Audio T Verdict
The Manley Oasis brings serious cartridge-matching flexibility to an all-valve phono stage. Four gain settings, extensive resistance choices and adjustable capacitance allow it to work with a broad selection of moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Its rear-panel controls make future cartridge changes easier, while Manley’s valve circuitry, passive RIAA equalisation and low-impedance output provide the engineering foundation for a revealing and involving vinyl system.
Developed as the evolution of Manley’s acclaimed Chinook, the Oasis combines an all-valve audio path with the company’s proprietary Manley Power supply technology. The result is a phono stage designed to amplify the extremely small signal from a cartridge while maintaining a low noise floor and accurate RIAA correction.
The Oasis is suitable for both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Its gain, resistance and capacitance settings are adjusted externally using rear-panel DIP switches, avoiding the need to remove the case whenever the cartridge or system changes.
Moving Magnet and Moving Coil
Four selectable gain levels allow the Oasis to accommodate cartridges with very different output voltages. The lower settings are suited to many moving magnet and high-output designs, while the higher settings provide the additional amplification required by lower-output moving coil cartridges.
Four Gain Settings
Gain can be set to 45dB, 50dB, 60dB or 65dB. This allows the output of the phono stage to be matched more closely to the cartridge and the sensitivity of the amplifier connected to it.
Extensive Resistive Loading
The rear switches provide 31 resistive loading combinations between 26 and 800 ohms, plus the standard 47k-ohm setting. This gives the Oasis considerable flexibility when matching moving coil and moving magnet cartridges.
Adjustable Capacitance
Seven capacitive loading choices between 50pF and 350pF allow further adjustment of cartridge behaviour. Capacitance is particularly relevant when matching many moving magnet cartridges and their connecting cables.
Four 6922 Valves
The all-valve circuit uses four 6922 dual-triode valves across its gain and output stages. Manley employs cascaded valve amplification to raise the cartridge signal before sending it through the output stage.
Passive RIAA Equalisation
Records are cut with standardised frequency equalisation that must be corrected during playback. The Oasis uses a precision passive RIAA network, with Manley specifying deviation of less than ±0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
White Follower Output Stage
Manley’s White Follower valve configuration provides an output impedance of 104 ohms. Its current-driving ability helps the Oasis feed valve or solid-state amplification and cope with longer interconnects more confidently.
Manley Power Technology
The proprietary Manley Power switch-mode supply provides stable, regulated operating voltages for the valve circuitry. It is designed to reduce background noise and support the dynamic performance required when handling low-level cartridge signals.
Hand-Assembled in California
The Oasis is assembled at Manley’s Southern California facility. It uses a CNC-machined aluminium faceplate, substantial chassis construction and carefully selected components throughout the audio path.
Three Finish Options
Audio T offers the Oasis in black, silver or Manley blue, allowing it to be matched visually with the rest of the system.
Matching the Oasis to Your Cartridge
Correct gain and loading are essential to getting the best from a cartridge. Too little gain can leave the system sounding quiet and lacking energy, while excessive gain may increase noise or reduce available headroom. Cartridge loading can also affect tonal balance, high-frequency response and dynamics.
The cartridge manufacturer’s recommendation provides the best starting point. Audio T can then help refine the settings for the cartridge, turntable, amplifier and listening system.
Why Use a Separate Phono Stage?
A phono cartridge produces a much smaller signal than a CD player, streamer or other line-level source. That signal also requires RIAA equalisation before it can be used by an amplifier. The Oasis performs both jobs, applying the necessary gain and restoring the frequency balance encoded into the record.
Using a dedicated phono stage also allows the cartridge to be matched more precisely than is possible with many built-in amplifier inputs. The Oasis offers enough adjustment to support future cartridge changes without necessarily replacing the phono stage.
Connection and Positioning
The Oasis should normally be connected to a line-level input on an amplifier or preamplifier, not another phono input. Connecting two phono stages in series will apply excessive gain and incorrect equalisation.
If the turntable has a built-in phono stage, it must be bypassed so the cartridge signal reaches the Oasis directly. Valve equipment requires suitable ventilation, and access should be left around the rear panel for cartridge-loading adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Oasis suitable for moving magnet cartridges?
Yes. Its 45dB and 50dB gain options, 47k-ohm resistance setting and adjustable capacitance allow it to be configured for many moving magnet cartridges.
Can it be used with a low-output moving coil cartridge?
Yes. The 60dB and 65dB gain settings, together with numerous resistance choices between 26 and 800 ohms, allow it to support a wide range of moving coil cartridges.
How are gain and loading adjusted?
Banks of DIP switches on the rear panel control gain, resistance and capacitance. Once configured for the cartridge, the settings remain in place until manually changed.
Which gain setting should I use?
The correct setting depends on the cartridge’s output voltage and the sensitivity of the rest of the system. Begin with the cartridge manufacturer’s guidance or ask Audio T to help determine the most appropriate setting.
How many valves does the Oasis use?
It uses four 6922 dual-triode valves across its gain and output stages.
Does it use integrated circuits in the audio path?
No. Manley describes the Oasis as having an all-valve audio path with no integrated circuits in the signal chain.
What is passive RIAA equalisation?
RIAA equalisation restores the tonal balance of a record during playback. In the Oasis, this correction is performed by a passive component network positioned within the amplification circuit.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
No. The Oasis is a fixed-output phono stage and does not provide volume control. It should normally feed a line input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Which finishes are available?
Audio T lists black, silver and Manley blue versions.
Will the valves eventually need replacing?
Valves are consumable components and may eventually require replacement. Contact Audio T or an authorised service centre if the unit becomes noisy or its performance changes rather than opening or servicing it yourself.
Related Audio T Categories
Why Buy From Audio T?
At this level, cartridge matching and system context matter as much as the individual product. Audio T can help identify the correct gain, resistance and capacitance settings for your cartridge, compare the Oasis with other phono stages and assess how it works with your turntable and amplifier.
Contact your local store to discuss demonstrations, system matching, installation and future cartridge upgrades before ordering.
Find Your Nearest Audio T Store
General
- Product type
- All-valve MM/MC phono stage
- Cartridge compatibility
- Moving magnet and moving coil
- Audio topology
- All-valve signal path with passive RIAA equalisation
- Output stage
- White Follower valve configuration
- Power-supply technology
- Proprietary Manley Power regulated switch-mode supply
- Manufacture
- Hand-assembled in Southern California, USA
- Finish options
- Black, silver or Manley blue
Valves and Gain
- Valve complement
- 4 x 6922 dual triodes
- Gain settings
- 45dB, 50dB, 60dB or 65dB
- Gain adjustment
- Rear-panel DIP switches
Cartridge Loading
- Resistive loading
- 31 combinations between 26 and 800 ohms, plus 47k ohms
- Capacitive loading
- 7 choices between 50pF and 350pF
- Loading adjustment
- Rear-panel DIP switches
Performance
- RIAA deviation
- Less than ±0.5dB, 20Hz-20kHz
- Dynamic range
- 102dB typical, A-weighted
- Crosstalk
- 82dB
- Output impedance
- 104 ohms
Construction
- Faceplate
- CNC-machined aluminium
- Chassis
- Robust full-width construction
- Audio-path components
- Premium components with no integrated circuits in the signal chain
Please note: Gain and loading should be selected according to the cartridge manufacturer’s recommendations and the requirements of the complete system. Manley’s current public specification does not state the product’s dimensions or weight, so these should be confirmed with Audio T before planning shelf space.