The Skipjack's entire audio path is hand-wired point-to-point using silver core wire, eliminating PCB traces from the signal chain. Over 90 high-specification dual-contact NAIS relays per channel provide pristine switching without crosstalk or high-frequency artifacts. This relay topology ensures DC to 200 kHz frequency response with unmeasurable distortion, allowing transparent comparison of sources, preamplifiers, and cable configurations without sonic penalty.
Manley Skipjack
Manley Skipjack
Transparent relay switching for reference audio systems
- Hand-wired point-to-point topology with zero PCB audio paths
- Dual-contact NAIS relays ensuring silent, artifact-free switching
- Wired remote control for A/B/C/D comparison from listening position
- Professional-grade input switching with measurable transparency
Discontinued
Experience the Manley Skipjack, precision relay switching for analog systems
The Manley Skipjack provides transparent source and component switching for critical listening environments and mastering applications. Drawing from Manley's custom mastering console engineering, this relay-switched input selector adds three stereo line inputs to any system while maintaining absolute signal integrity. Hand-wired with silver core conductors and employing over 90 dual-contact NAIS relays per channel, the Skipjack delivers DC to 200 kHz bandwidth for uncompromised analog signal routing.
Remote switching for critical A/B comparison
Beyond input selection, the Skipjack functions as a precision comparison tool for evaluating sources and system components. The included 25-foot wired remote "pickle switch" enables instantaneous A/B/C/D switching from the optimal listening position, eliminating the need for long interconnect runs or movement during critical listening sessions. This configuration ensures accurate evaluation without introducing cable-induced variables into the signal path.
Bidirectional operation with robust mechanical design
The Skipjack operates as a four-into-one source selector or, when reversed, as a one-into-four distribution amplifier for driving multiple power amplifiers or listening zones. The heavy-gauge steel chassis incorporates internal ballast weighting to prevent displacement from interconnect cable tension. Powered by a simple 9VDC external supply, the Skipjack delivers mastering console functionality and reliability in a compact form factor suitable for high-end audio systems.
Switching
Dual contact NAIS relays
Audio Path
Hand-wired point-to-point (silver wire)
Inputs/Outputs
4 into 1 or 1 into 4 (RCA)
Frequency Response
DC - 200 kHz (+-.1 dB)
Channel Separation
116 dB (22 Hz - 22 kHz)
Signal Loss
< 1/10 dB (.045 dB)
Frequently Asked Questions
The benefit of using over 90 high-quality NAIS relays is achieving silent and transparent switching. Conventional toggle switches produce an audible click and suffer from high-frequency leakage that compromises imaging cues. The Skipjack’s relays are software-controlled, ensuring the signal contacts are "make-before-break" for absolutely silent transitions while providing superior isolation (116 dB channel separation), which maintains the purity and coherence of the audio signal.
The Skipjack achieves its reference-grade sound quality by ensuring the ultimate level of transparency and minimal signal interference. The entire audio path is deliberately passive and hand-wired point-to-point using minimal silver-core audiophile wire; no audio signal ever travels over printed circuit board traces. This minimalist, purist approach is engineered to be inaudible, allowing the input signal to pass directly to the chosen output with essentially zero loss (< 0.045 dB).
Yes, the Skipjack is highly versatile and can be configured as a splitter. While it is primarily a 4-into-1 source selector, you can utilize the A/B switching mode to allow BOTH inputs (A and B) to be selected at the same time. This turns the unit into a massive Y-Cable, or splitter box, allowing one stereo source to simultaneously drive two different power amplifiers or zones.
The primary purpose of the 25 foot wired remote "pickle switch" is to allow the user to perform critical A/B/X listening evaluations from the precise listening position. By physically removing the switching mechanism to the listening chair, the engineer/audiophile can quickly compare sources without having to move, thus ensuring the critical listening perspective is maintained without the interference of long signal cables running back and forth to the source gear.
The Skipjack's small chassis has a large hunk of steel screwed into the bottom. This added weight serves a practical engineering function: to counter-balance the torque and weight of large, stiff, audiophile-grade interconnect cables. This prevents the switchbox from being pulled, shifted, or physically dragged off the shelf by the chunky cables plugged into the back.
No, currently there is no balanced XLR version of the Skipjack available. The current design is dedicated to unbalanced RCA connections. Manley has acknowledged the technical requirements for a balanced version—including needing twice the number of connections and a heftier power supply to drive the relays—but has not yet brought such a design to production.
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