Neo-Classic 250 vs EAR 509
The 509's power @ 8ω is 100W against the Neo-Classic 250's 250W, its signal-to-noise 96 dB against 94 dB, its damping factor 20 against 13.1, and its thd 0.500% against 0.052%.
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The Manley Neo-Classic 250 monoblock amplifier is a high-power, all-tube design using 10 EL34B output tubes, two 12BH7EH driver tubes, and a 12AT7 input tube. It offers switchable operation modes between triode (140W @ 1.5% THD into 5 Ohms) and ultra-linear/tetrode mode (250W @ 1.5% THD into 5 Ohms). The amplifier features balanced and unbalanced inputs (RCA and XLR), a mute switch, triode/ultra-linear mode switching on the front panel, and a soft start turn-on mode to minimize inrush current. It includes Manley Precision Output Transformers, large reservoir capacitors (3800uF x 2), and WBT binding posts. The unit has a damping factor of 13.1 (triode) and 11.5 (tetrode), a frequency response from 10 Hz to 33 kHz at full power, and a dynamic range of 114 dB A-weighted. Power consumption is 40W in ever-warm mode, with a maximum of 710W at full power. Dimensions are approximately 19" W x 13" D x 9" H, weighing 69 lbs each. The amplifier is factory set for various mains voltages and includes a detachable IEC power cord. It is praised for its musical accuracy, emotional authority, and reliability, with the ability to deliver a three-dimensional soundfield in triode mode and powerful dynamics in ultra-linear mode.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The 509's power @ 8ω is 100W against the Neo-Classic 250's 250W, its signal-to-noise 96 dB against 94 dB, its damping factor 20 against 13.1, and its thd 0.500% against 0.052%.
The SA-Reference's power @ 8ω is 300W against the Neo-Classic 250's 250W, its signal-to-noise 100 dB against 94 dB, its thd 0.050% against 0.052%, and its weight 57 kg (126 lbs) against 31.3 kg (69 lbs).
The MC2301's power @ 8ω is 300W against the Neo-Classic 250's 250W, its signal-to-noise 117 dB against 94 dB, its damping factor 15 against 13.1, and its thd 0.500% against 0.052%.
The MC2152 70th Anniversary's power @ 8ω is 150W against the Neo-Classic 250's 250W, its signal-to-noise 112 dB against 94 dB, its damping factor 18 against 13.1, and its thd 0.250% against 0.052%.
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