants buy form and support a high-end audio company that does not know how to run a business? You should have been gradually raising prices by 10% each year over the last five years.

The Manley price increase was the talk of the show at CES. Its wasn't high-end audio customers whining; many dealers & distributors were whining & upset over the price increase. I'm sure by now you have realized the fallout. Coming on here and making fun of audiophiles (potential customers) and trying to justify something that is not normally done is not helping your cause. Now we know how you are paying for your new Maserati automobile. Good luck.

 

You have just been informed. ;-), posted on January 23, 2011 at 11:28:35
AbeCollins
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 If you're in the market, here's our chance to buy before mid February.

 

RE: True..., posted on January 23, 2011 at 13:03:37
Astroimage
Audiophile

Posts: 1442
Location: Northern Indiana
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 Eric,

Can you explain how you came up with a 45% increase?

 

RE: True..., posted on January 23, 2011 at 13:24:59
Eric B
Audiophile

Posts: 312
Joined: October 11, 2001
 Yes, through faulty math : ) I stand corrected, the average of all the increases is approximately 75%. Please, tell me I'm close.

 

RE: True..., posted on January 23, 2011 at 13:49:40
Astroimage
Audiophile

Posts: 1442
Location: Northern Indiana
Joined: October 3, 2009
 S*&^, you want me to do the math? Well, okay... average 75.5% increase. Apply that to your gas bill. Gas is 3.15 per gallon (Northern Indiana) so it would cost $5.51 per gallon... If a 45% increase got your hackles up, what does a 75.5% one do?

Hey, I need a 45% raise to get my pay check back to where it was a year ago. Do you think I can get that if I ask? When the laughter stops I'll tell you what they told me.

Lemme see.... WHO IS KIDDING WHOM!

Given current economic conditions I can understand the thinking.

Brian

 

I have never bought a new car, ever., posted on January 23, 2011 at 14:01:36
Vanimal Manley
Manufacturer

Posts: 266
Location: Beautiful and Bovine, Chino, CA.
Joined: December 17, 2000
 I didn't realize that I should have sought your approval when I replaced the 1991 Alfa that I have been driving for the last 15 years with a used 2007 model.
--
Cheers, EveAnna Manley


 

RE: I have never bought a new car, ever., posted on January 23, 2011 at 14:58:54
Eric B
Audiophile

Posts: 312
Joined: October 11, 2001
 It's only fitting you chose to focus on the vehicle comment. I completely understand, you're from the 909 : )

 

RE: I have never bought a new car, ever., posted on January 23, 2011 at 15:12:32
Vanimal Manley
Manufacturer

Posts: 266
Location: Beautiful and Bovine, Chino, CA.
Joined: December 17, 2000
 I am?

Eric, you really do not know enough about me and my business to be making factual comments or judgments about me.
--
Cheers, EveAnna Manley


 

RE: I have never bought a new car, ever., posted on January 23, 2011 at 15:32:01
Dangerbird
Audiophile

Posts: 242
Location: The Beach
Joined: December 28, 2006
 I hate to see the increase,, but,,Thank you for providing us with some great products and support over the years. Now,I'm motivated more than ever to spring for a Stingray.

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February!, posted on January 23, 2011 at 16:29:59
Bill Musgrave
 I really don't understand the anger here. No one is forcing you to "support" anyone or anything!

 

If you look at the Manley website, posted on January 23, 2011 at 21:13:59
M3 lover
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  Since: July 4, 2007
 you will be able to see EveAnna's lifestyle -- the house she lives in and what she drives. They are a L-O-N-G way from what some other audio manufacturers seem to afford. Without naming names, consider the audio searcher wire company, or the wire manufacturer who is so quick to sue anyone thinking about its name, or one speaker manufacturer in Utah. Now they have rewarded themselves for their work!

I'm not defending Manley's business planning, but I don't believe it is fair to assume it made anyone rich.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February!, posted on January 23, 2011 at 21:39:02
Diode
Audiophile

Posts: 511
Location: SE Wis
Joined: September 11, 2005
 ""No whining on the pro audio boards.""

Anybody that is that disrespectful to their customers won't be getting my business anytime soon, and I'll also be sure and discourage family and friends from considering Manley products for their purchase.

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February!, posted on January 23, 2011 at 23:26:43
Eric B
Audiophile

Posts: 312
Joined: October 11, 2001
 Anger? You might want to go and re-read the posts. The only anger expressed in this thread was by Eveana. Labeling inmates who criticized Manley's controversial 75% price increase, as whiners.

 

No, I don't think so..., posted on January 24, 2011 at 05:57:48
AbeCollins
Audiophile

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  Since: February 2, 2002
 I didn't see any anger in her comments. Only yours. The rest of us, for the most part, are just having a conversation.

If you compare Manley's upcoming prices against some other high-end audio companies, they're not out of line for a US company with costs associated with keeping their US based workforce employed. And no one is forcing anyone to buy.

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February!, posted on January 24, 2011 at 07:51:41
Bill Musgrave
 I think you better reread your own posts. If you weren't intending to express anger, you're not in control of your writing. What's up with the Maserati sneer? What difference does it make to you or anyone what kind of car she drives? Leaving alone the question of whether it's even true, why mention it if you're not trying to insult her? Why insult her if you're not angry? Get real.

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February!, posted on January 24, 2011 at 08:59:46
Bill Musgrave
 Funny, it sure sounds like whining to me.... I guess it's "disrespectful" to name what you see....

 

You are right that as long as they compete, posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:02:51
Stale
Audiophile

Posts: 3267
Location: So. California
Joined: August 3, 2001
 But at least as long as Mahi, Super Shrimp and Snappers are concerned, they are no way in $4500, $3500 and $7500 category.

Comment about prices not changing over 8 years is valid but for one point, sallaries over those 8 years did not go much up if at all. (Not to mention that R&D, tooling etc. for those items did not go up)

All over board you hear that workers spend more time on the hob for the same money.
Metal prices and oil peaked several years ago, etc. etc.,
The only thing going up is health insurance and taxes, unfortunately.

I have to say that I liked Shrimp and Snappers (not so Mahi/Stingrays), but unless other manufacturers increase prices as drastically, they are not competitive any more.
To me it looks like increase is made to make their equipment more desirable, i.e. greater trophy, to those with deep pockets.

But, hey, they can charge whatever they want.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane."

 

yes, it is disrespectful, posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:12:29
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7977
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 My guess would be Manley is pretty much shutting down, but if you want them to build you an amp at a ridiculous price they'll do it.






'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

Costs..., posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:20:04
Vanimal Manley
Manufacturer

Posts: 266
Location: Beautiful and Bovine, Chino, CA.
Joined: December 17, 2000
 "To me it looks like increase is made to make their equipment more desirable, i.e. greater trophy, to those with deep pockets"

I wish!
We have been adding features and circuits, and improving things in all of our pieces steadily over the years. Sometimes you hardly see what was done, like adding a timing turn-on circuit here to make it easier on the tubes, or another low impedance tube buffer there. Other changes have been more visible: adding remote controls to all of our preamps, for instance. RF remote controls! These added circuits, features, and ever-rising parts costs totally crept up on us over the last couple of years. The new MSRPs are really based on build cost, multiplied by a humble factor, with dealer margin factored in of course.

I hated to raise prices, believe me. It is scary! Which is why I resisted it for so long.

But I love building better gear. And we will keep on doing just that.
--
Cheers, EveAnna Manley


 

Your guess is wrong!, posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:28:53
Vanimal Manley
Manufacturer

Posts: 266
Location: Beautiful and Bovine, Chino, CA.
Joined: December 17, 2000
 Please don't start such cruel and ridiculous rumours about my company.

That is really disrespectful.

Manley Labs is not shutting down. We started 2011 with successful CES and NAMM trade shows back-to-back, with 35 employees working overtime to fill 600% backlog we started the year off with. 2010 was up about 3% over 2009. We are poised for another growth year in 2011. No long term debt. No problems.




--
Cheers, EveAnna Manley


 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February ??, posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:58:22
avsBuddy
Audiophile

Posts: 696
Joined: March 8, 2010
 Man, at 7.5k those Snappers are a tough sell. Poor Audio Advisor. The only time I've heard Snappers where at the Stereophile show, and I loved them, but never had a chance for a private listening sessions, since there are no Manley dealers in my area. Buying online is the only choice. At these prices, I don't think I would do that. But who knows?
Used prices will be going up, that's for sure. People who want to sell Manley gear now are looking at getting 100% of their money back. Not bad! Even Rolex doesn't enjoy such appreciation all the while they have 10% increases almost every year for the past 5 or so years.

 

this is the internet. people are allowed to speculate, posted on January 24, 2011 at 13:11:08
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7977
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 Don't like it?

Leave.

Them's the rules.

Having said that I wish you every success in the future no matter how 'Twilight Zone' your new business plan is.




'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

And you complain about perceived disrespect...., posted on January 24, 2011 at 13:48:29
Bill Musgrave
 Just lovely.

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February ??, posted on January 24, 2011 at 14:12:08
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 49008
Location: Maidenhead Grid Square DM79
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I bought my Neo-Classic 250 monoblocks (250wpc) used from a local seller almost two years ago and couldn't be happier. They run rather hot, consume a ton of electricity, and require a bit of maintenance with proper bias and fresh tubes now and then. Perhaps this is the price you pay for stellar sonics.... at least the kind of sonics that I truly love.

I have been trying to find a suitable alternative to the Neo-Classics for more casual and energy efficient listening and so far I am very pleased with the $1800 / pair of Wyred 4 Sound SX-500 monoblocks (also 250wpc @ 8 Ohms). They don't quite match the Neo-Classics in the right areas for my particular sonic preferences but they do sound pretty darn good! Different. And again, it's more a matter of taste I think vs one being significantly "better" than the other.

I guess I lucked out on my Manley "investment". If I ever sell, I will recoup 100% (and then some, if I choose to).


 

Just for grins I priced comparable CJ, posted on January 24, 2011 at 14:49:31
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 49008
Location: Maidenhead Grid Square DM79
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 Manley Neo-Classic 250 monoblocks, 250wpc $9K USD/Pair going up to $12K/pair.

The CJ LP275M monoblock amps 275wpc are $25K USD/pair.

The CJ LP140M monoblock amps 140wpc are $14K USD/pair.

Even the smallish CJ LP125M monoblocks at 125wpc are $9.5K USD/pair.

And I seriously doubt that these CJ's sound any better than a comparable Manley in it's power class. The high-end can be expensive but Manley certainly isn't out of line with their new pricing and relative value, IMHO.

Have you priced ARC, VTL, or BAT lately? Similary higher prices.

 

My first thought: Did he have to buy health insurance?, posted on January 24, 2011 at 14:51:43
jedrider
Audiophile

Posts: 15858
Location: No. California
Joined: December 26, 2003
 No comments please, I just thought it was funny ;-)

I do hope he changes cosmetics or something for those concerned about resale of new gear competing against old gear. I did have a comment in another thread about the lack of mid-priced afordable gear -- alas, another political aside!!!

I did own VTL gear once. I now own some Anthem gear. I like the entry and mid-level bracket, and I think the equipment can sound good at that price point.

 

I call it like I see it., posted on January 24, 2011 at 15:38:13
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7977
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 Manufacturers are ill-advised to start flame wars on public forums.

'Whining' indeed.






'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

Have you priced Rogue Audio lately? , posted on January 24, 2011 at 15:41:37
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7977
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 Atlas Magnum power amp, 90wpc, built like a tank, great sound...$2200.

Perseus Preamp (comparable to the Shrimp)...$2295 in the 'expensive parts' version.

Comparing one over-priced thing to another over-priced thing....seems kind of circular.

I guess Manley decided to be ARC instead of Rogue. And you do that just by updating your price list? Hmmm......


'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

The funny thing is, on the tiny TV screen in your mind,, posted on January 24, 2011 at 15:42:40
Bill Musgrave
 you're probably watching yourself be Greg House! Well, funny and sad.

 

RE: The funny thing is, on the tiny TV screen in your mind,, posted on January 24, 2011 at 16:03:14
apoman60612
Audiophile

Posts: 310
Location: Alamogordo, NM
Joined: July 21, 2009
 Maybe by Summer, Manley might be coming out with a new line, called "flounder".

America's already gone down the toilet, and expect $5/gal gas by summer.
Manley's problem isn't us small folk who cannot afford their gear, it's China. Bigger companies than this have ignored the east.

 

RE: Have you priced Rogue Audio lately? , posted on January 24, 2011 at 16:14:51
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 49008
Location: Maidenhead Grid Square DM79
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I see a $10K pair of Rogue monoblocks with comparable specs to the $9K pair of Manley Neo-Classic 250's. Granted the Neo-Classics are going up in price but will be only 20% higher than those $10K Rogues.

Everyone has a price point and market target. I guess Manley wants to go more upscale with the "big brands". But in fairness, and in my opinion, I do believe their chassis, materials, and parts quality are a cut above Rogue. The gear is thick, heavy, and bullet proof, with a lots of point-to-point wiring, hefty custom transformers, and heavy duty switch gear. Whether that translates into better sound is up to your ears to decide.

 

Agreed, posted on January 24, 2011 at 16:22:47
petertg
Audiophile

Posts: 382
Location: Maryland
Joined: April 6, 2007
 I have often wondered how Manley could sell their gear at those prices, and while it might not be the screaming deal it once was, it certainly competes with other high-end domestic audio makers.

 

RE: I call it like I see it., posted on January 24, 2011 at 17:59:27
henrybasstardo
Audiophile

Posts: 1690
Joined: June 25, 2003
 You call it like you see but you are an asshole.

That's how I see it

What have you done in the audio world to bring joy to the audio consumer like so many manley customers have received from Manley?

How is your business doing?

It's none of your business why they charge what they do. If you don't like it don't buy. The fact remains from testimony on this site that they are a great bang for the buck. If you missed that boat you simply missed that boat.

The only one whining is you. So I call it that you are a hypocrite. I can see you listening to your British amp while telling yourself how smart you are. I can't even find the music fidelity website.

Please tell me I'm wrong. You are a self made millionaire trying to help Manley and you just have a righteous dickhead way of doing it.

I will buy Manley in the future. One year and a half of school left. Others will follow despite your spewing from your high horse.

Don't you look at me so smug
And say I'm going bad.
Who are you to judge me
And the life that I live?
I know that I'm not perfect
And that I don't claim to be.
So before you point your fingers,
Be sure your hands are clean.

Judge not
Before you judge yourself.
Judge not
If you're not ready for judgement. Woah oh oh!

The road of life is rocking
And you may stumble too.
So while you talk about me,
someone else is judging you.

(Saxophone solo)

Judge not
Before you judge yourself.
Judge not
If you're not ready for judgement. Woah oh oh!

The road of life is rocky
And you may stumble too.
So while you talk about me
Someone else is judging you,
Someone else is judging you,
Someone else is judging you,
Someone else is judging you,
Someone else is judging you.


 

I am sure that you did lot of number crunching, posted on January 25, 2011 at 19:10:01
Stale
Audiophile

Posts: 3267
Location: So. California
Joined: August 3, 2001
 And I hope that I was not misunderstood.
Since I live in US I prefer to buy US made stuff and am willing to pay premium.
I own or owned Cary, Eminent Technology, Magnepan, Monarchy, JBL, VPI, Grado, Straightwire, Kimber, AR, N.E.A.R, Musical Fidelity, Shure, etc., etc.

I like your products (Stingray, Mahi, Shrimp), and
as a fellow scuba diver appreciate product naming :-)

but am afraid that I really do not see them competitive
at their new price points.

Good luck.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane."

 

Holy Cow!, posted on January 26, 2011 at 08:22:56
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1927
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 Those are some serious price increases.

Not my business; don't run a business; know nothing about running a business, but as a consumer, I think I'd look elsewhere for my tube glow.

And that search elsewhere wouldn't even be for a used Manley product, as in six months, all those will increase in price also. It's soon to be a good time for anyone who was considering selling off some of their excess gear, particularly if that gear consists of Manley.

Sheesh.

"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

Musical Fidelity is a UK company..., posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:39:55
kuma
Audiophile

Posts: 10412
Location: IN
Joined: July 8, 2001
 and many of their stuff are made in China.

 

You probably refer to my posted system, incorrectly , posted on January 26, 2011 at 13:55:10
Stale
Audiophile

Posts: 3267
Location: So. California
Joined: August 3, 2001
 If you look carefully, it says for the main system:

"System is currently dismantled, I am relying on secondary vintage (mostly) system."

As much as MF I had, both pieces were built in the good old Albion (better known today as Great Britain).

I do not buy exclusively US stuff, have stuff from EU & Japan, too, but as little as possible from certain parts of the world.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane."

 

No. I was referring to your post...., posted on January 26, 2011 at 19:52:41
kuma
Audiophile

Posts: 10412
Location: IN
Joined: July 8, 2001
 *Since I live in US I prefer to buy US made stuff and am willing to pay premium.
I own or owned Cary, Eminent Technology, Magnepan, Monarchy, JBL, VPI, Grado, Straightwire, Kimber, AR, N.E.A.R, Musical Fidelity, Shure, etc., etc.*

The second sentence followed your preference to buying US made gear and that Musical Fidelity jumped out since they are the only non US made equipment.

 

Oops, posted on January 26, 2011 at 20:34:17
Stale
Audiophile

Posts: 3267
Location: So. California
Joined: August 3, 2001
 I was not even aware that I included MF in the list. My bad.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane."

 

Manley Products, posted on January 27, 2011 at 13:21:44
theforerunner


 
I just want to throw my two cents in and say that Manley's customer service was one of the best I've ever dealt with and when I sent my Stingray in for service they did a great job and were very courteous. I no longer own the Stingray but it is one of hi-fi's classic integrateds and i enjoyed my time with it. EveAnna is one of the industry's most passionate and dedicated personalities.

 

You bet..., posted on January 27, 2011 at 21:12:42
kuma
Audiophile

Posts: 10412
Location: IN
Joined: July 8, 2001
 ...a good after service and supporting legacy equipment cost money and should be included in the retail price.

 

There's always a question whether tube amp PLUS "summer" SS amp...., posted on January 28, 2011 at 14:25:48
carcass93
Audiophile

Posts: 7181
Location: NJ
Joined: September 20, 2006
 ... makes more sense than high quality SS amp (not pure class A, that would be equal to tubed one in terms of heat and energy consumption) at comparable price.

To those who are convinced that tubes are the only way to go for their "serious" listening - yes, I suppose it does. To me - no, not necessarily.

 

Were you previously in the market,,,,, posted on January 29, 2011 at 03:59:58
jaynemo
Audiophile

Posts: 1881
Location: Connecticut
Joined: February 7, 2003
 to purchase brand new Manley gear and now pissed that you cant afford it? Or are you a dealer? If so I understand your possible gripe, if not your just spewing non-sense on a matter that doesnt directly affect you.

Proud owner of NEO250 & Jumbo Shrimp.

 

RE: Have you priced Rogue Audio lately? , posted on January 29, 2011 at 08:20:11
JerryS
Reviewer

Posts: 2039
Joined: February 24, 2001
 Buyers of used Manley gear can just email the factory and have the warranty transferred to the new owner and extended for 5 years. Manley's factory service is outstanding, too.

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February ??, posted on February 13, 2011 at 13:29:41
northernquad
Audiophile

Posts: 129
Joined: February 26, 2005
 I owned, and enjoyed a Stingray Classic. It was a worthy competitor for my friend's Cary SLi-80 Signature. I enjoyed the amp, thought Manley's CS was just terrific, and I might buy one again at the 2250.00 they went for for a cottage system, etc. At twice that, I wouldn't entertain it.

I now own a Luxman L505u. In my system I find it to be markedly superior to the Stingray I previously owned in overal SQ, general compatibility, flexibility, build quality, reliability and looks. It cost 3400.00 when I purchased it. I consider that a good deal, all things considered.

The new Stingray is a very good 3300.00 amp. It will struggle to compete with 5600.00 offerings from its US/European counterparts and certainly the Luxes and Lebens. It is the same very good amp, but a "deal?" Not with the previous retail price fresh in the public mind.

This will hurt Manley, I suspect. Audio mags are less able to emphasize the price-performance ratio in their reviews, something that certainly attracted me to the marque. It seems out of sync with the rock n' roll image the company has spent years honing. And audiophile, unlike studios, can't write off the cost of new gear.

Good luck to 'em.

n

 

RE: Big Manley price increases in February ??, posted on February 22, 2011 at 11:46:36
avsBuddy
Audiophile

Posts: 696
Joined: March 8, 2010
 Well it wasn't a bluff, Manley prices have gone up. Will be interesting to see how it's all going to go from here for Manley.

 

Higher prices equal higher prestige, posted on February 22, 2011 at 13:26:26
Paultry


 
The future will tell but this is what I think.

All audio will go up in price sooner or later and by doing it sooner Manley will be in a better place when that happens. In a couple of years these prices will be accepted just as other companies who have tried to hold out will eventually follow suit. Manley has pro audio to carry them till the dust settles.

 

RE: I am sure that you did lot of number crunching, posted on February 27, 2011 at 07:22:41
Gator
 We all wish Manley success. It's just hard to believe that you could afford to keep your cost as low as you did and still stay in business. I don't know about anyone else, but my income has certainly gone down in the last few years.

 

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