Manunta’s New Classic Amplifiers Bring Back the VU Meter

Manunta has expanded its Classic amplifier range with a dedicated preamplifier and stereo power amplifier. The two separates join the existing Classic Integrated Amplifier, retaining the series’ analog-only approach and styling inspired by hi-fi components from the 1980s and 1990s.

Classic Preamplifier combines line and phono stages

The Manunta Classic Preamplifier uses a line-amplifier circuit built from discrete components. It is designed to work with demanding loads, including power amplifiers with low input impedance and long, high-capacitance signal cables. Balanced outputs equipped with Lundahl transformers are also provided for equipment such as active speakers with balanced inputs.

Its phono section supports both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. The dedicated MC preamplifier offers adjustable input impedance from 10 ohms to 1 kilohm. Selecting MM mode bypasses the MC stage and sets the input impedance to 47 kilohms. Manunta has also applied enhanced power-supply filtering compared with the phono circuit used in the earlier Classic Integrated Amplifier.

Analog sources can be connected through three unbalanced RCA line inputs, two balanced XLR inputs and an RCA phono input. Output options comprise RCA and XLR connections, while an RCA equalizer loop allows an external tone-control device to be inserted into the signal path. As with the rest of the Classic concept, digital inputs and digital functions are omitted.

Discrete headphone stage and app-based control

A discrete headphone amplifier is built into the preamplifier, with maximum output specified at 15 Vrms into 32 ohms. Front-panel functions include volume and balance adjustment, mute and standby, while trigger connections support integration with compatible components.

Although its signal architecture is firmly analog, the Classic Preamplifier includes a wireless module for remote operation. A free smartphone control app is available for Android and Apple devices. The component measures 420 x 90 x 310 millimeters and weighs 12 kilograms.

Dual-mono power amplifier delivers 75 watts per channel

The matching Classic Power Amplifier is a stereo design rated at 75 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms and 110 watts RMS per channel into 4 ohms. Manunta specifies dynamic output of 170 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms and 270 watts RMS per channel into 4 ohms for peaks lasting 10 milliseconds.

Its dual-mono power supply uses two separate transformers, with one assigned to each channel. Rather than employing electronic protection circuits, the design relies on an oversized output stage and thermal sensors intended to prevent the output transistors from overheating. Total harmonic distortion plus noise is specified at 0.02 percent at maximum output into an 8-ohm load.

Connections include stereo RCA and balanced XLR inputs, along with a single pair of speaker outputs. Two trigger sockets provide pass-through operation, allowing the amplifier to switch on or off from a compatible preamplifier. The chassis measures 420 x 120 x 310 millimeters, weighs 19 kilograms and has specified power consumption of 320 VA.

Analog VU meters reinforce the retro design

Two analog VU meters dominate the Classic Power Amplifier’s front panel and display output level across a 50 dB dynamic range. Their scales are calibrated in both decibels and watts for 8-ohm loads.

An infrared receiver allows the brightness of the meters to be adjusted with a Manunta remote control. Together with the traditional casework and deliberately analog feature set, the meters visually connect the new separates with the design language established by the Classic Integrated Amplifier.

The Classic Preamplifier and Classic Power Amplifier give listeners a separates-based alternative within Manunta’s retro-inspired range, combining extensive analog connectivity, MM and MC phono support, balanced operation and a dual-mono power stage without adding digital audio functions.