The Manley Reference 100/200 watt monoblocks were built at the old VTL factory back before the Manley-VTL split-up that took place in 1993. They were at the time Manley's middle powered models in the Designer's Reference Series. They were 8-output tube designs. The 100/200's were fitted with triode-tetrode switching) and used the Sovtek 5881 output tubes. The Input tube was always the 12AT7A or 6201. Some early models used the 12BH7A for driver tube although most of the actual production models used 6350 driver tubes. Those two tube types have the grids and cathodes swapped on the pinout so make a big note that the 6350 and the 12BH7A are NOT interchangeable without reworking the circuit board!

Manley 100/200's had a sheet-metal chassis and sometimes stainless-steel covers. Bias readout tipjacks are located behind the faceplate on the top deck while the bias adjustment pots are located in front of the large grey B+ caps on the top deck. Many of the later Manley 100/200's had MIT-Multicaps. These were always nice sounding amplifiers that used the same output transformer as the acclaimed 225's.

Serial number codes for these read MAN2005###

Although the 100/200 model ceased production in 1993 and was never manufactured at the new Manley Labs factory, a similar amplifier with an "open chassis" was built here at the Manley Labs factory: The "Euro" 200/100 triode-tetrode or 175 ultra-linear brother seen below:

The only huge difference between these 200/100 or 175 Euro models and the older VTL-built 100/200 models were the machined billet chassis and switch to the 6414 driver tube instead of the 6350. Note that these two tube types are not interchangeable. The grids and cathodes are swapped, so they cannot be subbed without an internal re-wire. Otherwise, all the circuitry was the same as before. 200/100 models had triode-tetrode switches. 175 labeled ones were fixed in Ultra Linear mode.

Serial number codes for these models read MANEM200### or MANEM175###.

The 5881 tubes proved very reliable over the years. We rarely see any of these old amps in for service. They are strong soldiers.

We still do perform warranty service on these old monsters, so if you need help with yours, please first consult our Tech Support Department and if you have questions that they can’t answer, they will rope in EveAnna Manley who actually used to work on these back when she was a bench tech and QC-chick. Actually, she had these amps at home for quite awhile in the early '90's.

Top view of old Manley 100/200:

Rear view of old Manley 100/200 photo courtesy of a customer:

Rare wood chassis Euro 200/100 proto built 1993. Photo spotted on eBay 2007.