The Manley Jumbo Shrimp is a high-fidelity, line-level preamplifier designed to serve as the control center of an audiophile-grade two-channel audio system. Its primary application is to take multiple line-level sources (such as a CD player, tuner, or external phono stage) and route them to a power amplifier. Its minimalist, all-tube circuit ensures that the audio signal is amplified and buffered with high dynamic range and purity, adding an engaging, dynamic, and fluid character to the sound.

The Jumbo Shrimp is equipped with an RF (Radio-Frequency) Remora Remote Control. The significant benefit of RF technology over traditional IR (Infrared) is that it is omnidirectional and does not require a line of sight. This allows the user to precisely control the motorized ALPS volume attenuator from another room, through walls, or from inside enclosed equipment cabinets, providing unparalleled convenience and seamless integration into any listening environment.

No, the Manley Jumbo Shrimp Preamplifier is a dedicated line-level preamplifier. It is designed to accept five line-level inputs (CD, Tuner, Aux, etc.) via unbalanced RCA jacks. To play vinyl records, the Jumbo Shrimp requires an external phono stage (such as the Manley Chinook or Steelhead) to amplify the signal from the turntable cartridge to a standard line-level before feeding it into one of the Jumbo Shrimp's inputs.

The Jumbo Shrimp features two sets of Main Outputs (unbalanced RCA jacks). The primary purpose of this dual output configuration is to provide flexibility in the system setup. It allows the user to easily bi-amp their loudspeakers (driving separate frequency ranges with two different power amplifiers) or to drive both a main power amplifier and an active, powered subwoofer simultaneously, all while controlling the volume from the preamplifier.

The Jumbo Shrimp uses a high-quality motorized ALPS volume potentiometer. This audiophile-grade volume control is continuously variable (no detents) for infinitely fine resolution of listening levels, while the motorized mechanism allows for remote command via the RF remote. This system ensures accurate tracking between channels (typically within +-0.5 dB) and smooth, noise-free operation over its long life.

The Jumbo Shrimp is designed with zero global negative feedback. In audio circuits, global feedback is often used to reduce distortion and increase stability, but it can also slow down the transient response and reduce the sense of atmosphere. By minimizing and focusing on local negative feedback, the Jumbo Shrimp achieves an exceptionally "fast," dynamic, and transparent sound. This design preserves the natural speed and detail of the audio signal, enhancing the system's rhythm, extension, and sense of three-dimensional space.