AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Digital Amplifier Company Owners => Topic started by: AmpDesigner333 on 27 Jul 2014, 01:47 pm

Title: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 27 Jul 2014, 01:47 pm
"Listening to these [Maraschino] amps aroused the audiophile in me and made me want to start collecting stereo equipment again. Whilst sitting in the sweet spot, the clarity and delivery of instrumental sound placement are superb. The attention to detail and level of quality from initial concept to delivered finished product is classy and badass all rolled into one."

-Kayla O, Northampton PA
Title: HiFiZine Maraschino Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 28 Jul 2014, 09:08 pm
Check it out:
http://www.hifizine.com/2014/06/dac-maraschino-mono-amps/
Title: Professional Maraschino Review Quotes
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 28 Jul 2014, 09:12 pm
6Moons:

"....the baby cherries do the air thing better"

"....speed, open-sky treble and translucence"

"Desk-top users with inefficient Mark+Daniel type monitors could fall very hard for Maraschino indeed due to ultra-compact size, good power and low-Ω drive."

"There's nothing hasty, nervous, jittery, jagged or small about him or this...."

TONE Audio:

"....wonderfully open, clear, transparent, and precise sound"

"....very quickly addicting such that even familiar recordings come alive with a fresh perspective. This may be due to the Maraschinos’ incredibly quiet background."

"Peter Gabriel’s New Blood, featuring new interpretations of some of his classic songs, is a hair-raising showpiece through the Maraschinos."

"The recent 96 kHz remaster of Nick Drake’s three sublime albums are ravishing through the Maraschinos."

"....the Maraschinos greatest strength is coherence. Bass notes are deep and punchy yet speedy and nimble, with high frequencies sounding extended and smooth."

"They are amazingly refined with low distortion."

"....they have speed to spare."

"It is like cleaning a dirty windshield to get a better view of the road."

HiFiZine:

"....a product that defies the imagined rules.

"I was not imagining it. In my years of reviewing gear, I can’t think of a single occasion when a change of amp more surprised me, and all this in a budget system. Don’t ever doubt that well-designed amplification can make a real difference!"

"These amps easily compete with other great amps I’ve heard."

"The amps belie their size to deliver a sonic wallop...."

"Expensive investment in cables seem unnecessary, which is actually a major cost-saving in the long run."

"Small in size, huge in sonics, I find myself seduced by the quality of music provided by the Digital Amp Company’s Maraschinos. Recommended for music lovers."

Stereo Times:

"A ride cymbal tapped modestly at the back of a stage comes through with perfect clarity, and violins, which can sound strident on even some of the best recordings, are wonderfully fluid."

"These are also the quietest amplifiers I’ve ever had in my house. Between tracks, the Maraschinos make absolutely no sound: no soft background static, no hum, nothing."

"Driving my Verities, the bass was punchy, defined, and very well controlled"

"....the Maraschinos own some of the nicest sounding upper registers I’ve had the pleasure of listening to."

" I found the Maraschino’s presentation to be coherent, refined, powerful when the music required it, and delicate when things quieted down."

"The soundstage is enormous, the presentation is clean and clear...."
Title: Stereo Times Maraschino Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 28 Jul 2014, 09:17 pm
Check it out:
http://www.stereotimes.com/post/digital-amplifier-co.-maraschino-cherry-amplifier
Title: TONE Audio Maraschino Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 28 Jul 2014, 09:24 pm
Check it out (page 172):
http://www.tonepublications.com/MAGPDF/TA_63.pdf
Title: 6Moons Maraschino Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 28 Jul 2014, 09:33 pm
Check it out:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/dac/1.html
Title: Great Maraschino from Dany B (Belguim)
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 29 Jul 2014, 03:45 am
"Maraschinos sounded simply better"

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=122893.msg1294518#msg1294518
Title: Cherry Maraschino vs iQ Audio M300
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 29 Jul 2014, 03:49 am
"the Maraschinos are certainly worth the extra dollar over the M300's"

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=126190.msg1333965#msg1333965
Title: Maraschino first impressions review from mamba315
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 29 Jul 2014, 03:58 am
"Maraschino's sound cleaner and quieter"

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=122726.0
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 29 Jul 2014, 04:03 am
"I use Maraschinos for professional audio applications at my recording studio. Audio quality is absolutely critical especially when my clients are listening to the audio playback. This product has exceeded my expectations in every way. Extremely happy with my investment."

-Louis O, Easton PA
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: RCduck7 on 25 Aug 2014, 08:24 pm
Today i made a comparison with the Cherry Maraschinos to my Dussun D9 power stage. Before this i did a comparison with the mighty Dussun V8i.
I like the Maraschino more as you can found out in my previous reviews/comparison.
All told in one sentence, it came down that the V8i was a giant but not very subtile. The D9 was more subtile.
I'm selling the D9 but in comparison i had to set the volume right at the same DB level for both amps.
The D9 throws music to you that you instantly like, The Maraschino is more focused, more tighter and pure without losing that soundstage i like about that Dussun.
What amp can beat these Maraschinos?? I guess only another amp from the same company??
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 26 Aug 2014, 09:16 am
Today i made a comparison with the Cherry Maraschinos to my Dussun D9 power stage. Before this i did a comparison with the mighty Dussun V8i.
I like the Maraschino more as you can found out in my previous reviews/comparison.
All told in one sentence, it came down that the V8i was a giant but not very subtile. The D9 was more subtile.
I'm selling the D9 but in comparison i had to set the volume right at the same DB level for both amps.
The D9 throws music to you that you instantly like, The Maraschino is more focused, more tighter and pure without losing that soundstage i like about that Dussun.
What amp can beat these Maraschinos?? I guess only another amp from the same company??
Thanks for the kind words.  Can't wait to hear what you think with the 60V power supplies!
-Tommy
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 21 Oct 2014, 09:45 pm
Brief-est review ever, but a good one:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=125931.0

The post above refers to a much more detailed review of the J-River/JTR room a RMAF 2014 (driven by Maraschino, A+ rating!):
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=129172.0

Some comments about switching from the 48V to the 60V power supply:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=127087.msg1357838#msg1357838
Title: Post deleted
Post by: charlie_flowers on 28 Nov 2014, 02:29 pm
Review deleted
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 1 Dec 2014, 02:46 am
charlie_flowers,
Thanks for the well done review of the KING 60V Desktop Marachino!

-Tommy O

p.s. To all: The "LOVE_MARA" coupon code expires tomorrow.  Write to Support@DigitalAmp.com if you are interested but missed out on the discount.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: mittg on 7 Dec 2014, 08:00 pm
Audio Review: Digital Amplifier Company , Maraschino Cherry 48v desktop Mono blocks. 
  The equipment used in review:
Pre Amp - Audio Mirror T - 61 tube
Oppo BDP-83 special edition Blue ray
I-phone 6
Denon DP 62L turntable with an audio Technica cartridge.
Bauer & Wilkins CDM - 1 Special Edition bookshelf speakers
Ohm 2000 full range speakers.
Morrow interconnects & Raymond Cable Speaker cables
    I have a pair of Quad 57 ESL's that are being rebuilt. I will add them in once I get them back. Past amplifiers I have enjoyed, Cary Slam 100 tube mono blocks, Manley Stingray integrated, Digital Amp Cherry, Conrad Johnson , Blue Circle and Jolida .

   I have been critiquing music, recordings and audio equipment for over 40 years. That being  said I sometimes wonder how my ears have held up. When I comment on sounds in the recording, how a note sounds or some foreign noise my family often never hears it until I point it out. This is my first pair of mono blocks in 8 years. Needless to say I was very excited when they arrived.
  They were well packed. My Immediate impression is these are well constructed. Flat black on black marble. Minimal but classy trademark design. Solid posts for speakers and Neutrik gold plated xlr with RCA adapterS if needed. The ICC Nexergy power sources is supplied. Set up very easy. The heavy marble base keeps the mono's stable even with my heavy cables. I turned the system on and let it sit for a short while. I have always had a little line noise do to my home wiring with an inverter and solar panels. There is no noise. This is the first time in twenty-three years that I have had no noise coming through the system. Very exciting. Tommie O said The amps can be powered all the time because they will sense no input and go into sleep mode. This is great. I just need to shut off my tube pre amp and turn it back on.
  After playing some music for a few days while at work I figured it was time for some critical listening. First with my B&W bookshelves.
   Listening to Damien Rice "O" is a pleasure. The sound of each instrument and his voice is crisp and clear. The acoustic notes clearly defined and at times you can hear his fingers. Lisa Hannigan has such great timing. Her voice silky smooth. The separation in speakers is total. The clarity of each voice as they harmonize is accentuated ,beautiful. I am using the Oppo as my source with a standard cd.  I have listened to and critiqued "Cold Water" on a few different amps and speakers. With Tommy's Maraschinos' I have heard it no better. The stereo separation total, the feeling in Damien's voice so clear I can hear every nuance. The snare drum is not muffled and you can actually pick out the snares as they hit. Very nice not to have any background noise or distortion. The specs are 117 dB s/n and 0.002 THD. The sound phenomenal !!
  Bala Bala is an African-Cuban funky jazz dance grooves group. They use Congas, traps,Sax,imbales,djembe,balafon,calves and more. I am surprised at the soundstage on the B&W bookshelves. The Congas and other instruments have a definite place to the side or back of the speaker. The Saxophone weather tenor, alto or soprano is never harsh. Again the stereo separation, range of sound and soundstage are all improved by the Maraschino's.
 Now for Jazz. The bass (Isoo Fukui) on Midnight sugar by Yamamoto,Tuyoshi trio is a slow beat. Each defined and carried through to the end. No bottom to these notes. Piano is very difficult for a standard speaker. The notes can hang or switch between the tweeter and the woofer. These speakers have not had an issue with past amps and there is none now. The clarity and smoothness of each note is exceptional. There is no fatigue from highs, no harshness and no distortion.
   Time to rock with the Ohm 2000. These speakers have a total different delivery than the B&W's. They are single driver 360 degree delivery with the base coming out the bottom. First A little Santana "Soul Kitchen" live and some "Marbles" With Buddy Miles. Treat is just that. All live Santana. Very good recording. This is pure pleasure. No fatigue. All sounds, band instruments, voices, audience are so clear it is fun to hear. Congas are so defined I'd swear I can tell where the hand is hitting the drum. The soundstage is what it should be. The music fills the room and the speakers actually disappear .  Another favorite of mine is the Belfast Harp Orchestra , Earth, Wind and Fire. It starts out quiet and strings ad in until the entire orchestra is playing. The clarity of individual harp notes and there tone is beautiful. When the entire orchestra is playing I can still pick out individual harps.
   Conclusion : These are high end mono blocks. They are very nice looking ,well constructed ,easy to hookup and operate. As a consumer and "audiophile" (as my friends have labelled me ) I really enjoy the sound being produced. The speakers I used were not as good as the amps. The Maraschino's brought the B&W's and Ohm's to an entirely new level. This review will be added to when I get my rebuilt Quads back. My feeling is they will compliment the Maraschino's well. The Marachinos brought the speakers used to an all new level but these mono blocks had so much more to offer. The quads should compliment the Maraschino's clarity well.  I have no reservations highly recommending the Maraschino Mono Blocks from Digital Amplifier Company. From a person that enjoys all kinds of music these are very enjoyable to listen to for hours and hours.  Gerry Mittica
   
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=109996)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=109998)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=110000)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=109998)
Title: Now with two 60V supplies
Post by: mfsoa on 7 Dec 2014, 11:34 pm
Gerry: Great job on the review :thumb:

Finally I have two 60v supplies. I had a single for a while but when I placed the Maraschinos directly behind the Revel F206s the cables from the 60V didn't reach so back to the stock 48V supplies.

Sounds great w/ the 48V supplies but just that much better w/ the 60s. I don't think I could describe the difference, but each of the amp's attributes just becomes that much more apparent.  The fast clear highs, the grain-free midrange and fast tight deep bass are each just done a bit better w/ the 60V supplies. It's amazing how much information my other amps weren't letting through.

Speaker cables were made from 1 foot of AQ cable my dealer gave me for free.

For someone with a biwireable speaker it'd be ideal to have two modules plugged into a single 60V supply for each speaker.

Thought I'd post a pic or two:


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=110032)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=110033)



Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: mittg on 7 Dec 2014, 11:45 pm
Thank You. Your set up is nice.  I am patient but anxious to get get my Quad ESL 57's back. They are totally different in sound than the speakers I used. Right now I am listening to some piano Christmas music and the notes are reproduced so sweat. When using the Quads I imagine I will use Blue Ray and SACD discs.
Title: Dr. Larkos KING Desktop Maraschino Testimonial
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 8 Dec 2014, 08:24 pm
Dear Tommy, I wanted to thank you for your invaluable assistance in helping me to determine that a pair of your Maraschino King amplifiers constitutes the best match in amplification for my new Martin Logan Reserve Series ESL speakers.

As you know, I was fortunate enough to have been initiated into and been able to own state of the art audio equipment since the beginning of the High End era back in the middle 70s (thanks to the good offices of the late Mike K, of Lyric Hi-Fi fame, in New York). That amounts to about 40 years of experiencing and owning some of the best equipment the industry could offer in the search for ultimate sound quality. As you also know, prompted by recent raving reviews in the Absolute Sound and other main stream audio periodicals that declared the Martin Logan ESL “Montis” speakers to be, so far, the company’s best effort ever in full range hybrid ESL speakers, I acquired a pair (in a special order finish). This was meant as a reward to my wife, who throughout that 40 year period has suffered quietly all kinds of large full range speakers (both tower or modular boxes and wall-to-wall planar magnetic panels) set in our largish, cathedral-ceiling living room.   

I started amplification trial by mating the Montis to high-end amplifiers that I own or that I could borrow/purchase for trial. The former included the legendary Brown Electronic Labs 1001 Mark V, Grant Fidelity KT-88 Class A triode integrated (heavily modified), a pair of your own DAC 4800A stereo amps, and a pair of Auralic Merak mono blocks (a recent addition resulting from a speaker trade). The later included, a pair of Red Dragon 500 monoblocks, and an Audio Research Reference 150 (same model used in Tone Audio‘s review). Why the exhaustive trial of amps? Well, as we thoroughly discussed it, the Montis impedance drops to about 0.5 ohms as frequency approaches 20 kHz. Most of those amplifiers I have mention performed during my trials without obvious operating glitches, with rather acceptable SQ (albeit different), in line with their pedigrees. However, the fact is that none of them are rated or intended for operation with speaker impedances descending into or going below 2 ohms. However, as I learned from you, that happens not to be the case for the Maraschino King using your 60 volt power supply (rated at 800 watts, 2 ohms). You kindly went out of your way to test/measure, and documented to me that the Maraschino King can operate continuously at 1 ohm without any significant high frequency response roll off or power bandwidth limitations, or electronic glitch of any sort.

It could very well be that in an apparent case of good (measurable) science being fully confirmed by (my) subjective long trained auditory perception--because of the already well-reviewed sonic virtues of your Maraschino technology and the ability to handle ultra-low speaker impedances—the pair of Maraschino Kings I bought from you outperformed all the other contenders when driving the Martin Logan’s ESL Montis. As far as I am concerned, I can state without reservations that adding to my system the combination of the Maraschino Kings and the Montis resulted in the best reproduction of a music event I have ever heard.

Thankfully and sincerely,

Dr.Larkos, Irvington, NY


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=110099)

Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: mittg on 13 Jan 2015, 01:31 am
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=112520)
A few days ago I got my Quad ESL 57's back from Sheldon @ quadesl.com. He did a thorough going over. Showed me graphs that proved my ears were correct. The treble panels needed to replaced. He put in some NOS panels he had that have like new graphs. He did some electrical upgrades also. I must say A BIG shout out to Sheldon for the honest person he is, the quality work he did and at a very good value. I have been playing Pink Floyd, Nora Jones, Sting, Allman Brothers, and much more with my Maraschino's. The Quads sound wonderful. The amps work very well with them. I am listening to the Crosby Stills Nash Acoustic Concert. The song " Just a Song Before I Go". The guitars sound clear,each string is placed. The low end hits quick and no flab. I have enjoyed this concert because it is well recorded, voices ,piano and guitars  only. With the quads and Maraschino's I can honestly say I have not enjoyed it as much ever. The clarity of each note is a joy. Tommy O. From Digital Amp and Sheldon have just made music sound fantastic. Thanks. Gm
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=112519) Apparently I can only get one speaker in three pics for you to see


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=112519)
Title: First (!) In-Line MARASCHINO REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 6 Feb 2015, 12:35 am
Here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=131931.0#lastPost

"....a single plucked string will almost make me jump with its immediacy and presence."
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 6 Mar 2015, 06:54 pm
This just in:

"I'm really thrilled to have finally taken the plunge and tried the Marashino's.  Revelatory. People need to hear what these amps can do.  It's that simple. Especially on speakers like my ZuAudio Messages employing a full range driver without any crossover to result in system wide perfect time and phase coherence.  At least to my ears.  I have already told Sean Casey he needs to include yours as a must listen amplifier for these speakers.  It's a perfect match.  If more people could hear this combo, it only leaves source selection as the variable.  No further amp or speaker shopping or matching will be required.  The speaker wire is now a non-issue with short runs.  And XLR interconnects aren't nearly so fussy as RCAs.  You have made an audiophiles life so much easier.  We just have to get the word out.

I have found considerable benefit to using my Nordost Brahma power cords on the 60v supplies, over say a BeldenShielded 3x14awg.   And then feeding everything thru an AdeptResponse Ar2pT filter smoothes things out and sorts the imaging and layering much nicer than regular power bar.   The 60v supplies do enjoy some benefits of simple power line housekeeping."

Steve M
Port Huron MI
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 6 Mar 2015, 06:59 pm

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=99981)
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 7 Mar 2015, 08:53 pm
Another great one....

"The authority by which they command the speakers is unbelievable. My swans are small units with a cut off at 45hz, but the bass is impressive. It is absolutely not excessive; there is more than enough and well executed. I would not even consider adding a subwoofer to cover the lower frequencies. Now I am not even sure I want to change to full range speakers in due time.

The realistic reproduction is great! Completely uncanning is the chiming of the clocks on Pink Floyd's dark side of the moon. The individual sound signature of the instruments is becoming more noticeable with every hour. With sound signature I mean, if a number of drummers hit the same note you'll hear the difference, because they use different drum kits and every drummer just strikes a drum a bit differently. 

The "live experience" is waiting around the corner.

This initial experience with the standard 48v's  promises a lot for the Kings performance. Oh yeah, the King's American trilogy was an experience. Impressive."

Matthijs B
Netherlands
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: SteveMiller on 17 Mar 2015, 04:01 pm
Inviting a new piece of gear into our system can be tricky. It seems so many products grab us with whatever we notice as different between the new product and the one we already own.  Or sometimes we listen to our systems and wish it was...something more.  So when we find that next new product and have it installed, we listen to it.  We aren't listening to the system as a whole, but instead focus on the traits of the new item.  If you are nodding your head now, please read on.

When I opened up the new Maraschino Desktop Amplifier by the Digital Amplifier Company, I of course was excited to get these little treasures into my system.  Tommy O and I enjoyed a previous phone conversation wherein he discussed the merits of the power supply choices and cabling differences available. Ultimately we felt my needs best served by the 60v supplies and standard leashes for DC. This netted 4 small boxes and their interconnecting DC cables. Each amplifier is mounted mono, in its own shielded enclosure with very solid stabilizing bases made of thick black granite slabs on my examples.  The dual power supplies live in a slightly larger footprint, but are still quite compact by anyone's standards. Each item is supported by 4 extremely absorbent bumper type feet. The items grip the shelf securely and stay where placed once cabled in.  By design the fully dual mono amplification and power supply is intended to be placed near each respective loudspeaker. In doing so, the cabling to the speaker can remain very short. This layout is key.  It saves money obviously, as speaker cable has risen to higher prices than the boxes it's connected to in some systems. But more importantly, it minimizes the resistance, capacitance, and rf interference that the long wires feeding speakers can be subject to. In short, it's one less thing between you and your music.  Better sound for free.

Desktop Maraschino amps are wired for balanced XLR cables but accommodate common RCA cabling via included adapters.  Due to design a balanced cable is naturally immune to RF interference.  This convention is the very starting point of our recorded music, used for microphones in recording studios. It's the trusted method to get the most fragile signal produced in the music chain through extremely long runs back to recording consoles.  In our home systems today, many of which have modern DAC driven sources, a balanced cable can be used over greater distance and not be subject to signal loss, distortion, or interference.

Upon unpacking, inspection, connection and power up everything went without drama.  The real drama began upon pressing Play.  The immediate impression was of a newly energized sound.  My system just found new jump, pop, power and clarity. No special provisions, no tweaking. Just music.   No break in, no fettering about with settings. Just music.  And in a rare way it was thus on every type of material I played.  Sure, track quality and media type all have their influences but this sense that no matter what type, genre, age or depth of music I played, the new amplification prowess gave me something new to appreciate.  The tracks that were recorded too hot and too flat for highfi had new things to appreciate. The cymbals and high hats that just hissed incessantly before were now distinguished by their individual metallic sounds. The bass that plodded before was fleet footed and delineated now.  Better amplification gave way to rediscover those old recordings that we all set aside because they in some way expose flaws or weakness in our audio reproduction. The better recordings I have acquired now rewarded me with more insight, more inflection from the vocals on through to individual instruments. When everything seems improved the only explanation can be that the errors and compromises of other circuits have been omitted here.  High bandwidth, phase coherence, extremely short signal paths and clean high current power all contribute. Tommy's 4" square amplifier circuit board has about a quarter of the circuit length than the component it replaces in my system.  So it seems the electrical impulses have a shorter distance to travel, and thus less distractions whilst doing so.

Some context for credibility.  My amplifier trials and ownership in my systems to date have included various SimAudio, Chord, Croft, Modwright, BelCanto, Wyred4Sound, NAD, and I'm sure others. What TommyO has built is different.  The Maraschino's are at once Faster, Quieter, more Open, Deeper, better Sizzle, more Energized.  These are the standout features that appeal to me.  Sonically, I simply can't find a downside to what these little amps can do.  The Maraschino's secret weapon seems to be bandwidth.  That's not something you hear, it's something that happens.  With extended frequency response like this, the tension in the music relaxes and just flows.  It's seems the power on tap comes from a source much larger than expected. That power comes faster, and cleaner than should be possible.  The music plays from a rock solid foundation that I think can only follow amps possessing a very high damping ratio.  This is all at normal listening levels. Yet turn the volume down, way down. Just before invoking the auto power saving.  Way down here, the sound is the same.  Excellent imaging, depth and layering. Emotional content is still communicated at whisper levels.  I say this thanks to such quiet circuits and outboard power supplies.

All my listening was through the very good Zu Audio Message speaker system. The Zu's pride themselves on an extremely high sensitivity and can provide the powerful responses required to give you back what the recording studios intended.  There is no electrical crossover circuit between the Zu full range drivers and the amplifier, so I enjoyed the all the directness that the designers intended.  What occurs here is a phase correctness that respects the timing and tone in your music.  The Maraschino's and the Zu's are an excellent pairing.

I found some eventual fine tuning available via power cord and conditioning choices. Everyone's system responds differently but I found better results with Nordost Brahma power cords over a shielded version of Belden computer cords.  Don't be afraid to experiment here.  I plugged amps and source DAC into the same Audience Adept ar2p conditioner via six way AC tap augmented with a Nordost Qv2 harmonizer.  The stock type computer type cords were a little dryer, and direct to wall dryer still.  With the AC cabled and conditioned as described the sound is more natural and neutral. More liquid but not restrained or attenuated in any way.

My conversations and email with TommyO of Digital Amplifier Company illustrate that the man truly makes the company. Tommy's design and philosophy seem less about profits and marketing and instead focus on what we are trying to find here. The focus is all about better sound.  The shortest path to it. And Tommy wants to sell amplifiers for sure, but he is heavily invested in doing it properly. The Maraschino eschews extra flair. You aren't buying anything more than you need here.  There is enough power on tap to cause serious system or hearing damage if you desire either. There is higher return on the dollar for sound quality than I have heard anywhere else.  You can really live with these amps in your system by hiding them behind the speakers, or they are attractive on a shelf with fancy cables and connections. When you close your eyes, and think about what your system needs to be in order to be personally satisfying, consider the Maraschino's. They let you stop listening to your system and instead you'll just hear the music.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 17 Mar 2015, 07:17 pm
Inviting a new piece of gear into our system can be tricky. It seems so many products grab us with whatever we notice as different between the new product and the one we already own.........

Thanks, Steve. Beautifully written (:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: virtue on 24 Mar 2015, 02:57 am
I'm soooo sad that it took me soooo long to fire up my in-line Maraschinos.

And the fact is that I would never use them "in-line" (because my kids would grab them) and there's nothing red about these stunners.

But DAMN are they clean, fast, and powerful!

I've been running them all day on a range of speakers (WaveTouch, Thiel 2x, Marimba, Gallo Strada, Audience ONE) using Sensation pre-out.  The amp is as clean or better than my ONE.3 and on the Thiels where the power is really important, they just smoked.  They hold that heavy bass driver in mid-air.

Still, there was no hiding from these amps.  Do yourself a favor and use the best speaker you can buy.

I put them head-to-head with my ICEpower ASX2-50 amps.  Slightly more musical in the high end.  Same low-end punch.

Made in the USA never felt so good.  Tommy thank you and good luck with the new Kickstarter campaign.
Title: KING 60V Maraschinos just ordered
Post by: Herwet on 28 Mar 2015, 07:11 pm
I just ordered KING 60V Maraschinos after having realized that my 8 year old 1000W ICE Power mono blocks do not reproduce the tone and body of instrument and voices that makes music come alive. I have compared the ICE amps with NAD M22 and NAD C390DD so it will be interesting to compare them all with the Maraschinos. I have highly sensitive semi open baffle speakers by Sperrling, that has so far "stood up" to most speakers I have heard in down town "flashy" Hifi stores ... in Sweden Gothenburg.

I have promised to write a review and look forward to this. I will try to be as objective as possible and not fall in the trap to "defend" my choice.

I am not a gear "junkie" with loads of HiFi gear at home. If I can´t listen to the gear, I usually take my time and read between the review lines to filter out a picture that is hopefully pretty close to reality. Maraschinos came out as a trustworthy and promising buy. Will soon be back with the review after having received the amps, probably in a week or two.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: finaxe on 7 Apr 2015, 02:01 am
My equipment : Computer (Windows 7 + Fidelizer + Foobar2000), Audiophilleo 1 + PurePower, modified Yamamoto YDA-01 DAC, modified Neilson Pass B1 preamp, KING 60V In-line Maraschino amplifiers and Thiel CS2.2 speakers.

Once the amplifiers were connected, I gave them a good burn-in time.

The first thing I noticed is a total control. They've brought my speakers to life. The basses are deeper and clean. The highs are smooth. I can easily pinpoint every instruments in the 3d soundstage. I can heard the slightest sound in a quieted dark background.

To conclude, I'm very pleased with my new amps.

Thanks Tommy!
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: imassarano on 9 Apr 2015, 02:17 pm
My system is entirely new for me, and consists of:

Speakers: Golden Ear Triton7
Amplification: Ex dem Maraschinos (48V dual supply) with upgraded WBT speaker posts.
Music Streamer: Cocktail Audio X40
Cabling: Speaker Cables: QED XT350 (left over from my previous system)
            Interconnect: AudioQuest King Cobra (left over from my previous system)
            Power Cables are all stock.

I was immediately impressed on receiving the Maraschinos after unpacking them to find how good they look and their substantial weight for their size.

Since this is an essentially new system and in a new setting and a large step-up from my previous system, I can only give a broad subjective impression of their sound quality. The system has had a period couple of weeks of regular burn-in.

On purchasing the Maraschinos I had slight concerns that, given their noted speed and dynamics, that they may be a little thin and/or edgy sounding, but how wrong I was; they give a very natural and realistic sound, bringing the music to life, with nothing exaggerated or out of place, and free from any digital artefacts or background noise that I can hear.

When I heard the Triton7 speakers at the dealers, I was very impressed, but the bass was a touch loose; the Maraschinos hooked up in my room keep them in tight control, maintaining a near perfect balance across the frequency spectrum. I particularly like the way I can now hear the "twang" of a plucked double bass.

I am struck by how voices sound so clean and real, both male and female, and free of any distracting sibilance. The voice of Eric Clapton (in his earlier works) for instance often sounds either thin or shut in, I can now hear as rich and live sounding, and the words can be heard clearly enunciated. Indeed all the instruments are such that the harmonic structures are clearly rendered and the imaging is arrayed in front of me with everything in their correct position and size rendered in a most solid and convincing manner, easily discernible across the sound-stage, their sounds blending together to form a very pleasing musical experience with accurate micro and macro dynamics.

The sound-stage I find to range from a little outside the speakers, from usually the plane of the speakers to, in some recordings, many feet behind, and to a natural height. Cymbals that are reproduced on many systems often detract from the realism, but here they have a nice metallic "ting" to them and are correctly rooted to their position in both width and depth, aiding to the overall impression of real sounding.

These amps are certainly smooth sounding, and I can listen them in my system all day without fatigue, yet with their speed, detail,  impact, and dynamic abilities lend them to all musical genres, and their essentially neutral presentation to a wide range of systems as long as they are of decent quality, free from any "nasties" as their accuracy will show them up. Having said that, I really like listening to classical music with this system as the very natural timbre that is reproduced is particularly well served.

I am indeed very pleased with these amplifiers, and in this system offers me a substantial leap up the audiophile ladder, providing a very satisfying listening experience, although I'm sure that further worthwhile rewards can be gained with cable and mains upgrades, which I intend doing in the coming months.

I am grateful to Tommy for being very helpful and forthcoming.

Yitzhak
Israel
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 9 Apr 2015, 03:22 pm
6Moon’s Srajan Ebaen, in the conclusion of his February 2014’s review of the 48V Maraschinos driving the Mythology 1s—in his opinion, the Olympian gold champions in the exact discipline of high frequency reproduction---he stated: “…from power to noise, from resolving power to exploiting the speakers' bandwidth—the baby cherries were fully up to the task.”

Notice that this was using the off the shelf medical grade 48V SMPS power supply, not the high grade 60V 1000W SMPS power supply that was available at a later time.  That's what I use in my system with great results.

-Dr Larkos

-------------------------------
With Dr Larkos' permission....
-Tommy O
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: w_billowitch on 24 May 2015, 06:30 pm
I recently purchased a pair of hanging Maraschino amps each with their own 60V power supply to replace a pair of Adcom GFA-565 monoblocks used on my tri-amped system. Philips CD-80 audiophile grade player, optical to Proceed PAV, Rane AC23-S 3-way crossover, RANE ME60S Equalizer and custom designed speakers, 8 12" subs wired for 2 ohms per channel, eight Dynaudio mids and four Dynaudio 1" dome tweeters.

I ran thru a test of using the Maraschino to replace the Adcom GFA-865. While I've enjoyed the Adcom monoblocks for many years, the Maraschino was clearly tighter, delivering flawless punch to the low end with no difficulty driving about 1 kw of power to the subs (which have a unique dual voice coil design with an LC aircore toroid driving the second of the two voice coils resulting in a -3db point of 16hz...just what's needed for the Cannon shots of the 1812 overture.) The Maraschino was flawless in every respect.

Give that I bought a pair of them, I decided to add the second one as my mid range amp, causing the system to open right up with the distortionless sheen comparable to the best class-A amps I've ever heard. The unique aspect of the Maraschino design is the transparency achieved by a ruler flat distortion and driving impedance graph from 0hz-20khz and at all power levels.

I then put the Adcom GFA-865 back on the bottom end and moved the pair of Maraschinos to drive the mids and tweeters. Superb combination.

Once some additional funds came available, I plan to replace my mids and tweeter amps with the Maraschinos as well so I can have a fully rounded system.

If this amp was Stereophile rated, I would expect to see it in the "A" category and comparable if not superior to the best class-A amps in that category.

Highly Recommended.
Title: Infrasonics
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 25 May 2015, 01:28 pm
"These amps do infrasonics like nothing I've every used. Deep, powerful and accurate."

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=134714.msg1430509#msg1430509
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: imassarano on 25 May 2015, 07:31 pm
Hi Tommy,

Good to see you back on the 'circle. Please check you e-mails.

Yitzhak
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: jseipp on 26 May 2015, 10:50 pm
Still loving the sound of the Inline Maraschinos here -- I have yet to play a piece with a sound that hasn't come through clear and true.  It's fun just to play through everything I've collected just to hear it in a whole new way.

The 48V supplies have treated me well, but any idea when the 60V supplies / AC snakes from the Kickstarter campaign will be available for shipping?  I need to do some traveling coming up, and I'd like to be here when they arrive to settle them into their new home :).
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 9 Jun 2015, 02:03 am
Still loving the sound of the Inline Maraschinos here -- I have yet to play a piece with a sound that hasn't come through clear and true.  It's fun just to play through everything I've collected just to hear it in a whole new way.

The 48V supplies have treated me well, but any idea when the 60V supplies / AC snakes from the Kickstarter campaign will be available for shipping?  I need to do some traveling coming up, and I'd like to be here when they arrive to settle them into their new home :).
Enclosures for the 60V power supply upgrades just arrived after a slight delay.  We plan to ship by the end of June.  Thanks.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: jseipp on 9 Jun 2015, 04:40 am
Sounds great -- thanks for the update.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: imassarano on 9 Jun 2015, 06:06 am
Tommy,

Please put me down for the 60V supplies/AC snakes upgrade please.

Yitzhak
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: Shear Bliss on 9 Jun 2015, 05:45 pm
Tommy,

What I want to see and read from all these reviewers out there is a shoot-out between both your Maraschino Amps (60 volt) supplies and my Cherry Ultra big amp ..... verses the Merrills, CiAudio, Aluminati, etc etc etc. Yes I know the list is long and these very same reviewers have listened to others as well. Others getting kudos as well, lets bring them together for some serious comparisons in sound in their own rooms, side by side. No guts no glory as they say.

I do know this, my Cherry Ultra not leaving my system, so C"mon guys lets get it on, time to rumble!!

DW > Shear Bliss
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: steve f on 11 Jun 2015, 10:32 pm
I too would like to see a couple of comparisons now and then. I have no problem with naming names, as long as care is taken not to stack the deck. Let's find out what different design types bring to the table. Let's also split hairs and look into different types of Class D amps. Education is a powerful tool.

steve
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: imassarano on 30 Jun 2015, 07:17 am
Tommy,

PM sent
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: imassarano on 30 Jun 2015, 02:01 pm
Thanks Tommy :thumb:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: GregC on 12 Jul 2015, 10:57 pm
I just wanted to post my impressions of the Maraschino amps.  I bought two pairs of inline Maraschino amps to bi-amp my Emerald Physics CS 2.7 speakers and a single desktop amp to power my center channel for my home theater setup.  I got the 48v power supplies so I could place them out of sight in tight spaces (like behind my dual subs). 

I have an original Dodd battery powered preamp that I had upgraded with Silver Mundorf caps and the most current battery charging system.  The Dodd has HT bypass so I can have quality 2 channel listening along with easy home theater integration.  The Dodd is extremely transparent, as are the Emerald Physics speakers.   The CS 2.7 speakers are also 97DB efficient so they are very unforgiving of noisy amps.

I hooked up the Maraschino amps and sat back to listen to some very familiar music to see how they compared to my prior amps.  Let me cut to the chase, the amps are extremely dynamic and resolving without being too analytical.  My wife said they sounded "distortion free" and that I think that is a good way to describe them.  Additionally I would say the sound stage depth and width increased without sounding diffuse or artificial.  The instruments are placed exactly where they should be.

The desktop Maraschino does a stellar job on the center channel in my home theater setup.  The center channel blends well with the Emerald Physic mains since they are all hooked up to the Maraschino amps.  The center channel is critical for home theater since the majority of dialog comes from there, and the desktop maraschino delivers in spades. 

To not sound like shill I will point out the only things that you might need to take into consideration.  The gain is 22 DB so you need to make sure that your room size and components match up well but they have plenty of headroom in my setup.  Also, when I ran an Audyssey setup I received an out of phase warning that I ignored and skipped, and the resulting setup sounded superb.

Tommy knocked it out of the park with these amps.  I love the flexibility of placement in tight places and their performance is off the chart.   Thanks Tommy for providing such amazing products at real world prices. 
Title: 60V KING MARASCHINO REVIEW in PFO
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 8 Sep 2015, 01:56 pm
"To describe the Maraschinos, I'd focus on aspects like unwavering image lock, realistic sizing, articulated depth layering, clear sound staging...."

Link:
http://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/digital-amplifier-company-king-60v-desktop-maraschino-amplifier/

 :D

This is the first professional review of our Maraschino amps at 60V.  We are looking for suggestions....  Who would you like to review the KING In-Line (a.k.a. "hanging amp") Maraschino?

Thanks, Steve, for the down-to-earth explanation of the SOUND that these amps produce.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 8 Sep 2015, 11:59 pm
I agree 100% with that review. These amps are a knockout. :thumb:
 My audio buddy Rex calls them BIG BOY amps.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 9 Sep 2015, 12:50 am
I agree 100% with that review. These amps are a knockout. :thumb:
 My audio buddy Rex calls them BIG BOY amps.
Thanks for your post, Tom.  Maybe Steve should review the Hanging Maraschinos too....
Title: KING 60V Maraschino amplifier review
Post by: Herwet on 4 Oct 2015, 09:10 am
KING 60V Maraschino amplifier review

MY GEAR
Speakers
   Sperrling DP3 (semi open baffle with two 11” bass, 8” midrange, treble horn
   Pure Audio Project Trio 15, two 15” Eminence Neo, 8” Tang Band W8-1808
Pre & DAC
   B.M.C. Puredac (balanced output)
   Nad C510
Poweramps
   Cherry Maraschino King 60V … compared with …
   Acoustic Reality class D ICE Power 1000 W, 8 years old.
   Harmony Design class A/B mono blocks, 6-8 years old.
   NAD M22 class D (nCore 400 based)
Media player: J. River
Media format: Flac
Computer: Homebuilt passively cooled with Windows 8.1

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=129056)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=129057)

BACKGROUND
To put it short, I have upgraded to a pair of Pure Audi Project Trio 15 TB open baffle speakers. My previous speakers the ”Sperrling DP3” were my ”babies” and have survived since 1998. They have a semi open back and a very good ability to reproduce room and space. They can come out as a bit harsh in the top with some recordings though. My hope is to get an even more open, refined and distinct sound with the Trio 15 speakers combinded with the King 60V Maraschinos.
   While dipole open baffle constructions helps give this wonderful room imaging, it also demands an amp to keep the bass drivers in control, well actually all drivers but more noticable in the bass. The M´s (Maraschinos) are small amps in size but I hope they prove big in control.
   I will keep my integrity and share a ”non adjusted” review, even if it is a short one. In the same time, I do need to say that Tommy at DAC (Digital Amplifier Company) have given the best support. As an example, I happened to damage one of the amps while testing and he still helped out to fix it, even if it was all my fault. So if you buy on distance, like I did (Sweden), it seems as you can feel safe buying from Digital Amplifier.

LISTENING
I have learned that one sure sign there is something wrong with my stereo equipment, is when I start buying less and less music. Then there is something lacking in the music reproduction, like the instruments and voices not sounding whole or close to real live instruments. With the effect that the music is just not touching me deep enough. This is the same thing I notice after having danced Argentinian Tango for some years. I know I neeeeed to dance when the music touches me and when it does not, I can be as content by just watching others dancing. It works the same way when listening to music, if it is not genuine enough, then I gradually loose interest.
   So when I got the M:s I felt like I was about to taste a new kind of candy, hoping it would taste as good and involving as I hoped for. And to put it short and brief, the M:s offered a lot of colour and richness, a bit like tube amps have a reputation to do. Actually the M´s remind a lot of tube amps in the sound character, as a whole. It has that airy spacious glow if you know what I mean. So they are excellent amps for they who want to sit back and relax and not over analyse the sound, just to enjoy the music. And secondly, the amps sound basically good from the beginning, just give the power supplies a few warming up minutes. None of that long burning in time as some amps might demand. And in the same I want to say that breaking in is more important for speakers with their physical driver suspension material, which need softening.
   Soon after installation, I compared the M:s with the Acoustic Reality ICE Power 1000 W amps and the Nad M22, both class D. It did not take long to know the M:s are better in every field. They have more of nuances and that colour I need to hear to enjoy the music and they present more body in instruments and voices. They also have a more distinct and characterized bass, and in the same time not at all hard or cold sounding. As I said, a Tube-like sound. Another description could be an inviting and relaxing aura and timbre around the music. In other words, they will not leave any ear fatigue feeling.
   So the above impressions was when compared to my other class D amps. However, when compared to Harmony Designs class A/B amps (about the same price) there was another difference though, at least when paired with my open baffle speakers. Now … it is good to know that Mattias Stridbeck at Harmon Design is probably one of the better amp designers in Sweden and he has made himself a highly respected name in the audiophile community. It turned out that the Pure Audio Projects open baffle speakers are more ”friends” with this class A/B design, or at least, with amps that have high damping factor. In this comparison the HD gave more of contour and character around each instrument and singer, especially in the lower frequencies but also noticed in midrange and other frequencies. And of course, this higher damping factor gave every part of the music more color. Regarding the mid- and high frequencies, the M:s tube like sound was more gentle but not as refined as the HD´s. I came to the conclusion that this was due to the HD:s higher damping factor which gave it an ability to control the drivers movements better (especially backward movement), which gave the music more contour, especially regarding the 15” drivers with all its energy.
   Now, the brain need time to sort out the impressions before analysing them in the mind. So after having given myself a few more evenings of listening and to be in the music, the earlier impressions did stay. The M:s never seem to distort in the high notes. That is quite clear when listening to the cymbals who has that nice shimmering non obtrusive sound. You could say the M:s keeps it clean and airy, even if under pressure. Quite nice to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy dynamic high pitched notes, without worrying about when it will distort. Tube like is still what comes to mind.

CONCLUSION
So my impressions are quite positive and the M:s have a clear and more full and rich character than the other class D amps I compared them with (Nad M22, ICE Power). So if you have closed baffle speakers I can recommend them. If you have open baffle speakers I would recommend something with higher damping factor. On the other hand, I wouldn´t be surprised if the bigger Cherry brothers “Cherry Stereo” or “Cherry Ultra Stereo” would be an excellent choice with their powerful transformers. Unfortunately I could not test those since they are not sold in Europe.
   So my recommendation is that if you want tube like and non obtrusive sound and have closed baffle speakers, then the M:s are a very good choice. That, combined with the low electricity consumption, is an appealing combination.

MUSIC I LISTENED TO
Adam Adolphe, ”O Helga Natt” (album ”Cantate Domino” 1976).
Adele, ”Daydreamer” (album 19).
Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian, ”Sfikas Tsamiko” (album ”Oud Masterpieces”)
Allen Toussaints, ”The Bright Mississippi” with ”A Dear Old Southland”, ”Day Dream” and ”St James Infirmary".
Anders Persson Trio, ”Momo” (album ”Domestic Wax”).
Bossi Enrico, ”Cantate Domino” (album ” album ”Cantate Domino” 1976”).
Buika, ”Volver, Volver” (album ”En Mi Piel”).
Curtis Mayfield, ”People Get Ready” (album ”Curtis/Live!”).
Diana Krall, ”Little Girl Blue” (album ”Best of Diana Krall”).
Dulsory, ”Big Drum Sinawi” (album ”Korean Drums”).
Helen Sjöholm, ”Vårvindar Friska” (album ”Visor”).
Melody Gardot, ”Baby I'm a Fool” (album ”My One And Only Thrill”).
Sarasate, Zigeunerweisen Op20 2 Lento (album ”Violin Showpieces - Erick Friedman”).
Susan Tedeschi, ”Blues on a Holiday” (album ”Wait for Me”).
Tori Amos, ”Me and a Gun” (album ”Little Earthquakes”).
Yasmin Levy, ”Adio Kerida” (album Mano Suave).
Yasmin Levy, ”Una Matika De Ruda” (live album La Juderia).
Youn Sun Nahs, ”My Bye” (album Voyage).
Youn Sun Nahs, ”Shenandoah” (album ”My One And Only Thrill”).
Title: Re: KING 60V Maraschino amplifier review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 4 Oct 2015, 06:11 pm
KING 60V Maraschino amplifier review....

Thanks for the detailed review, Herjolf!
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: SteveMiller on 14 Dec 2015, 03:20 am
I have just posted this on another AC/DAC thread, but it rings true here as well, so if you'll indulge me....

I had the opportunity to sample a pair of Klipsch RB61 bookshelf speakers today.  Now, this pair aren't quite broken in yet to my ears, but I've heard them 1/2 dozen times on other vintage receivers.  Just last night they were driven by an all tubed SonicFrontiers integrated, and a very nice vintage Pioneer receiver that was much better than I expected. 

However, compared to my Maraschino's playing a $10k pair of speakers, I thought the Klipsh/integrated combo sounded grey, thin, and uninvolving.  The treble was always too forward and harsh.

We tried one more pairing..... DAC DAC -> MARASCHINO'S -> Klipsch.   

Holy Shift!   Suddenly the previously forward treble sounded more refined, and the speaker made better bass. The lower registers of familiar music stopped and started quicker.  The midrange began to show promise. And imaging, oh my god!  These little $500 bookshelf speakers sold at BestBuy never sounded like this before.  I think a few more hours of good loud tunes to loosen up the firmly hung woofers and these little guys will be a great little system.  It was as if the amps were able to see past the crossover and just made the drivers work better.

Point here is, a good simple system was sitting here waiting to be found, and it came to life with the Maraschino's doing the heavy lifting.  Plenty of gain and ample volume in a 13x16x9h room.  Think of all the bargain speakers waiting to be woken up by the Maraschino amps.  This is going to be FUN!
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: jseipp on 2 Feb 2016, 01:57 am
Although I have given a preview in another thread, it's time for a full report comparing Maraschinos on 60V power supplies with the same amps on 30V supplies that Tommy sent after he found them to have wonderful synergy with high efficiency speakers.  As my main speakers are a pair of Danny Richie's Wedgies, weighing in at 97dB, I was excited to give the new supplies a try.  I should mention that I have a set of powered dual open baffle servo subs augmenting each of the Wedgies, so the Maraschinos are not driving the lowest frequencies in this setup.  Even so, I have found the little Maraschinos, fed straight into the crossovers and sitting right behind them, to be the ideal partners in this setup, and have had them there since their Kickstarter debut.  I have written previously about the many virtues of the Maraschinos; now, about these new power supplies....
     

Running a music server into a processor/DAC, with the first few swaps of power supplies I could both hear and feel that Tommy was onto something.  Music flowed more easily while at the same time filling space in a more precise way on the 30V supplies.  Both were making beautiful music, but there was something really special going on with the new supplies.  After all too brief a period, however, technical difficulties stepped in and took my music network down.  Not wanting to be pulled out of the mood, I swapped in a good disc spinner, fed it directly into the Maraschinos, and I think my jaw actually dropped.  The simpler setup was really spectacular.  Now the swapping back and forth got really interesting....


The Maraschinos on the 60V power supplies have always sounded great to me, but the 30V supplies make a considerably larger difference in presentation than I thought they would, or than I imagined they could.  Before this comparison, I never thought of the Maraschinos with the 60V supplies as sounding at all flat, but the 30Vs bring even more space to everything.  Sounds fill their own defined spaces without sounding separated from the flow.  The Wedgies do a great job of producing both a focused image and a satisfying ambiance in my room, and the new combination serves as a multiplier.  The result is almost eerily holographic, with drive and snap when called for, but with subtlety in every register and especially airy treble that floats easily in space.  This effect isn't lost at low volumes or as loud as I can stand; there is no volume at which the music loses its character or composure.

By comparison, the 60V supplies give a more laid-back presentation, wonderfully musical but without the degree of magic that the new supplies provide.  I could even see some listeners preferring that sound, but the difference is not subtle and my tastes come down easily on the side of the 30V supplies.  There's a glow to the new combination that I've now been testing, switching the supplies back and forth, for almost two weeks.  As the magic shows no signs of wearing off, the older supplies will now be doing duty in another system.


Which brings me to the rest of the testing I've done.  On a pair of Legacy Audio Classics usually used for home theater, relatively complicated six-driver four-way speakers rated at 92dB, the virtues of the 60V supplies reveal themselves.  The Classics can really belt out the bass, and the Maraschinos with the 60V supplies keep an iron grip down low.  The combination shines right up through the mid band and into the treble as well, sounding spaciously deep and surprisingly wide in a long, narrow room with a fair amount of acoustic treatment, just about the opposite of the first setup.  The 30Vs here don't have quite the same grip, and the overall effect is the inverse, though a considerably milder version, of that with the first setup, with the 60V supplies producing the better top to bottom integration and overall presentation.


Finally, the comparison of the two with a pair of Onix Reference 1s, 88dB stand mounts, in a bedroom setup also highlights the Maraschinos' ability to produce serious bass -- truly impressive coming from small two-ways situated near the center of the room.  On this count, as well as the overall integration of sound, the 60V supplies come out on top once again.  Once again, however, I can and have become completely lost in the music powered by both sets of supplies, even as I have tried to stay on task comparing the two.


When I first received the Maraschinos, I remember feeling that the only additional thing I could hope for from an amp was simply more of the same qualities that they already brought.  Without even touching the amps themselves, Tommy found a way to add that something extra, and not a small amount, either.  I've now spent two weeks carting equipment from floor to floor confirming what he had to say about his discovery of the magic the 30V supplies bring to the right speakers.  For me they absolutely thrive powering Maraschinos connected directly to a player, suggesting that they take especially well to simple systems.  When the right pieces are in place, less does offer more.

If you are considering the Maraschinos -- and you should -- you should contact Tommy and discuss power supply options.  He's a great guy who will take as much interest in your equipment and enjoyment of music as his own, and he'll make sure that you get the most out of both.  I apologize for it's length, but I hope that the information here will help assure you that Digital Audio Company has a set of amps perfect for your system, big or small, low efficiency or high.

Thanks for reading....             

     

 
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: scooby_scrappy on 5 Apr 2016, 11:23 pm
I received my Stereo Maraschino (STM) about 10 days ago.  The first thing I noticed was how well the amp was packaged.  I could not believe how light the amp was.  I was use to lifting 40-50 lbs amps.

The STM is my bedroom system so the source will be connected directly to the amp.  My speakers are the WAF Gallo aDiva (4 Ohm) and my current source is an old Ipod Touch.  I will replace the Ipod when the new Nuprime WR-100 is released.  I could never get the Chromecast Audio to work.  I am using a new pair of Morrow speaker cables.

My impressions are based on the STM and Morrow Cables not being broken in.  I would describe sound as nimble and transparent.  The music sounded just right with nothing added or subtracted.  Since this is a bedroom system, I  generally listen at a very low volume and the music still is nimble and transparent even though 4 Ohm speakers.  I cannot say this about my SS and Tube amps.

I will add more as the STM and Morrow Cables get broken in.

Thanks Tommy for building a great amp.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: SteveMiller on 6 Apr 2016, 11:34 am
I have to admit, I had great high expectations for the new Stereo Maraschino.  And this is way back when the Kickstarter was announced in the fall of 2015. At that time I had been very excited still with my amazing Desktop Maraschino pair. Here was a pair of high current classD amplifiers that had taken my system by storm. So good in fact that I even went and upgraded my pre-amp to make sure I was getting everything these sophisticated amps could produce! And thats when Tommy announced the Stereo Maraschino, now known as STM. I was sure I wanted one long before final name, colors or price were decided.
 
Many months later, and finally my new integrated STM arrived.  Unboxing this beauty was reassuring. The strong carton and custom fit packing was mindfully assembled to ensure that the amplifier and its included outboard power supply would arrive in good shape no matter what shipping adventures might come.  I felt the level of care in packing was another glimpse into how Digital Amplifier Company puts great thought into each aspect of the products they bring to market. The STM amplifier itself was satisfying to hold.  It had a little more weight to it than its size and classD distinction would suggest.  Solid, and well made were appropriate descriptions of a first hands-on. The volume knob and switches are smooth and placed such that the amplifier looks balanced, but purposeful.
 
Connection and integration into my system was simple and satisfying.  So focussed in its mission, this device needs no user manual.  Simply plug the included power supply into the unit via its multi-pin DIN connector, and the heavy duty IEC cable into the wall.  The STM is built and intended as a fully balanced device.  That means its rear panel happliy accepts and encourages high quality XLR termintated interconnects. Also included are a pair of heavy and well machined XLR to RCA adapters for those whom still require single ended compatability. Speaker cables can be either banana, spade or bare wire terminations. Simple. Straightforward.  I envisioned anyone from pure blooded audiophiles who would appreciate the solid and quality terminals employed herein, to the college student or desktop/bedroom system user who benefits from the well laid out connections that are as easy to access from top down and backwards as they are from fully rear facing the device.  The STM is heavy enough to accept reasonable cabling without ever being threatened to lose its footing. Speaking of, the device ships with four extremely soft and grippy Sorbothane feet.  This little amp will stay where you put it, and in some scenarios that will be important. Think desktop environments where realestate is always shuffling for elbow room.
 
I put the STM right into the bigboy system, where the fully dual mono Desktop Maraschinos (DTM's) had been. This driving the awesome Zu Audio Message speaker pair.  Equipped with dual 10" full range drivers per side, plus a pro-audio sourced 3" diaphragm tweeter. Thats more square feet of driver than many systems ever employ. Happily the Zu speakers are highly resolving and very effiecient. Turns out the STM likes this match very much!  A very close stand-in for the costlier pair of amplifiers, the STM integrated managed to integrate itself perfectly well.  Of course, it's playmate and source component here is the soon to be released DAC DAC... But that's another story!
 
Resolution-wise the STM is right on par with the DTM's. And that's giving very high praise.  Digital Amplifier Company is known for extremely high bandwidth and extremely low distortion circuits. Here the STM is living right up to its heritage. Super extended treble, that's maybe tuned just a touch smoother than its brothers. If one were splitting hairs, I would say that STM is tweaked to be system perfect for most modern speakers that are price range appropriate with it, and that ensures long term happiness and compatability with the types of equipment that real-world users in fully digital systems will have on hand today. My real world example of this, is that if you find that after running your system at higher volume for a while you eventually feel like its time to turn it down, then STM will be refreshing.  Firstly you might just find that because of its extremely low self noise and unusually high resolution you wont need to turn it up as much to be fun and involving. The STM grabs you from low on the dial. But when you do accelerate to party level, the STM never gets out of composure.  Its partly the resolution, partly the complete lack of distortion, and partly the super smooth volume control pot. Its a friendly focus. It means you'll be able to sit back and close your eyes and listen critically while finally hearing lyrics clearly that were only hinted at on other systems. It also means that when the music arrives clean and full like it should that you'll have more fun and be more involved.  But it also comes true to find that listening all day while working, cooking, or writing this piece, that the STM deliver music in a compatable, background filling way when asked to that never gets tiring.  You'll be adding more music back into your daily listening because it finally sounds good over your system.  And then there's the bass!
 
ClassD has always been strong with bass. BUT! Not all classD is the same. Not by a long shot.  Tommy has designed and delivered his best version yet.  I believe STM shreds out a little better bass than its DTM brothers. Not just as perhaps a slightly higher level, but a little more elastic, somewhat more tuneful delivery. It sounds as though you can hear a few more low cycles in each bass note. That's just a treat to hear and feel. I go way out on a limb here and say that STM bass in my system is somehow more fun than any other classD system I've heard, and better than any other classification to date.
 
In trying out the STM in an alternate and more affordable setup, I chose a pair of Klipsh bookshelf speakers, recently available at big box retailers. They employ a smallish 6" woofer, and a largish horn tweeter that is about the same 6" dimension at its mouth. I've found these speakers to be a little droning, dry, and shouty most of the time. But the horn loaded tweeter does reveal quite a bit of what you feed it. Certainly it doesnt gloss over or polish up the delivery at all.  As a sort of torture test the STM was set up with these Klipsh in a very large room 20' deep, 30' wide, and 21' high. For the source, an older iPod was connected via 1/8trs into the front panel of STM.  I cued up a playlist of my more fun and energetic music.  Pretty sure that this wouldnt work, I was ready to find the limits and let STM down easy.  Ever feel one of those uh-oh moments set in?
 
6" woofers in a room this large cant possibly sound this good.  How the?  Track after track I was really having fun. The STM easily found the current to drive these mid efficiency bookshelf speakers to church filling levels. This building can actually hold 200 people and the STM drove the SPL to true entertainment levels and there was some travel remaining on the volume dial. No real heat buildup to speak of, and certainly zero listening fatigue. Color me impressed. The STM just gets down to boogie and doesnt smear, color, or infect the music it plays in any way.  If anything it seems to have a freeing effect.  As if it finds more space in the sound. It loosens up the track and then lets it positively rip like  a guitar solo or a drum bombastic.
 
3 hours later, and the battery waning on my iPod I just realized that I'd had more fun for less money than I ever thought possible in this hobby.  This rig I could live with on a desert island.  Its a do it all, take up less space and energy doing it, blow your friends gear away while keeping your spouse smiling kind of fun! Hero! After years of buying and trying multi thousand dollar amps, preamps, cabling and sources many a'philes and music lovers alike eventually succumb to or settle on a system that covers their hot points at a more comfortable budget as life soaks up more and more of what was once disposable income.  Here and Now Digital Amplifier Company has delivered a product that shuns that trend. No settling required!  You dont have to give in and accept a lower level of performance. The STM delivers a world class performance for crazy low investment.
 
Buy this thing. NOW. You'll love it.     ....Start finding homes for your old gear right away. You dont need it anymore. 
 
Strongly Recommended!
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: SteveMiller on 6 Apr 2016, 11:36 am

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140589)
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 9 Apr 2016, 11:03 pm
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140589)

If that is your sub, bet the amp will sound  better off of the sub.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: fiveoclockfriday on 11 Apr 2016, 12:22 am
I snagged a pair of 48v In-Line Maraschinos from Tommy for a steal a few months back. I've been waiting to comment until I had time to evaluate, but I feel comfortable now.
The short version is that the Maraschinos are spectacular amps, full stop. They're not "good for their size" or "good for the price" or "good for solid state" or any of those caveats, they're just great period. They are dead quiet, capable of huge power output and dynamic swings (and I don't even have the 60v...), produce extremely detailed and controlled bass, lovely uncolored midrange and sweet treble. Couple that with the fact that they sit in standby, come on instantly requiring no warm up, and turn themselves back off makes them incredibly easy to live with.
I've primarily listened to them with Kef LS50s and Snell Type E IIs. The Kefs are more revealing, and harder to drive. I have listened to the Kefs in the past with a Marantz reference integrated, Rega Elicit R, Nuforce digital amp, and a Parasound Halo integrated. So admittedly all integrateds vs the monoblock Maraschinos, but some solid gear and similar price levels. In my opinion, the Maraschinos better all of them. They control the speakers and the music just floats in the air. I listen mostly using a Wyred4Sound mPre as a preamp, although I also tried driving them direct with a 2v dac output.
This review will be briefer than many because I honestly haven't found anything the Maraschinos don't do extremely well. If I'm trying to find fault; some tube designs have more of that holographic richness in the midrange, but to me they don't offer the noise floor, ease of use/logistics, and tiny size of the Maraschinos. I've also heard some amps that do the "huge power and bass" thing better than the Marschinos, but they have all been massive 80 lb beasts. I suspect the 60v power supplies would get even closer in that realm too.
So my simple parting thought is to say if you're on the fence, grab a pair and give them a try. The sound quality, power and size are simply astonishing, and I think Tommy and DAC have a huge hit on their hands.

- Eric B.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: GregC on 11 Apr 2016, 12:53 am
I snagged a pair of 48v In-Line Maraschinos from Tommy for a steal a few months back. I've been waiting to comment until I had time to evaluate, but I feel comfortable now.
The short version is that the Maraschinos are spectacular amps, full stop. They're not "good for their size" or "good for the price" or "good for solid state" or any of those caveats, they're just great period. They are dead quiet, capable of huge power output and dynamic swings (and I don't even have the 60v...), produce extremely detailed and controlled bass, lovely uncolored midrange and sweet treble. Couple that with the fact that they sit in standby, come on instantly requiring no warm up, and turn themselves back off makes them incredibly easy to live with.
I've primarily listened to them with Kef LS50s and Snell Type E IIs. The Kefs are more revealing, and harder to drive. I have listened to the Kefs in the past with a Marantz reference integrated, Rega Elicit R, Nuforce digital amp, and a Parasound Halo integrated. So admittedly all integrateds vs the monoblock Maraschinos, but some solid gear and similar price levels. In my opinion, the Maraschinos better all of them. They control the speakers and the music just floats in the air. I listen mostly using a Wyred4Sound mPre as a preamp, although I also tried driving them direct with a 2v dac output.
This review will be briefer than many because I honestly haven't found anything the Maraschinos don't do extremely well. If I'm trying to find fault; some tube designs have more of that holographic richness in the midrange, but to me they don't offer the noise floor, ease of use/logistics, and tiny size of the Maraschinos. I've also heard some amps that do the "huge power and bass" thing better than the Marschinos, but they have all been massive 80 lb beasts. I suspect the 60v power supplies would get even closer in that realm too.
So my simple parting thought is to say if you're on the fence, grab a pair and give them a try. The sound quality, power and size are simply astonishing, and I think Tommy and DAC have a huge hit on their hands.

Your review is concise and well written.  Your review matches my opinion of Tommy's amps.  I just wanted say that I started with the 48v power supplies (and still use them for my center and surround speakers), but the 60v power supplies bumped up the performance of the inline amps in my system through more controlled bass and improved dynamics. 
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 11 Apr 2016, 01:03 am
I am waiting for the 30v power supplies. At the SPL's I play my system at, I know these will be perfect for me.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: jseipp on 11 Apr 2016, 02:13 am
As I've already written, I've found the 30V power supplies to be magical in the right application.  I've watched your system evolve for a long time and I've taken inspiration along the way -- it will be cool to hear what you think of the new power supplies. :)
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: roscoeiii on 11 Apr 2016, 03:24 pm


By comparison, the 60V supplies give a more laid-back presentation, wonderfully musical but without the degree of magic that the new supplies provide.
     

 

Did this more laid back presentation remain the case when you used the 60v on your less efficient speakers?
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: jseipp on 11 Apr 2016, 03:48 pm
Did this more laid back presentation remain the case when you used the 60v on your less efficient speakers?

No -- in fact the opposite was true: the 30V were more laid back on the less efficient speakers, although the difference only really showed when the volume was turned up (beyond low listening levels) and then music with the 60V supplies came across as more dynamic. 
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: SteveMiller on 12 Apr 2016, 01:02 am
If that is your sub, bet the amp will sound  better off of the sub.

Thanks OzarkTom....  Good eye!   It is a subwoofer box...  But it's empty   Just using as a table for now.  I have a carbon-fibre shelf sat atop the sub box. And the Sorbothane feet of STM seem to keep things running smooth. 

Truth is, even with the small 6" woofers of the speakers in the pic, STM really needs no additional subwoofing. Besides, it would have to be a mighty fast one to keep up with the agile bass served up by STM!

Thanks again.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 30 Apr 2016, 04:59 pm
I am waiting for the 30v power supplies. At the SPL's I play my system at, I know these will be perfect for me.
Tom,

I've been trying to get in touch with you for a few weeks now via regular email and PMs on AC.  Hope all is well.

Everybody else,

If you know where Tom is, please drop me a line.  Thanks.

-Tommy O
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 30 Apr 2016, 05:09 pm
I am here, guess you never got my email. :scratch:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 30 Apr 2016, 05:29 pm
I am here, guess you never got my email. :scratch:
Received.  Thanks.  Your 30V power supplies should be in your hands this week.  (:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 1 May 2016, 01:50 pm
Received.  Thanks.  Your 30V power supplies should be in your hands this week.  (:

 :thumb:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: dspringham on 1 May 2016, 03:38 pm
Hi Ozark Tom,

I'm current using a Hypex ncore400 and have considered a Job 225. However I have noticed some of your recent posts concerning the DAC Maraschino.

I was wondering if you would be so kind as to compare the Maraschino to the Job and ncore (since you have heard/owned both). Please reference ease of use, build and sound quality.

For reference I am using a Sony HAP-Z1ES as well. I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a Level 3 modded one on the used market - sounds terrific.


Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 13 May 2016, 03:45 am
The 30v power supplies are hooked up and at very low listening levels, I am very impressed. More coming when I can crank this system up.

Also, an update from Rex and his tiny integrated. What is the retail, Tommy?

The cherry amps has more detail than the Job 225 amp and is much smoother than the NC-400 in my system.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 14 May 2016, 12:37 am
30v power supplies

More resolution
More organic
More detail
More foot stomping
More emotional
More dimensional

Are these the same amps?
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 15 May 2016, 08:40 pm
My buddy Rex says his new STM is beating his L.I.O. with AVC in almost every way, especially in detail and soundstage.  Now he is hesitant to trade his AVC in for the DHT on his LIO.

For those that is drooling over the LIO but cannot afford it, look at Tommy's STM.

Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 18 May 2016, 09:15 pm
My buddy Rex says his new STM is beating his L.I.O. with AVC in almost every way, especially in detail and soundstage.  Now he is hesitant to trade his AVC in for the DHT on his LIO.

For those that is drooling over the LIO but cannot afford it, look at Tommy's STM.
Thanks for the info, Tom. Hope you're enjoying the 30V version.

-Tommy O
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 18 May 2016, 09:22 pm
The 30v power supplies are hooked up and at very low listening levels, I am very impressed. More coming when I can crank this system up.

Also, an update from Rex and his tiny integrated. What is the retail, Tommy?

The cherry amps has more detail than the Job 225 amp and is much smoother than the NC-400 in my system.
The Stereo Maraschino, sometimes referred to as "STM", comes in two versions:

STM: 100W x 2ch into 8Ω, $1200 new web price
KING STM:  200W x 2ch into 8Ω, Gold WBTs, $1700 new web price

Thanks for the inquiry.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: SteveMiller on 18 May 2016, 09:35 pm

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=143198)

Still LOVING my STM over here.   Even my GF likes it.   It's amuzing and heartwarming to come home after work and hear nice music playing already.... It's the first time she ever attempted to use my system and now since STM its always on!   Wonder if she air-guitar's when I'm not home    :no_see:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: roscoeiii on 18 May 2016, 09:39 pm
The Stereo Maraschino, sometimes referred to as "STM", comes in two versions:

STM: 100W x 2ch into 8Ω, $1200 new web price
KING STM:  200W x 2ch into 8Ω, Gold WBTs, $1700 new web price

Thanks for the inquiry.

What is are the STMs into 4 ohms?
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: jseipp on 18 May 2016, 11:59 pm
30v power supplies

More resolution
More organic
More detail
More foot stomping
More emotional
More dimensional

Are these the same amps?

I had exactly the same experience -- still can't explain it, just knew it the moment I heard it.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 19 May 2016, 12:00 am
What is are the STMs into 4 ohms?

Rex has the $1200 version. He says it beats his mono Marashino cherry amps+LIO in detail and soundstage. It is very hard for Rex to switch back to his LIO, which he still loves
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 19 May 2016, 12:02 am
I had exactly the same experience -- still can't explain it, just knew it the moment I heard it.

It was instant here also, from the first note. :thumb:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 19 May 2016, 03:14 pm
What is are the STMs into 4 ohms?
Power doubles into 4Ω.  Thanks again.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: genjamon on 19 May 2016, 04:15 pm
My buddy Rex says his new STM is beating his L.I.O. with AVC in almost every way, especially in detail and soundstage.  Now he is hesitant to trade his AVC in for the DHT on his LIO.

For those that is drooling over the LIO but cannot afford it, look at Tommy's STM.

I had the full 30 day trial with LIO last August/September - with DAC, AVC/Tubestage, and the mosfet amp.  I had Vinnie configure some custom line inputs direct into the mosfet amp and a little switch - so I could properly A/B every one of the modules against my other components.  I found the DAC and AVC/tubestage to be highly highly resolving, but not as tonally or harmonically rich as my Lampizator level 4+ DAC or Dude tube preamp.  But that could have been a matter of taste for some.  LIO was very high quality performance here and quite competitive with top shelf electronics if you ask me.

But the mosfet amp itself was nowhere near the same level of resolution, refinement as my Line Magnetic 518 amp bypassing its own preamp stage.  I would consider the mosfet amp the weak link in the LIO, but LIO could be highly competitive as a DAC/preamp with the right configuration and tube selection.  And I have no doubt that the DHT upgrade is a big one - because I've heard what that kind of output stage can do when I upgraded to the Lampizator Big7. 

So, I'm not surprised to hear the STM's beat out the LIO amp stage, but I'd encourage Rex and others to try other amps with LIO to see if you like how it compares to your other DAC's/preamps. 
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: genjamon on 19 May 2016, 04:20 pm
deleted - duplicate post
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 19 May 2016, 04:45 pm
I had the full 30 day trial with LIO last August/September - with DAC, AVC/Tubestage, and the mosfet amp.  I had Vinnie configure some custom line inputs direct into the mosfet amp and a little switch - so I could properly A/B every one of the modules against my other components.  I found the DAC and AVC/tubestage to be highly highly resolving, but not as tonally or harmonically rich as my Lampizator level 4+ DAC or Dude tube preamp.  But that could have been a matter of taste for some.  LIO was very high quality performance here and quite competitive with top shelf electronics if you ask me.

But the mosfet amp itself was nowhere near the same level of resolution, refinement as my Line Magnetic 518 amp bypassing its own preamp stage.  I would consider the mosfet amp the weak link in the LIO, but LIO could be highly competitive as a DAC/preamp with the right configuration and tube selection.  And I have no doubt that the DHT upgrade is a big one - because I've heard what that kind of output stage can do when I upgraded to the Lampizator Big7. 

So, I'm not surprised to hear the STM's beat out the LIO amp stage, but I'd encourage Rex and others to try other amps with LIO to see if you like how it compares to your other DAC's/preamps.

Rex has tried other amps with his LIO, but the STM beats them all in detail and soundstage. Rex still loves his LIO, but he prefers the STM with his Sony HAP-Z1ES.

Since Rex moved back to Hawaii, I don't get to listen to his system anymore.
Title: This just in: Golden Cherry pre-review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 20 May 2016, 07:13 pm
Digital amplification is often maligned for not being audiophile enough, and frequently hiding subtle variations that are at the heart of each different recording we cherish. As a recording engineer since 1980, it is paramount that my playback monitoring system be as transparent and uncolored as possible in order for me to do a great job capturing the moment completely. Up until recently, only the extremely expensive Mark Levinson number 53 from over 10 years ago lived up to my expectations. But thanks to Tommy O'Brien, his NEW Golden Cherry amplifiers are equally stunning in that they don't sound like anything at all but merely allow each recording's intrinsic qualities to come through as clear as the stars in the night sky. Against an amazingly black background with absolutely no noise or distortion being added, the Golden Cherry Maraschinos are my first choice in great sounding maintenance free amplification for the discerning Audiophile and recording engineer. And with the 30-day money back guarantee, you cannot miss trying out this terrific new addition to an already awesome family of products!

Jeremy Kipnis / CEO
Kipnis Studios & Epiphany Recordings Ltd.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: mfsoa on 20 May 2016, 09:03 pm
Wow! :thumb:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 22 May 2016, 03:40 pm
Transparency, that is one keyword I left out on the 30v power supply upgrade.  :duh:

These are the most transparent Class D amps that I have ever heard, by far.

Jeremy is 100% correct.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: Freo-1 on 22 May 2016, 06:18 pm
Have to admit that some of the most recent offerings in the Class D realm are outstanding performers.  While I have not had the opportunity to audition the Maraschino amps yet, I've been very impressed with the Primare A34.2 amps.  Running a pair in mono, they provide 550 watts of power @ 8 ohms.  I've owned a LOT of different amps over the years, and the Primare amps also provide the type of performance others in this thread rave about with the Maraschino amps.  The clarity, low level detail, and dynamics ALMOST make one feel like a live performance is going on. 

Although I've always been a tube guy, these latest Class D amps are mighty impressive. 
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: marvda1 on 23 May 2016, 08:31 pm
email publisher@stereomojo.com and tell them you would like to see them review the marashinos.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 24 May 2016, 04:37 pm
email publisher@stereomojo.com and tell them you would like to see them review the marashinos.
Actually, James said our review is next up!  A pair of KING Maraschinos were reviewed last year for Stereo Mojo.  So, I'd say "great idea!".
Title: StereoMojo Maraschino Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 26 May 2016, 09:48 am
Check it out:
http://stereomojo.com/KINGMaraschinoCherryMonoBlocksreview/KINGMaraschinoCherryMonoBlocksreview.htm
Title: Re: StereoMojo Maraschino Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 27 May 2016, 01:29 pm
Check it out:
http://stereomojo.com/KINGMaraschinoCherryMonoBlocksreview/KINGMaraschinoCherryMonoBlocksreview.htm
Yes, we realize the REAL price is HALF of what appears in the article.  I sent James an email to let him know.  Thanks for reading Marvin's review!
Title: Re: StereoMojo Maraschino Review
Post by: OzarkTom on 27 May 2016, 05:14 pm
Yes, we realize the REAL price is HALF of what appears in the article.  I sent James an email to let him know.  Thanks for reading Marvin's review!

Marvin won't believe his ears when he tries the 30v power supplies. :thumb:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: pompon on 1 Jun 2016, 02:42 am
Any play to add a gain control on the amp ?
With multi-amp active setup it will be great!

Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 9 Jun 2016, 07:31 pm
Any play to add a gain control on the amp ?
With multi-amp active setup it will be great!
The STM has analog volume control, front and back inputs, and the same Maraschino circuitry for:
    - low frequencies without phase shift (flat to ZERO Hz)
    - low distortion
    - low noise
    - low output impedance

We are planning an early adopter special.

Please sign up for our newsletter if you're interested:
http://www.cherryamp.com/#!newsletter-signup/c11ru

Thanks.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: mittg on 10 Jun 2016, 12:25 am
I am a very proud owner of a pair of Golden Cherry mono blocks . The last two weeks I have been a kid in a candy store. These amps deliver with any type of music. The bass is detailed with a punch. You can actually follow the impact and vibration across the drum head. The stage placement across my Maggie 3.6R's is 3D. There is depth as well as breadth. I did a live recording with a tascam HD recorder and some Behringer mic's. .When reproduced through the GC's the band was amazed at how good they sounded. It is as close to the live performance as I have ever reproduced. These are special amps! Really special. Gerry


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=144603)




Gerry M.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: JohnR on 10 Jun 2016, 01:40 pm
Go to Gallery, then Manage My Albums, and click on the album containing the picture (possibly "Digital Amplifier Company") and then on the picture. Click the button "Rotate Left" twice.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: mittg on 10 Jun 2016, 03:56 pm
Thank You
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 10 Jun 2016, 05:15 pm
Go to Gallery, then Manage My Albums, and click on the album containing the picture (possibly "Digital Amplifier Company") and then on the picture. Click the button "Rotate Left" twice.
Thanks, John!
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: pompon on 12 Jun 2016, 04:42 am
Is-it the "mint" we see in the kickstarter last year or it's a new product ?
The STM has analog volume control, front and back inputs, and the same Maraschino circuitry for:
    - low frequencies without phase shift (flat to ZERO Hz)
    - low distortion
    - low noise
    - low output impedance

We are planning an early adopter special.
Please sign up for our newsletter if you're interested
http://www.cherryamp.com/#!newsletter-signup/c11ru

Thanks.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: jseipp on 12 Jun 2016, 05:22 am
Yes, I think "STM" is the abbreviation for the "Stereo Maraschino," previously know as the "Mint" from last year's Kickstarter. 

BTW, I use Maraschinos and really love the sound. :thumb:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: SteveMiller on 17 Jun 2016, 10:22 am


Yes.  You are correct.  Mint was the development name for the Maraschino Integrated, which eventually grew into the STM, or Stereo Maraschino.

I'm absolutely thrilled with mine.  In fact STM has taken over duties from my 60v Maraschinos since it arrived a short time ago.  The thing that stands out to me about this product is the versatility.  The 1/8 front input is great for iPods, iPads, etc.  I also have a small Bluetooth receiver that allows for complete wireless operation once plugged in the front panel.  The XLR's around back are solid and high quality.  The 48v power supply sounds great.  I have defaulted to using one of my 60v supplies, because I like to stack things, and this makes a nice mini stack.  And the volume control on STM is very nice. Smooth and transparent.  But if you need more sources one day, or want to engage an active preamp, simply turn the STM volume fully open.  Since it's a passive pot setup, this basically bypasses the volume, and you have a great stereo amplifier.

The sound is everything that Tommy's other Maraschino's embody.   Fast, clean, full and organic sounding.  I absolutely feel there is nothing between me and my favourite music.  It's a ridiculously good deal.  For the price of a 48v version, there's nothing out there I have sampled in major brands up to 10k that is as well rounded and enjoyable.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141800)

Title: STMs available on limited basis
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 17 Jun 2016, 06:11 pm
We're planning to make a newsletter announcement about this but it looks like we're almost allocated completely with our new build of STMs (Stereo Maraschino,  formerly known as MINT)!  That's just from customer inquiries.  The deal is $200 off our already discounted web prices. This is for the 48V as well as the 60V 1kW KING version!

The amp circuits are nearly identical to the monoblock Maraschino.  We have been receiving accolades for this design.  Sonic performance is on the level of super high end gear.  They are THAT good. Just ask anyone who owns one.

Let me know if you're interested. At this point, we expect to have all the new STMs sold by the end of June.

Thanks.



Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: mittg on 22 Jun 2016, 10:41 pm



(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=144602)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=145460)

I am the owner of the first pair of Golden Cherry amplifiers from Digital Amplifier Company. Their appearance is stunning.The Gold on Black composite with a tiny red light on top to signal they are on, beautiful.. The XRL and binding posts are easy to work with as well as strong enough to last.
  I sold a pair of Quad ESL 57’s (all black and rebuilt completely) to a man named Art. I delivered and he inspect for a good  hour. He brought me next door. His friend was building amps. So I listened to some Apogee Slant 8’s driven by  prototype. I was amazed. That’s how I met Tommy O’Brian.That week I bought his amp. He has exceeded my expectations ever since. 
    System : 
Source : iMac with an Arius Bluetooth. I have Tommy’s DAC                                         
                DAC . But one thing at a time.
                OPPO BDP 83 SE. Blue Ray
  Pre-amp: Audio Mirror T-61 tube
  Speakers Magnepan 3.6R’s.  high connector supplied by maggie.
 
 The web site for all the Golden Cherry specifications is http://www.cherryamp.com/#!golden-cherry-dtm/c1ibd. 

The Ahn Trio primarily consists of piano, Violin and Cello.  This makes it easy to listen to each instrument,placement,clarity or harshness of each note.  A very talented trio indeed and their “Lullaby for my Favorite Insomniac “ disc is well recorded. The piano is clear and each note has texture.The notes resonate and have  depth The Maggie’s eliminate the difficulty of crossover placement often found in cone box enclosed systems. What I am noticing with the violin is the softness of each slow elongated note. I can actually follow the bow hair across the strings tip to grip. There is no harshness. The Cello does the same. But what really impresses is the low end. There is feel a to the bass notes. They have power and are still very clear.
   I wanted to check the low end further so I put on “Orange Blossom Special” by Three Fervent Travelers. It starts out with an intro by a bass fiddle. Some very low notes. The strings are put to their limit. The vibration of each comes through clearly as low as the Maggies will go. Do to the quality of the signal the Maggies are clearer and seem to go lower than I remember with a few other amps.
  Time for some vocals. We start with a live performance of “What a Wonderful World” performed by Eva Cassidy”  The same recording I heard on Tommy O’s first amp thru his Slant 8’s. I enjoy her voice immensely so anything less than perfection in reproduction would irritate me. I am not disappointed. Her voice is presented consistently with strength,no cracking or harshness. “Spanish Harlem” performed by Rebecca Pigeon is a quality recording. The intro bass comes through soft but with a punch to each note. They do not just fade away but end. Her voice comes in then piano, guitar and maraca ’s. They all have placement in the sound stage. Each it’s own distinct sound. Very nicely reproduced.
   I roll through some Pink Floyd, U2, and Dead just to make sure these amps can put out. They ROCK!  “Welcome to the Machine”  is new once again. You can hear the piano bench creek clearly under Gegg Allman playing  “Bring it on Back”.
 So I have Judy listening to the 2nd version of “Lullaby for My favorite Insomniac”. Ok so this is the problem. Now that I have the Golden Cherry amps Judy says I need better speakers for these amps.Wow! Feed my addiction.
 I highly recommend the Digital Amplifier Golden Cherry amps. Beautiful to hear and to see. Sweet!

 G. Mitt

 

        .
Title: Review: MARASCHINO Cherry in mono system
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 16 Aug 2016, 04:11 pm
Cherry Maraschino Amplifier Review:

I acquired a 36 volt model (black on a black marble base) for a mono hi-fi system in my living room. The amplifier is solid in construction as well as looks, and most importantly in produced sound.

There is more than enough power with the 36 volt power supply to drive a Klipsch Cornwall III loudspeaker system way beyond reasonable sound levels.  At sensible listening levels the music this amplifier produces is over and above what I can hear with other solid state or tube amplifiers.  Originating on compact discs (from Mozart to Eminem), FM radio, and a Mood Music Server, there is rich, deep bass, crystal clear highs, and a full, well defined mid range.  Some of this, no doubt, has to do with the loudspeaker system.

Guests have looked at my living room hi-fi setup and asked what the Cherry Maraschino Amplifier is.  When I answer they are amazed that such a small and unusual looking piece of equipment can produce the magnificent sound they are hearing.  You can't tell a book by its' cover…

One of the things to like most about the Cherry Maraschino Amplifier is that it is a serious upscale amplifier designed and crafted right here in the United States.

Clemente Hernandez


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=148599)
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: Fredly on 2 Nov 2016, 03:43 pm
OK, here’s my long overdue review of the STM Cherry Amp. (Tommy, thanx for your patience)

Basically, I’m creating a “moderately priced” retirement system for this 54 year old.

Current System

My current system consists of;

Schiit Modi2 Multibit DAC:   http://schiit.com/news/news/introducing-modi-multibit
Chane/Arx A5rx-c Speakers:   https://www.chanemusiccinema.com/a5rx-c
GR Research Rythmik Sub:   http://www.rythmikaudio.com/GRci.html
Speaker Cables (Duelund DCA-16Awg):    http://jeffsplace.me/wordpress/?p=9691
DIY Belden 8402/Switchcraft 3502AAU Interconnects:   http://jeffsplace.me/wordpress/?p=7325
..and a Raspberry Pi 3/HifiBerry Digi+ as transport duty, running Max2play:   https://www.max2play.com/en/

The whole system is run via an IPad running SqueezePad:   http://squeezepad.com/


How’s it Sound!

OK Fred, cut to the chase, how does the final System/STM Sound! 

It's pretty good; I have to say I’m pretty impressed with the final sound.   :D

At the beginning the STM sounded pretty muddy/wooly/muffled and I was not pleased at all. But I have gone through the break-in periods with a LOT of components, so assured myself to just be patient.

I’d say around the 50-100hr mark, things started to sound “right”. The sparkly highs were there, air moving lows as well, Soundstage/3D sound coming in loud and clear.

It certainly was an improvement in refinement from the Aksa Lifeforce 55 Amplifier it replaced  (which was no slouch), but I can’t say the wattage was much more and estimate that with my 90db+ sensitive Speakers I am getting around 70W in total. Frankly this is not a problem, because when cranked, it’s pretty loud.  :rock:

Tommy can you hear me!

All and all I am very happy with the size and design of the STM, but man do I wish it had a Sub Out. If it was available, this would have allowed me to easily integrate my Sub. As such, I include the Schiit Sys as preamp duty in the audio chain.

Conclusion

As a lurker in AudioCircle and Audio buff, I’m seeing more and more “Killer” amplifiers around the 1K range, so this is a very crowded area, and I spent many many months reading all kinds of reviews before finally settling with the STM.

In conclusion I have no regrets in choosing the STM, and think it represents a very good value in getting into the entry point of “true” audiophile sound.

Well done Tommy!


Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 6 Nov 2016, 10:22 pm
You chose wisely. :D

My buddy Rex is using his with the Decware DNA Horns and cannot imagine any sound better. Rex has been in this hobby over 40 years and has owned almost everything. STM beat his $7500 integrated by quite a bit that he sold here on AC.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 28 Nov 2016, 07:53 pm
2016 Writer's Choice Award from Positive Feedback Online....
GOLDEN MARASCHINO CHERRY MONOBLOCKS

More info:
http://www.cherryamp.com/golden-cherry-dtm

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=154176)
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 29 Nov 2016, 01:04 am
From Positive Feedback

Quote
Amps are often not considered as a serious source of transparency or outlet for improved fidelity. But anyone knowing of names such as Krell, Threshold, and Mark Levinson may well disagree. The qualities associated with good amplification include wide and deep soundstaging, focused instrumental imaging, quiet backgrounds, explosive dynamics, and when called for … slam! And they are all in abundance here in this high bias frequency Class D monoblock amplifier. From the small pair of packages (4 pieces for stereo left and right) connected by less than a foot of finely braided solid-core cable is unleashed a torrent of current and voltage that easily isolates and controls all aspects of you loudspeaker's drivers; no matter the number or size per channel. It is my assessment that these Golden Cherry are easily able to accommodate up to (nearly) 300 watts of unceasing high current balanced Class D power into a 6 ohm average load with precision, grace, voluptuousness, and see-through transparency; allowing the essence (forgive the pun) of the music to come through apparently unhindered or abated. I listened to over a 1000 different albums in the course of reviewing the below mentioned Ceratec Mk. IV Loudspeakers and of the available choices, both analog and digital for increasing volume to the speakers through amplification including both tube and solid state choices from over 30 years, these Cherry amps were easily able to negotiate what most often appears a done deal in terms of improved interaction with one's music. These Golden Cherry Amps revitalized every pair of speakers I connected them to in any of the many different arrays of systems I auditioned them in, including speakers by Ologe Acoustic, Snell, Ceratec, Symdex, Waterfall Audio, Bose & Cambridge Sound Works.
Title: Stereo Maraschino -- Stereo Times Most Wanted Component Award !
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 22 Dec 2016, 03:25 pm
Stereo Maraschino won a Stereo Times Most Wanted Component Award !  Review on the way....


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155260)
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: KLH007 on 22 Dec 2016, 04:07 pm
Congratulations!
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: mfsoa on 22 Dec 2016, 10:48 pm
This snippet from Positive-Feedback describes the Maraschino line well:

Quote
These Golden Cherry Amps revitalized every pair of speakers I connected them to in any of the many different arrays of systems I auditioned them in, including speakers by Ologe Acoustic, Snell, Ceratec, Symdex, Waterfall Audio, Bose & Cambridge Sound Works.

What they can do to a system is not subtle and I can see why he said "revitalized" as a sense of  "uh oh how much of my music simply wasn't making it out of my old amp" hits you over the head.



Title: MARASCHINO MENTION
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 10 Jan 2017, 09:42 pm
In a very recent 6moons review of the new Mark & Daniel Maximus Ruby MkII:
"....Mate them with other hidden treasures like the Digital Audio Company Maraschino amplifiers that offer far more than their small size and price would suggest. You will be in heaven."

The review, in case you're interested:
http://6moons.com/audioreviews2/m+d2/1.html
Title: Re: Stereo Maraschino -- Stereo Times Most Wanted Component Award !
Post by: OzarkTom on 22 Jan 2017, 12:20 am
Stereo Maraschino won a Stereo Times Most Wanted Component Award !  Review on the way....


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155260)

http://www.stereotimes.com/page/most-wanted-2016

Digital Audio Company Stereo Maraschino ($1000): Small, lightweight and as far as appearances and heavy-weight amps go, this little baby is almost laughable. Once installed however, I was gobsmacked with actually how good this little digital dynamo performed. Iinstalled this standard 48v version (a more powerful 60v version avalible for $1500.00), right up against the New Audio Frontiers 300B SE ($18k) and Grandinote Demone mono amps ($45k), and though not in the same realm in terms of overall sonic attributes, I could state for the record: the Stereo Maraschino produced a sound that was far more rewarding than I thought possible based on its size and price. Has a sweet, tube-like presentation with great low-end foundation to boot, thanks to its digital power-supply. Really impressive design. Review forthcoming! (Clement Perry)

My buddy Rex recetly received his 36v PS and he says wow!
Title: 48V ILM REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 27 Jan 2017, 10:49 pm
48V In-Line Maraschino customer comment:
"Received the cherry amps today and they sound great right out of the box....    ....I have had 2 wired4sound amps in the past and they almost discouraged me from trying class d again, they didn't last long.  Your cherry inline amp makes me glad I did....    ....Thanks"
- John W (Dayton WY)
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: mfsoa on 3 Feb 2017, 10:49 pm
Stereo Times review is up:

http://www.stereotimes.com/post/stereo-maraschino-amplifier/ (http://www.stereotimes.com/post/stereo-maraschino-amplifier/)

Another great review, Tommy, congrats.

I remain puzzled that the DAC products get great review after great review with what seems to me like little attention.

But hell, talk about another me-too ncore-in-a-box and people come out of the woodwork...

Tommy, any idea when the PF review will be up? From the excerpt above that review should stellar.

-Mike
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: jseipp on 3 Feb 2017, 11:47 pm
I am with you in wondering at the relative quiet on the Maraschino and the DAC DAC front.  I have now installed inline Maraschinos in two very different systems and settings, and they shine in both.  I am also using the TL DAC DAC to great effect.

I have written about the magic of Maraschinos with GR Research Wedgies, but I haven't given a full account of the Maraschinos on Legacy Audio's Classics (the ones with the black domes).  The Classics are the first pair of good speakers I heard and that I owned, and I am now using them nearly daily for Netflix and occasionally for Tidal.  I am mesmerized by the open-baffle sound of the Wedgies, but had I started with DAC equipment on the Classics I may never have looked any further.  The combination of the TL DAC DAC and the King Maraschinos make movie and show soundtracks impactful and utterly enveloping.  The Classics combine a bunch of drivers with a complex crossover, and the Maraschinos, brought to life by the DAC DAC, handle them handily at a whisper as well as a shout, not to mention explosions.  There is no need to consider adding subs with the grip on bass the Maraschinos provide, and the sound comes through glowingly clear and smooth through the entire frequency range.

The new review points out something I learned about Tommy when I first dealt with him -- he really listens and constantly seeks ways to offer equipment that will fit each customer's needs.  I am running nearly identical sets of Maraschinos with two different sets of power supplies, as recommended by Tommy, and each set is just right for the system.  I consider Tommy more an audio consultant than a salesman, and he has always responded in full whenever I have asked his advice.

Each review reinforces what I hear every day -- I hope others tune in and get to hear the same!


John               
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: smargo on 7 Feb 2017, 09:26 pm
I am with you in wondering at the relative quiet on the Maraschino and the DAC DAC front. 

John               

i thought i purchased the stereo version of the maraschino on feb 4th - (i got a receipt from paypal) -  but still no acknowledgement from the company. and i sent emails as well?
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: smargo on 8 Feb 2017, 01:21 am
i thought i purchased the stereo version of the maraschino on feb 4th - (i got a receipt from paypal) -  but still no acknowledgement from the company. and i sent emails as well?

everything is fine now - I heard from tommy - all is well
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 8 Feb 2017, 01:50 am
Stereo Times review is up:

http://www.stereotimes.com/post/stereo-maraschino-amplifier/ (http://www.stereotimes.com/post/stereo-maraschino-amplifier/)

Another great review, Tommy, congrats.

I remain puzzled that the DAC products get great review after great review with what seems to me like little attention.

But hell, talk about another me-too ncore-in-a-box and people come out of the woodwork...

Tommy, any idea when the PF review will be up? From the excerpt above that review should stellar.

-Mike
Thanks, Mike.  Regarding the new PF review, it should be out pretty soon, but I'll ask.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 8 Feb 2017, 01:56 am
I am with you in wondering at the relative quiet on the Maraschino and the DAC DAC front.  I have now installed inline Maraschinos in two very different systems and settings, and they shine in both.  I am also using the TL DAC DAC to great effect.

I have written about the magic of Maraschinos with GR Research Wedgies, but I haven't given a full account of the Maraschinos on Legacy Audio's Classics (the ones with the black domes).  The Classics are the first pair of good speakers I heard and that I owned, and I am now using them nearly daily for Netflix and occasionally for Tidal.  I am mesmerized by the open-baffle sound of the Wedgies, but had I started with DAC equipment on the Classics I may never have looked any further.  The combination of the TL DAC DAC and the King Maraschinos make movie and show soundtracks impactful and utterly enveloping.  The Classics combine a bunch of drivers with a complex crossover, and the Maraschinos, brought to life by the DAC DAC, handle them handily at a whisper as well as a shout, not to mention explosions.  There is no need to consider adding subs with the grip on bass the Maraschinos provide, and the sound comes through glowingly clear and smooth through the entire frequency range.

The new review points out something I learned about Tommy when I first dealt with him -- he really listens and constantly seeks ways to offer equipment that will fit each customer's needs.  I am running nearly identical sets of Maraschinos with two different sets of power supplies, as recommended by Tommy, and each set is just right for the system.  I consider Tommy more an audio consultant than a salesman, and he has always responded in full whenever I have asked his advice.

Each review reinforces what I hear every day -- I hope others tune in and get to hear the same!


John               

Thanks, John.  We need customers to spread the word so we can keep our margins low.  The "other guys" are spending hand-over-fist for advertising.  Customers like you are helping tremendously!  Thanks again for the kind words (:
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AHarman on 23 Mar 2017, 06:06 pm
Having read good things in forums and reviews, I recently took the plunge and purchased a pair of 60V desktop Maraschinos.

I've been entrapped in this hobby for many years and, like numerous others, I've been forever changing and tweaking, striving for that perfect sound. Since installing these amps, I've never felt less compelled to meddle with anything in the system and never has a change of component(s) more surprised me! The music has a clarity, realism and (for want of a better word) flow that I've not experienced from any system before, let alone my own, and I've never enjoyed listening to music so much in my own home.

The quality of the bass output is probably what astounded me the most and there's absolutely no going back once it's experienced. Initially, I thought they sounded a little light on bass, but I soon realised I was mistaking this accurate and controlled bass for lack of LF power.

A friend recently visited who plays double bass regularly in a band. We ended up losing track of time and staying up till 5am, just listening to and enjoying tracks we both know and love, so captivating was the fresh perspective these gave to music we considered familiar. He remarked that it sounded remarkably like a live performance, which is commendation indeed from a professional musician and surely exactly what we're all striving to achieve with this hobby?!

All this enjoyment from a relatively modest system too (when key components are bought used, at least): Mac mini running Jriver Media Centre, Chord 2qute DAC, Tisbury Audio passive preamp, 60V Cherries, Spendor A9 speakers

I honestly couldn't recommend these enough.
Title: Golden Cherry review / An Interview with Tommy O'Brien of Digital Amp Co
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 2 Apr 2017, 07:48 pm
Part 1 of Golden Cherry review in POF: An Interview with Tommy O'Brien of Digital Amplifier Company:
http://positive-feedback.com/interviews/tommy-obrien-digital-amplifier-co/

"....these GOLDEN CHERRY Digital Amp Co. gems may be the single most transparent, uncolored, and precise amplification experience...."
Title: New customer review of STM
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 3 Apr 2017, 06:35 pm
New customer review of STM:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=149310.msg1596824#msg1596824

"I really cant tell if im listening to a push pull  tube amp, solid state ab amp, solid state class a amp - or a triode single ended amp. because all i hear is music - not so much whats in the chain of equipment. Its the best amp i have heard of up to $3000 - I cant speak to more than that - because my experience is limited."
Title: Post deleted
Post by: charlie_flowers on 12 May 2017, 02:09 am
Review deleted
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 12 May 2017, 02:31 am
Also try Boz Scaggs, "Speak Low".
Title: STM review originally posted in Facebook
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 14 May 2017, 09:54 pm
"WOW! I got my STM a few days ago, and I have to give credit where credit is due. “Tommy you did good” as a Southern nanny might say. I was using my vinyl setup to play a few of my favorite tunes first. I then moved things to the digital side of the room and found just as much favor with the STM as on the analog side. The is a tune by C. McVie on her wonderful solo album called “Gotta A Hold On Me”, and for many amplifies the backing vocals on lessor amplifies are very harsh and fatiguing. Not the case with the STM. The song has a great bass-line and some snap from the percussion instruments. I have heard this song on many amplifiers. You have to spend lots more money to do a better job!"

Gary S
Berthoud CO
Title: Re: STM review originally posted in Facebook
Post by: smargo on 15 May 2017, 12:40 am
"WOW! I got my STM a few days ago, and I have to give credit where credit is due. “Tommy you did good” as a Southern nanny might say. I was using my vinyl setup to play a few of my favorite tunes first. I then moved things to the digital side of the room and found just as much favor with the STM as on the analog side. The is a tune by C. McVie on her wonderful solo album called “Gotta A Hold On Me”, and for many amplifies the backing vocals on lessor amplifies are very harsh and fatiguing. Not the case with the STM. The song has a great bass-line and some snap from the percussion instruments. I have heard this song on many amplifiers. You have to spend lots more money to do a better job!"

Gary S
Berthoud CO

really quite surprised by the stereo maraschino (king edition) - in a good way -  like i said before i cant tell what kind of amplifier im listening to - to say this is a digital amp - is so misleading
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 20 Jul 2017, 03:38 pm
Recent review (11-JUL-2017) of 60V KING Desktop Maraschinos:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=151492.0

A quote from the review:
"Background,  BLACK! BLACK!    Soundstage, WIDE & ENVELOPING!       Soundstage depth,  Depending on the manor of recording.   VAST!       Musicians and instruments in space,  BEAUTIFULLY  DEFINED! (On many songs Holographic.  I had the impression that I could stand up and walk among the musicians.)     Bass,  TIGHT, FULL, PUNCHY and filled with all that makes up bass notes and all notes,  TONEALITY and TEXTURE!    Piano, Drums, Horns, Vibraphone (wow), Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Cymbals and Voices all had the inner harmonics and air that made their sound breathtaking."
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: GregC on 22 Jul 2017, 06:09 pm
I have been very happy with my inline amps with 60v power supplies.  The dynamics are explosive and the sound is well balanced from top to bottom.  Tommy's amps are a true marvel in high end audio.   
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: Nocturne79 on 14 Aug 2017, 04:24 am
I purchased a STM amp with the low power supply sorry forgot which one it is and have used it to power my Omega HO Alinco towers.  I have to say everything everyone says about these amps are true clear highs, smooth mids and fantastic bass. Great soundstage and very natural tone for playing anything i throw at it.

 I have never felt ever once that the highs were grainy or too much.   The amp runs cool and is very compact which is really neat for me and my space.  I run it signal end and just have spotify premium and i could not be happier. 

I do find my torii MKIV gives the tube magic to my music but the STM amp comes so close that I listen to it about as much as i listen with the torii.  These are really great little amps and cant get over how small and simple the setup is and having a toddler in the house i never have to worry about the little toddler getting hurt such as when using tubes, they get hot lol.
below is a shot of my setup.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166938)
Title: IN-LINE MARASCHINO REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 26 Aug 2017, 08:35 pm
Here's a STELLAR review of the In-Line Maraschino (48V with upgraded WBT Gold posts):
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=152271.0
Title: DAC DAC review comparing HS vs TL versions in the Audio Beatnik
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 3 Sep 2017, 10:40 pm
DAC DAC review comparing HS vs TL versions in the Audio Beatnik.  Check it out!
http://theaudiobeatnik.com/index.php/2017/08/02/comparing-high-spec-version-tube-like-version-digital-amplifier-company-dac-dac/

"I think both the HS and TL versions of the DAC DAC are simply remarkable. These hot-rodded DACs don’t give you any frills, but they give you really great sound for a reasonable price. I know there are a lot of little DACs for under $300, but I haven’t heard one that can touch either of these two."
Title: No need for a Spectral now!
Post by: jonbee on 13 Sep 2017, 10:11 pm
Sorry, double post
JB
Title: Re: No need for a Spectral now!
Post by: jonbee on 13 Sep 2017, 10:56 pm

I recently bought a pair of Avalon Opus speakers, with ceramic mids and tweets and a dual 9" woofer system. Like many Avalons, they are known as a finicky speaker to get sounding right. They are easily the highest resolution speaker of the 250 or so pairs I've owned, which cuts both ways, of course.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=168460)
I managed to get quite good sound with my modded NuPrime ST-10, but felt there was yet more to be extracted from the Opus. I was hoping for a little better woofer control and a bit smoother, less bright presentation from the mids on up. These speakers were developed with Spectral amps, which have 2mhz. bandwidth and prodigious damping. A friend has one, which I've admired.
Tommy's amps have a very wide bandwidth and high damping, and I thought the 60V version might have the cajones I wanted.
Today I got the King Maraschinos up and running, and they are everything I wanted and more.
What a g** d*** superb amp!
The Avalons are now singing like nothing I've heard in my home in my 49 years in the hobby.
Transparency, image depth, width and solidity, bottom end control. Beautiful detail, air, and delicacy on top. All aces. Perfect immediacy and astonishing detail, yet with notably less brightness and glare. The whole enchilada.
I noted Charlie_flowers above successfully used Maraschinos with MG3.7s, which is a damn tough test, as are the Opus. Same story.
I've probably owned 75 good amps over the years, too, and heard a great many more. Matchups tell the final tale, of course, but these little guys stand tall with anything I've heard at $10k or under, IMO, and would embarrass some higher priced units.
My simple advice if you are looking for a truly great amp that will do justice to even the finest speakers- just contact Tommy and try one. Pretty simple, no brain required.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: MttBsh on 14 Sep 2017, 01:59 am
Thanks Jonbee for your excellent review. As much as I love my Job 225 amp, I've recently been thinking about trying out the Maraschinos after reading so many great testimonials. Are you using the King Stereo Maraschino STM (60V) which is a single stereo unit or the King 60V Desktop Maraschino which is two separate modules? Digital Amplifier Company's product line can be just a bit confusing...

Can anyone comment on any sound differences between these two different 60V offerings? Many thanks for any info.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: jonbee on 14 Sep 2017, 02:22 am
Are you using the King Stereo Maraschino STM (60V) which is a single stereo unit or the King 60V Desktop Maraschino which is two separate modules? Digital Amplifier Company's product line can be just a bit confusing...
Complete dual mono- two desktop monoblocks and 2 PSs. I wanted to get the stiffest drive I could for the Avalons. Easier to drive speakers may not need this.
If you want to improve on the Job this may well be the cheapest route that could actually provide meaningful improvement.
I'd ask Tommy what he thinks about the two models. I'm not sure many have spent a lot of time with both models.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: MttBsh on 14 Sep 2017, 02:58 am
Good info, thanks Jonbee
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: uncola on 14 Sep 2017, 03:01 am
I own some 48v Inline Maraschino monoblocks and I recently had the chance to audition the D-sonic m3a 1200 stereo amp in my home for a week..  that one is a 600 watt per channel at 8 ohm monster with a new class a custom input buffer.. long story short I prefer the inline maraschinos, just sounded more transparent. 
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: OzarkTom on 14 Sep 2017, 03:21 am
I have had a lot of Class D amps come through my system and none has come close to my Cherry amps in detail and transparency. I am using the 30V PS. On both my Zellatons and Audio Nirvana alnico full range speakers the SQ is superb.

The Job 225 amp I use to own sounded grainy in comparison.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: jonbee on 14 Sep 2017, 02:26 pm
I have had a lot of Class D amps come through my system and none has come close to my Cherry amps in detail and transparency.
I've had quite a few as well, starting with a BelCanto EVO200.2 (not too good), several PS Audio Icepower amps, stock and modded (somewhat opaque, veiled top end). I felt the N-Core was a real step up in transparency, though still a bit hashy and bright on top. The modded NuPrime ST-10 is better yet, having a very nice balance of traits and no particular weaknesses. (I'm still using 2 NuPrime DAC10H in my systems, 1 stock and 1 modded, and have no plans to change). I still use the N-core in my office and a TBI Millenia in the bedroom (nice sounding, sweet, musical).
I'm a member of a small audio group with great systems. I'm the only member that has embraced class d amps.
The other members use various topologies, and their excellent amps are all more expensive than the KINGs. I feel the KINGs match up in every way to the best of the others, whereas the previous class d iterations fell short in various aspects.
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: orientalexpress on 14 Sep 2017, 02:39 pm
I love DAC amp,not many class D amp sound come close.I"m still using the original 4800 with upgrade power supply.Jonbee I'm glad you finally try it. :thumb:
Title: CRISPIN review in Stereo Times
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 26 Oct 2017, 10:09 pm
Check it out:
http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/orchard-audio-crispin/

"CRISPIN is one warm and wonderful sounding product with the Maraschino Cherry Core"....
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: Wind Chaser on 12 Dec 2017, 09:38 pm
I guess this really belongs here...  :D

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154294.msg1650344#new (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154294.msg1650344#new)
Title: DAC DAC HS wins Audio Beatnik’s Best of 2017 Award !
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 21 Dec 2017, 09:18 pm
Check it out:
http://theaudiobeatnik.com/audio-beatniks-best-2017-awards/

"This DAC from Tommy at Digital Amplifier Company was the first DAC that I found to really be much better than the OPPO 105D in my home system...."

Thanks to The Audio Beatnik for this honor!

-Tommy O
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: Shear Bliss VMPS on 22 Dec 2017, 04:07 pm
Congrats Tommy!!

As I had mentioned early on after receiving my TL-DAC DAC I had thought it so good as to get a product of the year award. Discerning ears are taking note of its shear quality in their systems like I.

DW
Title: In-Line MARASCHINO REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 29 Dec 2017, 12:12 am
New In-Line Maraschino owner review:
"....The resolution they produce is intoxicating. Not just resolution, but dynamics are better too...."
Brad / Atlanta GA

More here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=127654.msg1654168#msg1654168

This post originally had the entire review, but Brad posted it himself after.

Thank you for the compliments, Brad!
Title: Re: MARASCHINO REVIEWS
Post by: Early B. on 29 Dec 2017, 08:59 pm
I recently acquired a pair of In-Line Maraschino amps and I was amazed at what those little Cherry boxes could do. The resolution they produce is intoxicating. Not just resolution, but dynamics are better too. I have always been a skeptic of Class D amplification, but I rolled the dice and purchased the Maraschinos because the reviews were 100% consistent – nearly everyone mentioned the black background, improved resolution, and better dynamics, and that’s exactly what I heard, too. I never realized it, but previously, I used my imagination to make corrections in the deficiencies in my system. With the ILMs, the music just flows through my system and my mind can relax – no mental correction is needed because everything sounds like it should.

I realized several years ago in this hobby that one should invest their money in the best designers, not in gear. For instance, I use this philosophy with Danny at GR Research for exceptional, yet affordable speakers. Now I plan to adopt the same approach with Tommy at D.A.C. because he definitely knows what he’s doing. I look forward to the preamp he plans to debut in 2018.
Title: STM REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 5 Jan 2018, 11:07 pm
"....Detail in spades, great tonal balance, imaging, sound stage, deep controlled bass, and exceptional mid-range...."
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154805.msg1656102#msg1656102
Title: STEREO MARASCHINO REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 10 Jan 2018, 07:14 pm
"Hi Tommy, Please add me to your list of VERY happy customers. in 1984 as a student in Waterloo Ontario the best speakers I could afford were Stax SR80 electro-static "ear speakers" which I powered with a modest NAD amp. 25 years later I was introduced to the DAC Cherry STM by Steve M from Sarnia. He recommend that the STM and Stax could be a great pairing. He was right. I'm blown away by the new musical dimensions I hear in familiar jazz, piano and classical recordings - its like discovering a whole new universe. Thank you and continued success."
- Paul S. in Ontario
Title: DAC DAC HS CUSTOMER REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 16 Jan 2018, 12:02 pm
"I received my DAC DAC HS three days ago and I'm thoroughly impressed by this magical little box. Along with my Maraschino amps, the sound is resplendent. As most others have already mentioned, the key features are a blacker than black background, super detailed, and very dynamic. I had no plans to trade out most of my system, but you can't go wrong with Tommy's designs. It's a major upgrade for me, and prices are very reasonable."

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=138311.msg1658230#msg1658230
Title: DAC DAC HS: the audio beatnik award - 2017 Digital Product of the Year
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 16 Jan 2018, 12:08 pm
We are honored to receive this award from the audio beatnik:
    Digital Product of the Year ---- DAC DAC High-Spec Version


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=174632)

http://theaudiobeatnik.com/audio-beatniks-best-2017-awards/
Title: DAC DAC HS REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 18 Jan 2018, 02:05 am
"Wait this can't be! :o Detail in spades with tone? No way! No no no way am I hearing this!...."

much more:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=138311.msg1659359#msg1659359
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: jraywine on 16 Feb 2018, 08:58 pm
Just got my 48V Desktop Maraschino Monoblocks and they rock right out of the box.  My system has never sounded so rich and full.  The combination of the powerful Maraschino amplifiers with my 95db efficient Tocaro 30 loudspeakers creates a dynamic musical synergy.  It's imaging like crazy.  I'm discovering new things in familiar old tracks.  It's the audiophile experience you always hope for, but so rarely achieve.

Earlier in the day I listened to a Vandersteen system that cost well over $100,000, and I honestly liked the way my Maraschinos sounded better.  Less bombastic and pretentious, more warmth, sweetness and heart.  They're that good.

Thanks to Tommy for making a great product, and for the excellent customer service.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=176211)
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Wind Chaser on 16 Feb 2018, 10:57 pm
I have over 3000 hours on my Maraschino King's and I will never slum with tubes again.  :green:
Title: Re: No need for a Spectral now!
Post by: jonbee on 17 Feb 2018, 04:04 pm
I recently bought a pair of Avalon Opus speakers, with ceramic mids and tweets and a dual 9" woofer system. Like many Avalons, they are known as a finicky speaker to get sounding right. They are easily the highest resolution speaker of the 250 or so pairs I've owned, which cuts both ways, of course.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=168460)
Today I got the King Maraschinos up and running, and they are everything I wanted and more.
What a g** d*** superb amp!
The Avalons are now singing like nothing I've heard in my home in my 49 years in the hobby.
Transparency, image depth, width and solidity, bottom end control. Beautiful detail, air, and delicacy on top. All aces. Perfect immediacy and astonishing detail, yet with notably less brightness and glare. The whole enchilada.
I've probably owned 75 good amps over the years, too, and heard a great many more. Matchups tell the final tale, of course, but these little guys stand tall with anything I've heard at $10k or under, IMO, and would embarrass some MANY higher priced units.
My simple advice if you are looking for a truly great amp that will do justice to even the finest speakers- just contact Tommy and try one. Pretty simple, no brain required.
Just an long term update. After 5 months and ~600 hours listening, I wouldn't change a word. I believe these amps have revolutionized high end amplification. Tommy's amps can get you off the amp (and DAC) merry go round.
Title: MEGAschino Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 17 Feb 2018, 11:28 pm
"This was not a problem for the MEGA.  Some of what we listened to was played at high volume levels and there was always the feeling of ease and no sign of strain whatsoever.  The imaging was unbelievable, especially when we listened to Roger Waters - Amused to Death (Master Sound CD).  I think Tommy has another winner on his hands and potentially many new customers."

Much more:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=149935.msg1666604#msg1666604
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: bellavita on 18 Feb 2018, 10:49 pm
This is an overdue plug for Tommy...

Took delivery of ILM amps with the cap upgrade and 60V supplies about two months ago.Tommy,as always, was a pleasure to deal with.Had his DTM amps with 60V supplies years ago and having sold them after nearly two years of use thought I would give the ILM a go.They have been in constant use since arrival and I must say from what I recall of the DTM these little beauties are even more enjoyable.Easy to place wherever along with "rock solid" sound.From top to bottom with all sorts of music I have not even thought of putting the tube amp back in the system.Bought his DAC DAC HS as well and that ups the anti and music just flows...That is about as much I will wax lyrical about the DAC stuff suffice to say... Job Well Done Tommy and Thanks for doing what you do and keeping the price of good listening sane!

Oh no, now a  MEGAschino Cherry ...maybe down the road but the ILM amps are so easy to move if needed and sound fantastic to my ears so they will be here for awhile!

Cheers

Franco
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: sumoking on 25 Feb 2018, 08:48 pm
I bought pair of Desktop Cherries with a 60v PSU and would like to share my observations.  First off, I will share the components in my system.

MAC Book Pro laptop (2.5 GHz Intel Core i7, 16 gb ram, 500gb SSD) with a wire world USB cable, Exogal Comet with Outboard PSU, custom made tube preamp with custom outboard power supply, Spatial M3 Turbo S, SVS 4000SB sub, Audio Envy Cables.

The Cherries monos replaced my custom made 2a3 SET amp that I was very happy with. 

So, why try Class D?

I posted on the spatial audio circle and was asking the groups what subs mate well with the M3 Turbo S speakers.  I shared that I had a SET amp with the Spatials and out of nowhere "Wind Chaser" "butted in" and dared to tell me that my SET wasn't a good match with my Spatials and with the right amp I might not need a sub. 

How dare he? 

He went on to say that he had a SET that he loved and that these amps are a mismatch with the Spatial and that there is a hole in the bass freq that really impacts the low end.   He was so adamant that he issued me a challenge.  He said that he would send me a class D amp with no cost and no strings attached. I just pay the $30 for shipping.  No brainer.  I took him up on it.  Note, I used to partner with Steve Fischer who owned a boutique audio store in Michigan in the middle 90's (Soundquest Audio) and we carried one of the first digital amps from Spectron.  At the time, I thought it was very quick, tight bass great air, etc.  I didn't find it as musical as I preferred though.  So, it was the last time I listened to class  D until I met Wind Chaser.

I received the ~$150 amp and used the ground loop wires he sent that needed to be placed in line with the negative speaker terminal and off I went to listen.  I immediately noticed it was cleaner and quieter than my SET.    I heard some notes in the music I had never heard before. Interesting...For so little money, it had me thinking.  It was impressive and so good I called Wind Chaser and asked him if you gave this amp away, what are you using now? He indicated that he was using Digital Amplifier Company's Cherrie Desktop Mono Blocks. How much better could they be? Hmmm. They were obviously more money that this entry level amp, but still very reasonable.  Within a day, I reached out to Tommy and started a dialog.  Before long, I ordered a set on mono blocks and was still a little concerned that the musicality of the amp still might not be near what my SET might provide.  I knew it would quick, detailed, dynamic, etc.  But would it have the timbre of the SET that I fell so in love with. The entry level amp was close in timbre but still not there to my ears.

Knowing my order was on the way, I switched back to my SET until my new amps arrived.  While I was expecting the sound to be not as quick, I was expecting the timbre to be magical.  I immediately started noticing the sound to be a bit colored; I already knew the SET was a bit rolled off at the top, so no surprise there.  Hmm, the shootout will start any day.  What will I really like best?

The new Cherries came in and I hooked them up.

On the first two notes, my wife immediately said: OMG these are a lot cleaner than your other amps. They were so quiet it was a bit freaky. Understand that I have had and auditioned many many amps in my time.  The Blacks are way Black with this amp!  The image opened up so wide and deep that it sounded like a different system.  The height of the image was noticeably different as well. I got my reference recording speaker set up disc and tweaked placement and i was ready to listen. I would say that I was somewhat conflicted.  I don't think my brain and thousands of hours of listening processed what I was hearing as quickly as other changes I have made. 

While I was thinking I was missing some midrange bloom I also noticed a bite on the horns section that I had never heard before.  Listening to Holly Cole's Temptation album and in particular, Little Boy Blue, I was captured by the bite of the horns. I was transported in the studio when it was being recorded.  I knew in the back of my mind that the SET was rolled off and I had been missing the upper frequencies.  Tommy's amp is billed at reproducing up to 100K.   The Cherries had so much air and space between the notes it was treat to appreciate it.  I heard no evidence of any unnaturalness in the higher frequencies.  Just cymbals and triangles that are clean and fully extended.  No concern with any sibilance with Female voices.  I recently downloaded Diana Krall's "Turn up the Quiet" at 24/192K.  Want a treat? Listen to the tracks "Sway" and the next track "No Moon At All".  The combination of acoustic guitars, bass, & strings coupled with Krall's sultry voice shows off what these amps do best.  The space around the guitar, the plucking and tone of the double bass, the presence of Diana's breathing and singing highlights her phrasing and her magic. When the strings come in, the goose bumps appear and my attention was captured waiting for the next note.  I shifted and began listening to a Male Voice. An older, simple but beautiful song from Neil Diamond- Stones. Guitars and percussion were right on and his baritone voice never better.

Janis Ian - "Breaking Silence" was next and this is one of the better recordings I have in my collection.  Beautifullly crafted songs with outstanding musicians- this collection of songs are so well recorded.  I can't say I have ever heard a pop/rock album with dynamics this impressive. If you haven't heard it, you haven't heard what your system is capable of. Supertramp: Crime of the Century, Pink Floyd ?  Its right up there.  I talked to Janis's office and ordered a couple CD's and had Janis sign one of the copies. Just 16/44 ripped files and the recording is so good, you would think its the master tapes.  The Cherrie's with it dynamic capabilities are the perfect match. I have heard this CD with so many fantastic amps and speakers- I can't say that I heave heard it any better than last night.

After listening for four straight hours and throughly enjoying every minute of it, my appreciate goes out to Tommy and the Digital Amplifier Company for an amazing product especially at its price point. I have never heard an amp this good for anything close to this price.  It has it all!

As important is that Tommy is about as nice as you can find as an owner and customer service is outstanding.

Special thanks to Wind Chaser for butting in!!

I just received the DAC DAC and should be hooking it up tonight to see what it has in store.  The Exogal is a very strong DAC and is very musical.

I'll provide the comparison feedback later this week.

Cheers.
Sumo
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Wind Chaser on 25 Feb 2018, 11:18 pm
I'm glad that worked out.  :thumb:

So so do you still feel like you need a sub?
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: sumoking on 25 Feb 2018, 11:47 pm
Hey Windchaser...
Actually I did get the sub. While the bass was greatly improved
The 13” SVS sub with a 1,000+ w class d took it to another level
with no overhang. 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/reveling-in-the-heavyweight-sound-of-the-svs-sb-4000-subwoofer/

Thank you again!
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: maty on 6 Mar 2018, 09:28 am
Reviewing the Digital Amplifier Company’s MEGAschino Cherry Amp March 5, 2018

http://theaudiobeatnik.com/reviewing-the-digital-amplifier-companys-megaschino-cherry-amp/

Quote
The top-end is the best I have heard from a Class D amp so far. It is nicely textured and extended, but compared to my reference Pass 30.8, there is an ever so slight amount of homogenization in the upper octaves, but it is ever so slight.The top-end is nicely detailed, and it has no glare or edginess. The truth is that it is quite beautiful.

The other thing I would say about the MEGAschino is that it has great attack and definition in the midrange without sounding aggressive or the least bit “transitory.” It sounds smooth throughout its frequency range, and it also seems more tonally accurate than other Class D amps. For that matter, it also sounds better than most transistor amps. Vocals were played with an incredibly clear window on the performance, and instruments seemed to be right there in the room with me. Vocals also had good body and weight.

It has a bit of the bloom in the midrange that I most often associate with single-ended Triode tube amps. It also lets you hear the layering of the music like SET amps. Now don’t get me wrong, the MEGAschino will never be mistaken for a SET tube amp, but it does give you just a touch of their magic but with much more power. I was rather surprised by this...

Quote
Stereo MEGAschino:   $6,100
MONO MEGAschino:   $9,800/pr or $5,000
Title: Desktop Maraschino REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 18 Mar 2018, 12:06 pm
"After 35 years, I have the system that I always dreamt about.  Note I have the spatial M3 Turbos S's'...."

More:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=156344.msg1673645#msg1673645

Note the number of listeners converting from tubes to Maraschino is no the rise!

Thanks for checking it out.

-Tommy
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 18 Mar 2018, 12:25 pm
Jeremy Kipnis will be reviewing the MEGAschino....  Stay tuned....

Here's an article from about a year ago "From the Kipnis Studios (KSS): The View From The Top - An Interview with Tommy O’Brien of Digital Amplifier Company":
https://positive-feedback.com/interviews/tommy-obrien-digital-amplifier-co/
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: maty on 18 Mar 2018, 02:33 pm
Very interesting interview!!!

Quote
Sometimes the resulting measurements are used to determine a designer's skill level. This is true if the measurements indicate simply poor performance. There is a performance level below which an amplifier is considered to be solidly "mid-fi" or "lo-fi". Let's say 100dB SNR and 0.1% THD+N as an example. If measurements are in the "green zone", they may be there because the designer chose the numbers over the sound.

What minimum of SNR at 1 watt does Digital Amplifier Company consider reasonable or acceptable in Class-D amplifiers?
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Wind Chaser on 18 Mar 2018, 04:52 pm
Maty,

Every time I click on a link and read one of your posts I get the impression you are obsessed with measurements, as if there was nothing else to consider. Could you tell us about your wife from that perspective and perhaps post a picture?
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: maty on 18 Mar 2018, 05:16 pm
For me a good measurement is a necessary but not sufficient condition. The world of audio is full of gadgets and somehow we have to make a screen.

I do not understand why I have found so many Class D amplifiers that have such a small SNR. We are not talking about tubes but rather a very advanced solid-state technology.

In the interview you say you are an engineer then you should understand my need for measurements and graphs.

In any case I have only asked a simple question, and what is generic. I do not ask about your amplifiers.

Quote
Could you tell us about your wife from that perspective and perhaps post a picture?

A technical question deserves a technical answer.
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Jonathon Janusz on 18 Mar 2018, 07:54 pm
Maty,

Every time I click on a link and read one of your posts I get the impression you are obsessed with measurements, as if there was nothing else to consider. Could you tell us about your wife from that perspective and perhaps post a picture?

I see what you did there...

A technical question deserves a technical answer.

... and this made me laugh! :lol:  Well played, sir.  Well played indeed!
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: sumoking on 18 Mar 2018, 08:07 pm
For me a good measurement is a necessary but not sufficient condition. The world of audio is full of gadgets and somehow we have to make a screen.

I do not understand why I have found so many Class D amplifiers that have such a small SNR. We are not talking about tubes but rather a very advanced solid-state technology.

In the interview you say you are an engineer then you should understand my need for measurements and graphs.

In any case I have only asked a simple question, and what is generic. I do not ask about your amplifiers.

A technical question deserves a technical answer.


I don't think the Wind Chaser was interviewed nor is he an engineer... :)
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: maty on 18 Mar 2018, 08:17 pm
I thought he was Tommy O’Brien. Do I have to send the question to the company?

https://www.cherryamp.com/contact
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 19 Mar 2018, 06:24 am
Very interesting interview!!!

What minimum of SNR at 1 watt does Digital Amplifier Company consider reasonable or acceptable in Class-D amplifiers?
This thread is for posting reviews, not so much for open discussion.  So....  I'll copy this answer here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=58526.msg1674058#msg1674058

The bottom line answer to your question is placed there....  I ask that further discussion of this topic remain on the other thread, please.  Thanks.

That said....

SNR at 1W can be calculated from SNR at rated power.  This is not just for Cherry Amplifier (R) products, but for any amplifier.

If we know the signal level and the SNR, we can calculate the noise level.  This is typically A-weighted, by the way, but not important to the math....

SNR is the ratio of signal to noise, or signal/noise.  These are voltage levels.  Units must match, and we use volts.  SNR = 20 * log(signal/noise).  Since there is more signal than noise, SNR is positive.  If it were noise/signal, the result would be negative, due to the log function.

We start by reversing the log function to get the actual ratio in straight scalar units (no units, actually).  So, we're "un-doing the dB", going from exponential scale to linear scale.

Let's say SNR is 120dB (MEGAschino, Maraschino).  This means 6 = log (x), x being SNR as a linear scalar.  10^6 is 1,000,000.  So, if the signal is 1V, the noise would be 1/1,000,000 V, or 1uV.

Let's also say the rated power is 400W into 4 ohms (KING Maraschino).  Power is V^2/R in this case, so V = sqrt(1600V^2) = 40V.  So, in this case, noise is 40uV.

Now, what is it at 1W (into 4 ohms)?  Well, we know the noise voltage, and 1W is sqrt(4V^2) = 2V, so SNR = 20 * (2V/40uV) = 94dB.

The reverse also works, so if you know SNR at 1W, you can calculate it for rated power.  Almost every amp manufacturer states SNR at rated power, by the way.  Thanks.

-Tommy O
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: maty on 19 Mar 2018, 08:52 am
Deleted
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: maty on 19 Mar 2018, 08:58 am
Deleted
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: maty on 19 Mar 2018, 09:46 am
Deleted.

Moved to the correct thread.

And I am sorry!
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 19 Mar 2018, 12:02 pm
I know the maths but I have found too often that the data advertised by the manufacturers do not coincide with the independent measurements. It was something I already knew with class AB but I was surprised that it also happened with Class D amplifiers.

Same problems with speakers manufacturers: sensitivity and nominal impedance. And then some complain that the speakers do not sound as good as many say. Or sell them accompanied by amplifiers that do not have the necessary power to sound with all their splendor.

https://www.cherryamp.com/the-stm-specs

Gain: 22dB

Frequency Response: 0 Hz to >100 kHz

Power Efficiency: 95% !!!!

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c78071_237da81fcb31422689f578a2258787dd.png/v1/fill/w_655,h_541,al_c/c78071_237da81fcb31422689f578a2258787dd.png) (https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c78071_237da81fcb31422689f578a2258787dd.png/v1/fill/w_655,h_541,al_c/c78071_237da81fcb31422689f578a2258787dd.png)

Very good specs.

And thank you very much.
Repeating what I said above:

This thread is for posting reviews, not so much for open discussion.  So....  I'll copy this answer here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=58526.msg1674058#msg1674058

The bottom line answer to your question is placed there.... I ask that further discussion of this topic remain on the other thread, please.  Thanks.
Title: MEGAschino Stereo Amplifier Review in "At Kipnis Studios" – by Jeremy R. Kipnis
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 23 Mar 2018, 06:21 pm
Another outstanding MEGAschino review!
"....most powerful and transparent sounding.... ....succulent, detailed, emotionally and musically dynamic sound quality that certainly could emerge as a contender for a “straight wire with gain” award."

Much more:
http://www.jeremykipnis.com/MEGAschino_Review_-_03_18.html
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: mojave on 23 Mar 2018, 07:32 pm
For the past 8 weeks I've been getting up at 4:50 am and working out for an hour. I get home at 6:20 am and cool down for 20 minutes by listening to my JTR Speakers Noesis 215RT's and King Maraschino's. I love these amps and am currently waiting on 5 channels of MEGAschino's. Jeremy's review has piqued my excitement.

I'll be taking two of my MEGAschino Mono Ultra's to AXPONA (http://www.axpona.com/) next month. They will be in Nirvana C on the 2nd floor. Anyone is welcome to stop by for a listen.
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: KLH007 on 23 Mar 2018, 07:42 pm
Congratulations Tommy on the sensational review of your MEGAchinos! I loved the In-Line Maraschinos you loaned me and I also lamented having to ship them back. Thanks for continuing to research and improve your unique Class D amplifiers.
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: mfsoa on 23 Mar 2018, 11:48 pm
I like this part from the Kipnis review - And he's talking about the Maraaschinos, which are noticeably surpassed by the Mega.

Quote
It’s fair to say that compared to most other amps I had on hand, including audiophile favorites like the Crown Macro Reference (1992 / 650 watts Stereo), Carver Black Magic 20 Monoblocks (2013 / Tube 40 Watts), Mesa Boogie Baron (1996 / Tube Stereo Monoblock 160 Watts), McIntosh MC2102 (Stereo 200 watt Tube), McIntosh MC2301 (Monoblock 400 watt tube), Rogers High Fidelity EHF-100 Mk. 2(2016 Tube Stereo 65 Watts), and Mark Levinson No. 53 (150 Watt Quad Balanced Monoblock), the Golden Cherry Amps were as good as the very best parts of any of those very different brands while distinguishing itself for sounding so honest, direct, captivating, and accurate that they were my go to for both audio production work on my audiophile label, Epiphany Recordings Ltd. and simple pure enjoyment. Countless hours of movies, 4k & HD streaming videos, analog records played on high-end tables (including the ELP analog Laser-based turntable), reel-to-reel master tapes, video games, SACDs and CDs, you name it . . . my first choice for listening became the Golden Cherries!
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: MIKED on 30 Mar 2018, 02:54 pm
I started with the original cherry mono's They were very neutral and musical. The highs sparkled without the negative class-D artifacts.
I then upgraded to the mono ultra's. They were even more musical but with greater punch and authority in the bass.
Now I'm upgrading to the mono Megaschino's and am looking forward to even greater musical enjoyment.
By the way, one of the great attributes of this company is the ability to upgrade when new technology becomes available.
Title: Stereo MEGAschino REVIEW in Enjoy the Music
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 31 Mar 2018, 05:01 pm
"....compared to most other amps I had on hand, including audiophile favorites like the Crown Macro Reference (1992 / 650 watts Stereo), Carver Black Magic 20 Monoblocks (2013 / Tube 40 Watts), Mesa Boogie Baron (1996 / Tube Stereo Monoblock 160 Watts), McIntosh MC2102 (Stereo 200 watt Tube), McIntosh MC2301 (Monoblock 400 watt tube), Rogers High Fidelity EHF-100 Mk. 2(2016 Tube Stereo 65 Watts), and Mark Levinson No. 53 (150 Watt Quad Balanced Monoblock)...."

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0418/Digital_Amplifier_Company_MEGAschino_Stereo_Amplifier_Review.htm
Title: KING (60V) Maraschino Cherry Amplifier REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 25 Apr 2018, 03:54 am
Copied from here since this is where the reviews are gathered:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=151492.msg1620225#msg1620225

----------------

Review;  King 60v Maraschino Cherry Amplifiers          07-11-2017

Hi Folks, My name is Randy.  I'm 66 yrs. old and currently live in N. W. Michigan.
I was into music at an early age.  Having older siblings, the youngest being 8 years my senior, I always remember the 45's spinning and the wonderful sound of males crooning and women singing of broken hearts.  Then their was more,  The Music.  I was in a church going family and my Mom played the church organ for at least 50 yrs.  The singing and music was about all I was really interested in.  Yea, I know, burn in hell for me. (If I'm boring you, please skip to forth paragraph.)
Anyway,  it was rarely the message of the music but the sound that caught my attention .  How all those different voices sounded.  Together or individually.  All those vibrating vocal cords and the accompanying air, tone and texture.  And that organ, it was like, I was water and it's sound just rippled over me.   Then I became a teenager and everything about music spoke directly to me.   The music was about my world or what I thought was my world.  Camping in the back yard with a buddy.   Struggling to get WLS out of Chicago was not always easy but how rewarding.  To hear the newest music way up here in the sticks.  And Dick Biondi, their provocative DJ. 
Then in 1970 I bought my first real stereo.  Where else, Radio Shack.  I had catalogs for both Radio Shack and Lafayette Electronics and would spend hours pouring of the different package deals they both offered.  Watts, frequency response, IMF distortion and all the other specs they published. (certainly now, to me taken with a large grain of salt.)
I didn't know what it all meant except, lower was better here and higher was better there and wider was better somewhere else.  The packaged setup included ,  a 30 or 40 w.p.c., AM/FM receiver, some model of Garrard turntable w/Shure cartridge, Koss plastic headphones (not bad) , and the piece de resistance; walnut speakers w/10 in. woofers, a mid range and I think a dome tweeters.   Speakers had a Lifetime Guarantee!!!  (And I used it.)  This system lasted me almost through Grad School.  The speakers I kept another 10 yrs. Starting back then, music ruled my world and still does.

Wait.  This is supposed to be an amp review.  My audio bio. will have to wait.

The Digital Amplifier Company was completely unknown to me.  I have been looking at ads and reviews of digital amps for the past few years, but never listened to any, except the stock setup in my car.  It always sound good to me.  Anyway, over the years, reviews got better and top shelf  digital amps started getting better and better reviews, but for me to hear them I would have to drive over 3 hours and further, for more auditions.  And I would be listening in their rooms, with their speakers, etc. etc..   
I had come across the reviews in AudioCircle and was very impressed.   I contacted Tommy O`Brien, the chief cook and amp builder at DAC via email and got a very prompt reply.  I really liked that.  Subsequent emails, for the most part, the same deal.  He's very good at talking to you.  Low hype but confidant he makes a first class product.  I read more about the history of DAC and Tommy and just felt, this guy has something here.  This is not, amp here gone tomorrow, stuff.   He's been in business for 20 yrs.  That counts for something.  Plus, he is a hell of a nice guy.  Buy on line with 30 days to check out, fit me just fine.
So, I ordered the King 60v. Maraschino variety.  Then prepared for their arrival.  I got some CD's together and I had just gotten a June offer from Spotify Pro for 3 mos, for .99 cents.  I was more or less quite happy with Spotify's quality via my solid state amps, and started putting together a playlist of 120 some songs.  Many old faves, along with new things I came across.  All with the recording quality and sonics I was looking for.  (no head banging stuff, sorry)
When they arrived I was all ready.  FedEx dropped off two sturdy boxes covered with bright orange fragile labels everywhere.  They where artfully packed in a kind of puzzle of foam sections so everything fit nicely and securely.  Connectors, cables and cords also packed well and of high quality.  Hookup was a piece of cake.
The first few days I let them go with whatever I felt like for music.  I just let them play with no critical listening.  However the very first thing I noticed, without trying, was more meat coming out of my speakers.  And at low to mid volume levels to boot.  Sure I cranked them up but really tried to let them just cook a wile,.  After 48 hrs. or so, I was ready to go.
Now this is for real.  I have pages and pages of notes.  What was going to be a few evenings of really getting into these babies turned into well over a hundred hours of listening and note taking.  SPL readings, various time marks within a song to listen to so you could experience what I was hearing and on and on.  And as you have read,  I do ramble on.  It was way too much.  Trust me. (Who else says that?)

So here's the scoop.   These amps kick ass!  But there is so much more!  Only one other time in my life did a new introduction to my system cause me to want to hear everything I had all over again.  The music was now so real!
 
My Review:

Background,  BLACK! BLACK!    Soundstage, WIDE & ENVELOPING!       Soundstage depth,  Depending on the manor of recording.   VAST!       Musicians and instruments in space,  BEAUTIFULLY  DEFINED! (On many songs Holographic.  I had the impression that I could stand up and walk among the musicians.)     Bass,  TIGHT, FULL, PUNCHY and filled with all that makes up bass notes and all notes,  TONEALITY and TEXTURE!    Piano, Drums, Horns, Vibraphone (wow), Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Cymbals and Voices all had the inner harmonics and air that made their sound breathtaking.
     
Sorry, I have to stop!!!  I am listening to music as I write.   I'm streaming Tidal with some “Easy Jazz” playlist playing in the background and a song by Thelonious Monk, titled “Straight No Chaser” came on and I lost it.  Those instruments where being propelled out of my speakers like I've never heard. (and this was background listening)  The attack on an note had that nice trumpet bite.  It came out of my speakers like the horns themselves where sticking into my room.  The music will suck you in so easily.  I like to hear the richness and detail of all that makes up music.   These amps are dynamic, soulful,  melodic and rich.  All executed in a most reviling musical way.   Music blossoms from my speakers.  And at low sound levels!

OK. Back to the review;   Overall sound,  TEXTURAL!  AIREY!  DYNAMIC!  SENSUAL and ENVELOPING!
You won't believe your hearing your speakers.  Instead some upgraded ones appeared by magic. 
Fit and finish is first class.  I even made up some granite blocks w/spikes to finish them off.
 
I have a new slogan for Tommy and DAC.

BUY A PAIR OF MY AMPS AND GET NEW SPEAKERS FREE !   (I did.  And much more.)

To be completely up front about everything.   I got a bit of a deal on the Maraschino's in exchange for a review.  May be common, I don't know.   However, Tommy didn't know me and to me that took real confidence in his product! 
I never gush,  my fine arts education has taught me to be critical, but there is a lot of me gushing above.  But, trust me, the deal wasn't that great.             The Maraschino's were!
             
As for negative comments, I have them and it's critical that they be addressed.  Picky, picky me.   The blue LED's are too bright.  I think I may be getting retina damage, just kidding.  However I would suggest 50% dimmer. And that's it.     

Streaming experience:   As I said earlier.  The bulk of my listening was via Spotify Pro.   During my second listening session  I became aware of a shrillness in some highs, that at times made me feel uncomfortable.  (I was listening at high SPL's)   I emailed Tommy and he came back with some suggestions.  I stopped using the,  no name, no specs, DAC in my Marantz  AV7701 Pre, and brought in my PS Audio, Nuwave DAC.  Much better.   Highs were much better controlled .  Only rarely being too bright for my ears during high SPL's.  (I don't believe this brightness is the Maraschino's fault as they faithfully reproduce whats fed them.) 

Tommy also said something about streaming services and how they differ.  That made me wonder. 
Was Spotify's  ogg. encoding responsible of the bright highs.  Even though I had a overall terrific listening experience on Spotify, this matter concerned me.  I read up on the Spotify Pro's sound quality and how their material uses the Ogg Vorbis encoded lossy format at 320 kbps.  I don't clam to be any kind of authority on these matters.  However, it appears the correct balance of components is important to the final output of the Stream you are using.   Spotify is quite good.  Your DAC will determine how good it is to you.  The Maraschino's with the Nuwave DAC made it even more musical.  Highs were sweeter and pure.  Poor DAC output can really effect your streaming experience.
So, just for you folks,  I went to Tidal and signed up for their 30 day trial.  I had always been interested in Tidal but only from what I read.  Tidal has superior musicality but at twice the coin. It's lossless offerings at 1.4 Mbps and MQA are attractive considerations indeed.  Just under $20.00 a month. 
The sound was wonderful.  Certainly on par with my BD player.  Spotify was no chump either.  I may stay with them for a wile.
Spotify Pro. at under $10.00 per month could be your best buy or YouTube if you like free.  Just remember,  if crap goes in crap comes out.  The  Maraschinos will reveal system weaknesses.   Let your ears and DAC be your guide.
For those interested, my playlist is available on Spotify.  It's simply called “Test Music” by swedclas.  Also on Tidal, “Test Music 2”.  Give a listen if you like.

Equipment:       D.A.C. King Maraschino Cherry Mono Amps with 60 volt Power Supplies.   Pre Amp,  Marantz  AV7701 in Pure Direct Mode using balanced outs.  Cambridge Audio, CRX, BD player.
PS Audio, Nuwave DAC and Monster Power Center.   Speakers are Mirage 1295is 6 ohm. (bulk of listening) and Martin Logan SL3's, 4 ohm.  My solid state amps were, Nelson Pass designed, ADCOM, GFA 5800 and Emotiva,  XPA-2, Gen 2.  Both mint and maybe soon for sale.   
Cables:   MIT Proline, balanced cables,  Kimber Kable, Hero, unbalanced interconnects,  Kimber, Illuminance coaxial cable,   Kimber, 4VS speaker cable and Monster USB cable. 
System photo soon.

Thanks for reading.

Randy Nielsen
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: rodge827 on 13 Oct 2018, 12:23 am
Here’s a good deal on a STM:

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160156.msg1708953#new

Title: MEGAschino featured in HOME THEATER REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 24 Oct 2018, 03:52 pm
https://hometheaterreview.com/digital-amplifier-company-megaschino-power-amplifier-reviewed/

“....the MEGAschino is definitely the most uncolored power amplifier I've ever heard. That doesn't mean it sounds sterile or lacking in complexity. No, what you get is music--straight, with no chaser, as Thelonious Monk would say.”
-Steven Stone
Home Theater Review
Title: Thoughts on Stereo MEGAschino from Jeremy Kipnis at Kipnis Studios
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 30 Jan 2019, 09:14 pm
This is from Jeremy Kipnis at Kipnis Studios .
He has a demo Cherry MEGAschino Stereo amp and is using it to evaluate various speaker systems.  This came in over text, so pardon the formatting, etc....

"Two jobs pulled me out into the field this week. And when I sit down to put words to text, I’m afraid your amp is SOOOOOOOO good, so sweet and refined, so enveloping and involving ... that i forget about working and just simply LISTEN ... to all the ravishing detail, dynamic authority, Subtle shading of timbre, and intricate brilliance of tone and spatial harmony!

And this ... at all volume levels and from both in front of the speakers and also at the other end of the house: the Cherry MEGAschino amp is in a rarified category almost entirely by itself.

It almost effortlessly expresses the very essence of each and every recording i play through it - allowing for the wonderful opportunity to recline into the sound like a warm and comfortable bed or be propelled quickly and thrust forward at ultra warp speed ... all dependent on the source recordings (and your mood and taste at the moment).

❤️🍒🎶
Love Cherry Music 🎼

But Mega is at the heart of all the great sound being produced

It is a testament to your design and execution that even the smallest variation in Source component and play back material is completely audible"

Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Triode Pete on 30 Jan 2019, 09:44 pm
Congrats, Tommy!
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Samoyed on 30 Jan 2019, 10:05 pm
How much lead time do you need to build AND deliver a Megachino stereo amp?  Please be as accurate as possible. Thanks
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 30 Jan 2019, 11:37 pm
How much lead time do you need to build AND deliver a Megachino stereo amp?  Please be as accurate as possible. Thanks
It varies week by week, depending on materials, but we have a few Stereo MEGA demos that can be shipped in less than a week.  All of our demos are fully re-tested and repackaged.  New MEGAs typically take 2 weeks from order to shipment.  Or....  If you're willing to wait, a super low price is available here (includes the new MEGA MK2, DAC DACs, and more):
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/378044010/cherry-mini-megaschino-tm-high-performance-stereo
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 6 Feb 2019, 07:18 pm
Congrats, Tommy!
Thanks, Pete!
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: markn on 12 Feb 2019, 03:12 am
I have just joined the club,  got a pair of red DTM amps, with 30V supplies.

Wow, I really am amazed, I replaced a highly regarded digital amp, with the latest modules....

The clarity and speed of these cute little amps, is amazing.

Looking at power supply upgrades!!
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 15 Feb 2019, 04:39 am
I have just joined the club,  got a pair of red DTM amps, with 30V supplies.

Wow, I really am amazed, I replaced a highly regarded digital amp, with the latest modules....

The clarity and speed of these cute little amps, is amazing.

Looking at power supply upgrades!!
Welcome!  We are honored to be a part of your audio system.

-Tommy O
Title: Golden Cherry Monoblocks CUSTOMER REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 5 Mar 2019, 03:30 pm
Wonderfully written review of Golden Cherry Amps:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=162775.0

"What I am hearing is jaw dropping so far: lots of detail, SET richness, and no fatigue...."
Title: Mag 1.7i and KSTM
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 8 Mar 2019, 05:37 pm
New thread about Magnepan 1.7i speakers driven by a KING Stereo Maraschino:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=162889.0

Anyone have a similar experience they'd like to add to this thread?
Title: STM and KING Maraschino Monos multi-REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 23 Mar 2019, 09:25 pm
Wonderful and detailed review of STM *AND* KING Maraschinos, at multiple drive voltages as well:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160564.msg1734715#msg1734715

"....There is a bit more "ease" and focus generally, with the STM being perhaps 90% of the Kings in that range...."
Title: Re: Maraschino and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: mfsoa on 4 May 2019, 08:53 pm
Review from The Audio Purist:

Another rave.  :thumb:


https://www.audiopursuit.com/2019/03/cherry-amplifier-maraschino-desktop.html (https://www.audiopursuit.com/2019/03/cherry-amplifier-maraschino-desktop.html)
Title: 2-CHerry “pre-REVIEW”
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 21 May 2019, 01:52 pm
First impressions of our new 2-CHerry amp!

Check it out:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=163954.0

“....swapped in the 2Cherry and Holy Cow…all of a sudden the music was much more alive…not in the in your face type alive but with clarity and immediacy.”
Title: Jeremy Kipnis Interview and Review of Golden Cherry Maraschino Monoblocks
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 24 May 2019, 08:20 pm
Here's Part 1:
https://positive-feedback.com/interviews/tommy-obrien-digital-amplifier-co/

Here's Part 2:
http://www.jeremykipnis.com/Golden_Cherry_Review_-_07_18.html

Title: Re: Jeremy Kipnis Interview and Review of Golden Cherry Maraschino Monoblocks
Post by: audio.bill on 24 May 2019, 10:27 pm
Here's Part 1:
https://positive-feedback.com/interviews/tommy-obrien-digital-amplifier-co/

Here's Part 2:
http://www.jeremykipnis.com/Golden_Cherry_Review_-_07_18.html
Thanks very much.. I can now read the sequel!  :thumb:
Title: MEGAschino Stereo MK2 REVIEW in process
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 9 Jun 2019, 08:20 pm
Some initial thoughts from a reviewer that is just getting started with a MK2 Cherry MEGA....

"I only had an hour tonight and wanted to just use it like this for now. The amp is so quiet I can hear the noise of the processor through it. That’s all I hear. First time I’ve ever had that be true.

It sounds great. ....what I’m hearing is pretty spectacular. The noise floor has clearly dropped from what I’ve heard and that seems to have made a bigger difference with music that has a lot of quiet pauses. Those quiet moments stand out more now.

The amp is crazy dynamic. This much power connected to the JTR’s gives limitless dynamics which makes it all sound effortless. Compared to the Yamaha amp I had used just before this, it’s clearly more powerful. Similar to my Acurus but a lot quieter.

The soundstage is really good. I can’t say for sure it’s the amp, other than channel separation, phase match, and level match, I can’t imagine what would impact the staging. But...I had been struggling with the JTR’s in my room. I had heard them before and loved the staging, but in my room it wasn’t coming together. I thought maybe I was too close for their size. So either all my futzing to get the toe angle right paid off or your amps are doing something better. Everything hangs between the speakers in a much more natural way now.

I also had another class D amplifier hooked up earlier and thought it sounded a bit edgy/spitty. I had read that it had a pretty nasty response up high due to its reactive interaction with the amp output filter. Your amp sounds smooth, just like any class AB amp I’ve used.

The idea that there is such a massively powerful amp sitting in a 2-3u chassis and weighing a manageable amount is nuts. I know that is what Class D allows, but I’m so used to amps of this power being either pro with noisy fans and poor sound or weighing 500lbs."


- Matthew J Poes / AV Nirvana
Title: MEGAschino Stereo MK2 pre-review by Jeremy Kipnis
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 12 Jun 2019, 05:14 pm
Once in a great while, you are lucky enough to be present when great technological and artistic leaps are made. Given the sheer number of people on this planet, and this still relatively small number who are interested in a high-end audio these days, it is a wonder anyone can come up with a new twist on an old mechanism. The mechanism I speak of in our stereo systems is the amplifier: ultimately the centerpoint through which and because of which we hear our music properly amplified.

I have spent countless years of my life listening to great music through a variety of different speakers and often in a variety of different acoustic environments. The repeating factor in the stereo phonic experience that excites me the most is the illusion of being transported into the recording and to the very event I am listening to. Amplifiers are supposed to amplify, but frequently are accused of various amazing sounding qualities which have come from the design brilliance by certain ubiquitous names. You no doubt have your favorite or favorites, and I will not re-list them here.

Suffice it to say, even the best of these fine examples of the past 40 years can be found in retrospect and new auditioning to feature certain qualities that no doubt make them legendary. Nonetheless these are sonic attributes of the amplification design and process which nevertheless color the sound. Coloration is not necessarily a bad thing if it is from a musical instrument itself. But in the reproduction chain, and particularly in the Audiophile stereo phonic playback systems that I balance and create for my recording and playback enjoyment, it is critical to have as colorless a group of components making this sound as possible.

In the last decade, analog designs have become replaced by digital; and these often are told it as having greater efficiency, less distortion, and ultimately less coloration or sound personality of their own. This of course is not necessarily true, and there are only a small handful of current digital amplifiers that meet my exacting criteria: limitless power, no apparent personality or distortion characteristics, totally 100% reliable, and upgradable as funding and desire dictate. Which brings me to Tommy O’Brien‘s latest cherry Amplifier: the MEGAschino MK2 - a noticeable improvement in all areas from the MEGAschino MK1, and the Golden Cherry, both of which I have written extensive reviews of in the past several years. Now I can actually add Tommy‘s name to the long list of historic Grandaddys of amplification circuit design and production.

I know I know, so what does it sound like and why is it worth the money? Well, simply put… Once everything is hooked up and in place with your favorite set of speakers and sources, and you’re playing music that you enjoy, it will be like you are listening to everything for the very first time! This might sound hyperbolic, and I do not like making grand statements lately. But there is no doubt after extensive listening to both the MK1 and the new MK1 - for almost half a year, that you are going to have a hard time finding a better choice for amplifying music, video games, HomeTheater, and streaming whatever you wanted given a good choice of speakers set up appropriately, and hooked up to this amplifier!

Treasured favorites from the Austin powers soundtrack series including Quincy Jones is Soul Bossa Nova James Taylor quartets Austin‘s theme, and the ever present George S Clinton orchestral background score all sound significantly more alive and closer to the original master recordings than I have ever heard them before. Lenny Kravitz, The Who, Madonna, even the Monkeys and the Bangles have never sounded better because every little detail, the slightest new ones, and dynamic shading both large and small are revealed through Tommy’s latest design in a manner that is utterly captivating and convincing.

Great music from steely Dan everything must go along with the sweet sounds of Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Dizzy Gillespie as featured in Ken Burns jazz [collection] will rock your boat as your feet tap and your head bobs back-and-forth like you were there live with these great great artists. Even if you are listening for background enjoyment, and the music is not necessarily turned up to it’s very loudest, you will enjoy the sudden apprehension of infinitely more qualities of being live with the musicians in the room with you then you have likely discovered while listening before. The sheer level of enjoyment that I have had while listening through Tommy‘s latest MEGAschino MK2 digital Amplifier, where digital is not a word to be understood as ones and zeros but instead repeated accuracy of reproduction with no concern whatsoever by the listener.

Given the choice between other Amplifiers both old and new that are in my grasp but as a review were to place into a number of systems at any time, I must conclude that Tommy’s is my first choice now as it has been for the past half year when it comes to listening enjoyment, Musical integrity, and holographic presentation of an enormous size and scale. It is no exaggeration to say that each and every program material I have watched on Netflix, Amazon prime, Hulu, VUDU, and even YouTube, has its own special sonic character and this is easily heard in an average evening of programming.

It is my pleasure to recommend Cherry MEGA MK2 in its many different configurations, each of which is suitable for some of the widest variety of speakers possible from conventional dynamics, electrostatics, ribbons, bookshelf, surround sound, and even whole house audio systems. When you’ve got an amplifier that is clearly designed both to function as conceived and also to sound sweet, realistic, Full of texture, and rich and powerful dynamics, it’s difficult to go looking anywhere else. And I urge you to contact him with your system configuration and speakers for his recommendation of the perfect companion for your listening enjoyment.

Jeremy Kipnis / Enjoy the Music

More about Jeremy:
Jeremy R. Kipnis is a Producer, Director, Tonmeister, and Impresario. His heritage includes four generations of musicians and conductors. Working for various record companies, including Columbia, RCA, Nonesuch, Decca, Chesky, and his own label, Epiphany Recordings Ltd, he has been responsible for more than 450 award winning albums, LPs, and compact discs. His passion for photography led him to study briefly with Ansel Adams and Yousuf Karsh. And his love for movies and television led him to design and create the Ultimate Home Cinema in the world, known variously as the $6 Million Kipnis Studio Standard (KSS)™. In addition to creating new cutting edge ultra immersive audio & video suites, Kipnis researches and reports on many topics in his three monthly columns, as seen in The High Fidelity Report, Widescreen Review, and Positive Feedback magazines.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: RonN5 on 14 Jun 2019, 03:00 pm
I’ve enjoyed this thread because it’s helped me to reflect on my own audio journey.  I suspect that for most of us, this hobby involves a search for our own ultimate sound.  Often times  the uncertainty of how a piece of gear will sound in our own system holds us back from giving it a try.

This thread originated five years ago and may help clear up the uncertainty for anyone considering a new amp.  Both professional reviewers as well as everyday audiophiles with a wide assortment of well-respected gear that includes names like Decware, NAD, Line Magnetic, Vinni Rossi, Golden Ear, Omega, Spatial Audio, Ohm Audio, Manepan, Salk and Martin Logan (and many more) have put various Cherry amplifiers into their system and concluded the same thing…that their systems now sounded more alive, more clear, more detailed and more like the ultimate sound (my words) that they were searching for.

From my perspective, all of these observations from such a wide variety of people with such different systems are a powerful endorsement and make it pretty clear that Cherry amps not only work very well with a wide assortment of gear but help to bring out the best sound possible.
Title: KING Stereo Maraschino Unboxing Video by Youthman Reviews
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 14 Jun 2019, 04:08 pm
Part 1:
https://youtu.be/Ucju4sM9osU

Part 2 will probably take a while, so you might want to subscribe to Youthman and click the notification bell.  Thanks for taking a look!
Title: "Best Sounding Amps Tested Under $3k"
Post by: RonN5 on 7 Jul 2019, 02:45 pm
Clayton Shaw posted this on his Spatial Audio page:

I have had a pair of the Cherry Desktop amps in listening room No. 2 for several months now and I have been very impressed. They are the best sounding amps we have tested under $3000. I would not have guessed they were Class D. I think it is high time we drop the emphasis on the class of amp circuit, as the lines are becoming blurred by many different and good sounding approaches. Tommy definitely has something special with his design as others have noted. They certainly mate with my speaker designs exceptionally well.

Clayton
www.spatialaudio.us
Title: Re: "Best Sounding Amps Tested Under $3k"
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 7 Jul 2019, 09:54 pm
Clayton Shaw posted this on his Spatial Audio page:

I have had a pair of the Cherry Desktop amps in listening room No. 2 for several months now and I have been very impressed. They are the best sounding amps we have tested under $3000. I would not have guessed they were Class D. I think it is high time we drop the emphasis on the class of amp circuit, as the lines are becoming blurred by many different and good sounding approaches. Tommy definitely has something special with his design as others have noted. They certainly mate with my speaker designs exceptionally well.

Clayton
www.spatialaudio.us

Thanks, Ron!  Here's the post link:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=164229.msg1750179#msg1750179
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 15 Jul 2019, 03:08 pm
2-CHerry review by RonN5:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=164693.0

"For me the implications are that if you want your home audio system to sound more like live music then you might want to stop looking for liquidity, dimensionality, detail, and low end or at least prioritize components that can deliver clarity, tonal accuracy and dynamics.  The 2Cherry is at the top of the class in this department."
Title: Brief thoughts on 5-CHerry
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 16 Jul 2019, 09:02 pm
"I am still blown away by the audio quality of your amp. It surpasses everything I expected from it....playing it with the JTR 212RT speakers in full range...."

Jerry S, Illinois USA
Title: 48V STM driving Zu Omen mk2 (DW+)
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 17 Jul 2019, 05:09 pm
"....the synergy with the Dirty Weekends is SPECTACULAR. Like I have said, I have gone through many amps over the past almost two years, since owning the Dirty Weekends and the STM is a game ending amp for my two channel system...."

"With this STM, my ZU's jumped to life! Like they were supercharged or on steroids. And it's just not dynamics an sheer impact. The minute details and resolution I am getting with this amp is stunning me. I was listening yesterday to songs I thought I knew well, and was like what was that? Remix? New instrument in the song I have never heard before?"


https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154805.msg1751508#msg1751508
Title: 2-cherry
Post by: xbluex on 2 Aug 2019, 10:56 am
I received my 2-Cherry many weeks ago and upon feeling the well packed box (it was light)  I thought "Oh-oh"..."There is no way this little box will make me grin." But once everything was connected to my Martin Logan Motion 40's and Benchmark USB DAC1 and I hit play off of some favorite saved Tidal tracks spanning from jazz to blues to electronica, there I was grinning ear to ear saying "Oh-oh" again. These things sing and allow music to come alive! There’s a responsive low end and an impressive spacial ‘image’, especially in the upper ranges. The upper end is very crisp and yet natural – not at all harsh. The dynamics are better than I have heard from any amp I’ve been able to either own or play around with. I admit that I don't understand all of the audiophile terms used today just as I don't understand the terminologies used to describe wines or craft beers. I just know what I like and I am absolutely stunned at what this little amp can do. In cooler months, I like to enjoy a tube amplifier for some music, but I am not missing the power hungry and room broiling tubes at all right now even if we were having nice and cool weather because this amp has been impressing me non-stop since it arrived. I will likely contradict myself again by summing it up by stating, the Two-Cherry is transparent yet musical at the same time. It just sounds great no matter what its cranking out! One day I hope to have the pleasure of listening through the Maraschino's.
Title: Re: 2-cherry
Post by: AvsFan on 2 Aug 2019, 03:10 pm
I received my 2-Cherry many weeks ago and upon feeling the well packed box (it was light)  I thought "Oh-oh"..."There is no way this little box will make me grin." But once everything was connected to my Martin Logan Motion 40's and Benchmark USB DAC1 and I hit play off of some favorite saved Tidal tracks spanning from jazz to blues to electronica, there I was grinning ear to ear saying "Oh-oh" again. These things sing and allow music to come alive! There’s a responsive low end and an impressive spacial ‘image’, especially in the upper ranges. The upper end is very crisp and yet natural – not at all harsh. The dynamics are better than I have heard from any amp I’ve been able to either own or play around with. I admit that I don't understand all of the audiophile terms used today just as I don't understand the terminologies used to describe wines or craft beers. I just know what I like and I am absolutely stunned at what this little amp can do. In cooler months, I like to enjoy a tube amplifier for some music, but I am not missing the power hungry and room broiling tubes at all right now even if we were having nice and cool weather because this amp has been impressing me non-stop since it arrived. I will likely contradict myself again by summing it up by stating, the Two-Cherry is transparent yet musical at the same time. It just sounds great no matter what its cranking out! One day I hope to have the pleasure of listening through the Maraschino's.

Another happy DAC owner! Nice! I have had my Stereo Maraschino and DAC DAC HS1 for a few weeks myself. And even though Tommy had me expecting big things with his equipment, when I got the packaage and new there was a DAC, an amp and power supply in there, I was like this is light. And then when I opened it and took out the amp and DAC, once again, due to the size and weight, was like this isn't going to make full, beautiful, lush music with any authority or weight. It's just human nature to think that way. The amp is tiny and weighs nothing. And when compared to some of the 50lb behemoth Class A/B amps I have owned, well I was in the camp of size and weight=quality and brute power. So when I finally got everything hooked up and had some familiar and demanding music playing, I was shocked with the weight and authority of the sound. I couldn't believe all of that music was coming out of that tiny box. I have VERY easy to drive and efficient ZU Audio Omen Dirty Weekends, so a lot of amps sound good with them, but this is the first time I have ever heard them play with this kind of authority. The bass, well it's well defined fast and tight and it controls the 10 inch drivers in a way no other amp has. With the other amps I have used, it sounded like a signal was sent to the speaker and the ZU's took over from there and did what they wanted, not the case with the STM. It controls the ZU's and tells them what they are going to do. In other words it's got a firm control and handling of these speakers. It's not just the power and authority but the rich and organic sound quality I am hearing is beautiful. Very detailed and resolving but not etched or bright or digital sounding. Very smooth. I am starting to write a book here and have to get back to work. But in the near future, I plan on doing a thorough review. I am going to wait until I get the 60v power supply though, as I am running the 48v one now.

But glad to see another satisfied DAC owner! Tommy has worked some magic with these electronics!   
Title: Cherry Stereo Maraschino 2ch Amplifier VIDEO Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 8 Aug 2019, 09:29 pm
More than 2000 views in 4 days!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=920S0TYJ_AU

Here's Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ucju4sM9osU&t=7s
Title: Re: Cherry Stereo Maraschino 2ch Amplifier VIDEO Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 15 Oct 2019, 03:25 pm
More than 2000 views in 4 days!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=920S0TYJ_AU

Here's Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ucju4sM9osU&t=7s

A review of the STM (Stereo Maraschino) was in the comments:
"I have been waiting patiently for your feedback after a couple of months and finally got it! And if you remember my post in your unboxing video, I was close to pulling the trigger. Well after a few emails and phone conversations with Tommy, I pulled the trigger. Not only on the STM but his DAC DAC HS1 as well. And boy, I am sure happy that I took that leap of faith. The music, the absolute pure music coming from this small compact system is superb! Jaw dropping actually. Everything, and I mean everything you said was spot on. I have owned mine now for a little over a month. I initially got it to pair with my new Magnepan LRS’s but tried out my ZU Audio Omen Dirty Weekends with it and I was blown away. With my ZU’s, I felt a lot like you do with your Klipsch’s, with all the systems I have had the ZU’s hooked up to, they sounded great at all volume levels but they sounded beat when turned up. The ZU’s can play loud with 0 distortion, they love to get up there in higher db’s. And man do they ever do that with the STM. But what really struck me is I was up early one weekend, everyone else in the house was asleep so I listened at low levels and couldn’t believe what I heard and how much I enjoyed the music even at low levels. All the dynamics were still there and the resolution and details I was hearing in my music, well I haven’t heard that before. Like you said, the STM, it gets out of the way and let’s all the minor details and nuances in music shine right through. It’s musical, organic and just rich. Lush and rich, the low level musical foundation in the bass region is just perfect. I myself plan to do an in depth review on bot AudioKarma and AudioCircle. I just wanted to give myself time to digest everything I am hearing. Not jump the gun. Plus I have the 48v Version, Tommy is sending me the 60v version soon. So I really want to compare and review both power supplies. But saying I’m impressed is an understatement. And because of the size and weight, people dismiss the STM as a lightweight Class D digital amp, and they can get a digital amp off of Amazon for $100. But if it were huge 50lb mono block amps, people would say $1200 and $1700 is a great value. Well I am in the camp of $1200 for the sound I am getting is a great value. I have heard two channel amps that cost twice the price of the STM that didn’t sound nearly as good. So don’t judge this amp by it’s diminutive size and weight and brush it off. Because it’s sound is surely not diminutive."

-Jeff Adams
Title: Re: Cherry Stereo Maraschino 2ch Amplifier VIDEO Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 15 Oct 2019, 03:29 pm
More than 2000 views in 4 days!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=920S0TYJ_AU

Here's Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ucju4sM9osU&t=7s

A Maraschino Monoblock review was in the comments:
"I have had the Maraschino mono block amps going on for two years now. Prior to that I have owned numerous tube amps and a couple of pretty decent solid state amps too. The Maraschino’s are hands down easily the most musical tone rich amps I have heard. There isn’t a trace hardness or coloration. Details are nuanced without emphasis or stridency. The sound is immediate, natural and perfectly balanced. They can drive difficult loads without issue and they always remain cool no matter how loud and long you listen. I still shake my head and smile every time I listen.

Prior to the Maraschino’s I was a Class D skeptic, but a couple of friends said I need to check these out. I remember unpacking them and thinking what a joke! Chances are you will too, especially if you try the inline version which literally can hang from the back of your speaker terminals. No kidding, you have to see it to believe it! However expectations about how big and heavy an amplifier should be notwithstanding, once I had plugged them in and started playing music these small light weight devices caused my speakers to sing like they never sang before. It was an epiphany and a turning point in my 45 year long quest to attain the best possible sound quality."

-Joe Schlabotnick
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 15 Oct 2019, 05:18 pm
I received this message over the weekend:

Tommy,

         Hello sir!! If you have forgotten, I am the guy stationed here in Saudi Arabia one in which you took the time to coach, teach and work with in regards to purchasing one of your amplifiers ( Mega...).

       Tommy at first I was fraught with concern if I had made the right purchase or wasted time and money on more online hype. And I’m here to say from first listen, first note, to the last song I listened to before returning here again, I really lack the words to convey just how thoroughly happy I am in my decision to do business with you. I understand that you’re busy, but I had to let you know that I now belong to DAC, nothing else will do. And here’s the beauty of it all, and I hope you don’t mind, but I had mentioned I am in need of a preamp worthy of mating with my Cherry, so while I was cruising Audiogon in search thereof, came across a STM for sale, one in which I’m awaiting its arrival here as I write this. I’m totally in love with the work of your hands, and I look forward to your assisting me with a purchase of one of your DAC DACs. So once funds are in order I will be contacting you again. I truly wish you had preamps to choose from, but that’s just my personal desire. Tommy thank you so very much, I truly believe I could not have purchased anything better or anything that would bring me to smile like I did within the many moments spent listing to the best there is, Cherry amplifiers. God Bless!!!

Truly in Awe,
James F
Title: Great ILM review !! -- Driving Revel M20s
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 18 Oct 2019, 02:39 am
"I just want to say that I love the ILMs I got off of a friend. They are truly amazing sounding to me. The detail, airiness, extended highs, bass slam is exceptional. I have them hanging off the back of my Revel M20s.

Thanks for such a neat little amp 8^).

Finest kind,
Chris"


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=199769)
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 14 Jan 2020, 12:26 am
Although not considered a "full review", we get messages frequently from customers telling us how they love their Cherry Amps or DACs!

One such email came in a few days ago, and the message was simply....
Subject: 2-CHerry
Message: Loving it !!!!


We love receiving messages like these!  Makes all the hard work feel very fulfilling.

Sometimes we are just too busy to do all the things we want aside from building and shipping orders.  One of those things we sometimes don't get around to is asking for permission to post such comments.  Most come from emails, some from texts, and once in a while, a customer will post on Audio Circle directly.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: M41A on 27 Jan 2020, 01:49 am
I bought the MEGAschino monos about 2 months ago and thought I would add my $0.02.
The first question everyone has is "how does it sound"?. The following is my opinion of the MEGAschino.
I can best describe the sound of each of the amps I own in terms of water.
The SET is like fruit infused water, very tasty and changing tubes changes the flavor.
The CLASS A is like my favorite bottled water refreshing but it has it's own unique a taste that's not found in the other brands.
The MEGAschino is distilled water (ultra pure is the live experience), no taste ie no flavor to disguise upstream or downstream problems.

So now I will talk about my MEGAs experience.
I had planned to write a review of the amp on AudioCircle a month ago. I now realize it would have been a review of what I had before the MEGAs.
I know over the past few years I have purchase cable, tubes and other equipment to complement what I already had. Trying to drop the MEGAs in a spot 5 years in the making for another amp and writing a review made no sense at all.
When I moved from my SET amps to the class A SS I knew and accepted the fact that system changes had to be made, speakers, cable AND some aural adjustment. I knew there was a difference between tubes and SS.
I now KNOW I made a mistake thinking I could evaluate the MEGAs by simply replacing my class A amps. I have spent nearly everyday of the last 2 months trying to reach the sound quality limits of the amps. Yesterday I made a couple of tweaks to my CD player and the music was so moving I got up and shut it off. Today I listened again but this time to OLD RE-RE-recorded stuff (Brasil 66) and my brain could not process all the new detail I heard so I shut it off again.
This journey has convinced me that the MEGAs does not hold it's place at the very highest level because the "drop-in" review is totally inadequate, you only hear problems everywhere else in your system. In my case I found issues with my CD player, it needed a real PC and better isolation.
My advice for a new Cherry buyer is, buying a Cherry amp is like buying a villa on the French Rivera and furnishing it with stuff from your lake house, it works but it deserves better.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Shear Bliss VMPS on 28 Jan 2020, 08:43 pm
Loving my beautiful red Megaschino MKII amp!
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: RonN5 on 29 Jan 2020, 03:03 pm
M41 said "My advice for a new Cherry buyer is, buying a Cherry amp is like buying a villa on the French Rivera and furnishing it with stuff from your lake house, it works but it deserves better".

My concern with this statement is that some may read it as "yes, the Cherry amp is great, but it will make you frustrated with the rest of your system".

Au Contraire....After a few weeks of having a Cherry amp in your system, it is likely that you will just shake your head, smile and think to yourself..."I just can't believe how good my system sounds".

And if, later on, you decide to try a different source or a different dac or different speakers, you will know that your system already sounds really good so any other changes that result in additional smiles will be easily discernible. 

Do not think of a Cherry amp as something that will cause you frustration with the rest of your system but as something that will enhance what you have and make it sound much better.

After almost 9 months with a 2Cherry in my system, I am still shocked by how good it sounds.  Will I make changes to my system in the months to come?  Probably, because trying new stuff can be fun too...but not because I'm unhappy with my current system...it's never sounded better....and the 2Cherry is staying!
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: jonbee on 29 Jan 2020, 03:20 pm
 I've had 3 cherry amps in my 3 systems and adding them always was a net plus. They never made anything sound worse.
It did encourage me to look at other components because I had greater visibility on their contributions to the performance.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: M41A on 30 Jan 2020, 03:42 am
RonN5, My Von Schweikert VR5 Ann. MKII  are revealing the Megas have more to tell me so I will continue my quest to find the "no change" point.
I believe that even at $+13K the Megas are a steal, they certainly humbled my +180LB (12year old) class A amps. That is a feat no other amp has done in 12 years and I have been active looking.
In our hobby we each have to decide when good is good enough.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 6 Feb 2020, 01:12 pm
We just received a nice compliment....

"....Your amps and the Dac Dac i HS are incredible by the way. I've been at this hobby for almost 2 decades and have had more overpriced gear in than I care to remember. The only thing I will need is a preamp to be ale to control other sources. Do you guys sell a preamp? If not, recommendations are welcome. Thanks,"

David S
Atlanta GA


So, any preamp suggestions?  Here is a list of threads with comments about preamps:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=155183.msg1661482#msg1661482
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Wind Chaser on 6 Feb 2020, 04:40 pm
So, any preamp suggestions?

Sumoking can’t say enough about passive preamps.  :wink:

Perhaps this is an area DAC can consider - a high quality dual mono passive pre with balanced and single ended ins and outs that can be independently selected so that only one set of outputs can be selected at a time. This would allow a person to listen to headphones (via separate headphone amp) without the power amps feeding the speakers.

And speaking of a headphone amp, how about one capable of driving two sets of headphones with independent VCs?  :D
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 11 Feb 2020, 07:21 am
Received a nice compliment yesterday:

“Found a 60v Maraschino....  I did not think anything could outperform the 4800a-was I wrong.  Amazing little amp.”

Jerry M
Redding CA
Title: Throwback Review -- from 2006!
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 12 Feb 2020, 04:42 am
DAC 4800-A STEREO AMPLIFIER
July 2006

The amplifier itself is a straightforward design using patented switching amp modules featuring CLDjam, a closed loop design. (See their web for full description). It is equipped with an on/off switch, 15A breaker, xlr input, binding posts and removable IEC plug on the rear of the unit. The AC plug is terminated directly on the PCB board. Inside everything is neat and well laid out with a 750v torroidal transformer (a 1500v is now offered as an upgrade). The amp has thermal, shorted, voltage and over current protection, which are indicated on the front of the unit with led’s for each channel. Between them a standby / operate switch.
   This review was conducted in a minimalist system being fed by a Resolution Audio cd55 player with analogue volume control, thru VandenHul the second carbon fiber interconnects to the amplifier and finally to diy 8’ axon cables feeding the custom made monitors using the same Seas aluminum mid woofer as Joseph Audio RM 7’s, an excel tweeter and the crossover design by Dennis Murphy and 1.5” thick, braced walls on heavy 24”steel stands.
The DAC is rated at 350w into 8ohms and almost 700w at 4ohms.The speakers are 87db efficient and are 6ohm nominal. The DAC is a very powerful, yet efficient (97%), amplifier and will play very low notes, below 20z, with authority, detail and a vise like grip on the woofer. The treble never sounds strident, on all but the worst recordings.  It’s sonic signature is a natural sounding timbre, very detailed, both micro and macro, with excellent speed, pace and rhythm. The decay is very believable, while the attack and dynamics have to be heard, to be believed! Its sound lies somewhere in between solid state and tube amplification.

Rob Wasserman’s Duets “Angel Eyes” is a great piece to test the dynamic capability of amplifier/speaker. The plucked notes are very detailed and clear, with a woody quality. Cheryl Bentyne’s voice has been captured with extreme dynamics. The DAC presents this with incredible force without giving up any of the hall reverb effects and various cues from the plucked bass, or sounding stressed.
Ani Difranco’s steely sounding guitar in “Garden of Simple” has crisp transients with great decay, while “So What” has a very deep, detailed and punchy bass line.
Ben Harpers “Fight for your mind” title song, as well as “Burn one down” portrays the drums with excellent speed and timbre. Impressive!
The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies has some subsonic background noise, which requires a powerful but detailed amplifier to create the proper balance of foundation for Margo Timmins solo in “Mining for gold”. When the second track fades in you can really notice the absence of background noise and the musical canvas once again becomes totally black and silent.
Patricia Barbers Modern Cool has a variety of well-recorded music. The “Company” song at 2:45 offers an incredible drum solo. The DAC makes this song very exciting with incredible speed and dynamics. But his doesn’t come at the cost of accurate timbre. Rather a believable and crystal clear window of the original event is presented.
Is the DAC 4800-A for you? While the amp does not posses that warm, liquid, syrupy sound of a single ended triode, it is similar to an ultra linear tube design in sound. It also does not sound like typical transistor output devices. Its strengths are in delicate, detailed sound with lots of punch and authority. From top to bottom, I am not aware of any tube amp that can compete with the bass authority of the DAC at double the cost. The sound stage and imaging are good, but for the ultimate, will benefit by the aid of a tube, somewhere in the chain. I am presently pursuing this with a tube preamp or tube buffer and passive volume. A little more depth and width are always welcome. If you need the power, at $1499.00us, this amp must be considered a bargain. The build is a little utilitarian. Solid to be sure. It looks like a workhorse, but the minute you listen to it, you realize it is a magnificent show horse.

Gary Trautmann
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: ealtan on 13 Feb 2020, 05:32 pm
STM King review:

My sources: Macbook pro running Tidal, firewire connected to TC electronic audio interface, Teac TN-300 turntable with Behringer src2496 ad converter, all connected to Music Hall cdac 15.3, that connected to Behringer deq2496 and that to Holo Audio Cyan.(all digital connected)
My speakers Audio Nirvana 10" Alnico with a cabinet I designed and KEF LS 50 for nearfield monitoring.

I reviewed STM King and after 300 hours, changing my dac, changing all power cables, and with final deq adjustment, I'm so much satisfied now, that I can not write anything detailed or comparing, without trashing my previous equipments...
I have also the previous room correction measurements and they are also the proof of my thoughts... That's why I'm not writing my real detailed review before selling my previous amplifier and dac.
 
But I have few words:
 
I'm using Holo Audio Cyan dac now. After 200 hours burn in (yes it took that much) and changing it's stock power cable to Pangea 14 awg, and putting a new Supra Lorad mkii power cable with Sonar Quest euro plug in Cherry STM, the overall sound is more than satisfying.
 
I believed in burn in process in speakers and a little possibility in electronics as well but power cables??? they can make changes???  but they did. Especially not using the 115V to 230V adapters... 
In that period I didn't like the overall sound very much and never made a critical listening more than 10 minutes, not to adjust my ears... but I measured it. That's why I had to re-equalize the room response again and again. (I did it 3 times) after the burn-in process and cables changed, the sound has less db bumps and spikes. Not my ear but the mic detected near to 3 db corrections in 25hz - 35 hz area and 17khz - 20 khz area. And that affected the sound in a very weird, positive way. Now there is less bumps and spikes to equilize in my hearing area...that means less deq corrections, less interference, the better the overall sound...
 
Your STM made my speakers sing. I knew they were very detailed but not this much!
 
I haven't heard anything more detailed and smooth and fast at the same time, not only it's price range, but 3x price range! The air between instruments is more than I can describe. But the detail in mid-section, that was the real surprise for me, something I never expected...
 
It got very good friends with Holo Cyan Dac. (In Nos mode)
The connection is made with Mogami XLR balanced cable. (I liked it very much) Together with STM King; they especially make string instruments (cello, violin) become alive! (I can easily say without any hesitation; I haven't heard any partners better in this department) I play violin and the sound literally made me cry... A few times...
 
I prefer the total sound with all of my equipment more than 25.000 dollar ATC SCM 100 Actives with Bluesound node 2 streaming Tidal. Yes they are still better in detail department (just by hair) but not in fluidity and organic tonality... not in musicality. Instrument separation was very good in that system (the best I've heard up to now) but I have more stage deepness. More 3D...
 
The only system I liked very much and bested (according to what i remember, what's left in my mind) is Opera Consonance m15 se with a tube McIntosh pre - power amps and Linn Turntable as a source (in a acoustically treated room), which are much, much more than 25.000 dollars. And I feel I'm getting really close...
 
So as a conclusion; your amp is a success. If people were given a listening opportunity in a very good demo room, with very good speakers, with a more fancy look, and 2 inputs at the back, and a remote volume and selection control, I wouldn't be surprised if it's sold for 3000 - 3500 dollars. (Even I like the looks, and find it much more nice looking than the pictures, people expect more for that amount of money)
 
The only 2 problems I have is; a remote control (which I handled with Holo Cyan, so that's no problem anymore) and it gets too hot.(for a class d amp)

That's all for now,
Enjoy

 
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Wind Chaser on 13 Feb 2020, 05:51 pm
...it gets too hot.(for a class d amp)

How hot would that be?
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: ealtan on 15 Feb 2020, 07:58 pm
How hot would that be?
You can not touch it with your bare hands more than 2, 3 seconds after 3 hours listening...
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 16 Feb 2020, 12:27 am
You can not touch it with your bare hands more than 2, 3 seconds after 3 hours listening...
The MK2 version runs significantly cooler.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: ealtan on 16 Feb 2020, 08:44 pm
The MK2 version runs significantly cooler.
How can i make mine Mk2? Is it something that i can make without sending to US?
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: MttBsh on 16 Feb 2020, 09:02 pm
I just received and hooked up an MK2 version of the STM Maraschino King and after hours of use it is only slightly warm. I will post more impressions after I’ve had a little more time to listen.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 17 Feb 2020, 12:59 am
How can i make mine Mk2? Is it something that i can make without sending to US?

The STM MK2 Upgrade involves completely removing the board and reworking it, so you’d need to send it in, or buy one then send the old one back for a refund afterward.  We’ve worked it like that a few times.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: MttBsh on 24 Feb 2020, 05:06 pm
A couple of years ago I bought a Purepower SE Icepower 1200AS2 amp - it excels in every area of sound reproduction that I care about. After having quite a few amps in my system over the years, tube, SET, solid state, I felt that this one was the best.

This past year my house has undergone a major remodel and, in reaction to spousal pressure, the sound system (except speakers) has been relegated to an in-wall niche behind the living room. My equipment now sits on shelves that roll into the wall behind my listening room. The upside is that the rat’s nest of wires and cords is now hidden away and IRs allow me to remotely control my system through the wall. The downside is that I miscalculated the amount of space needed for all of the wires, cables and power strip behind the 1200AS2, so it is too large for the shelf it sits on to roll fully into the wall. I didn’t want to have to replace the amp, but it looked pretty silly sticking 8 inches out of the wall into my new home office. Oops.

For years I’ve read rave reviews of the Digital Amplifier Company cherry amps and, because of their small footprint, I thought a Stereo Maraschino might be a good solution. Shooting for an equivalent replacement for the 1200AS2, I bought the higher power (60v) King version including a MK2 upgrade.

When I first powered up the STM, I would not have been able to tell it apart from the 1200AS2, it sounded that similar – that good: excellent resolution, deep bass, holographic soundstage. After about 50-60 hours in play, it has relaxed a bit and opened up a bit more. In my opinion it recreates the sound the recording artists were aiming for, it’s how they would want us to hear their music: Beautiful tone, transparency, pacing, slam, in the room completely disembodied from the speakers. When I turn the volume up it doesn’t get so much louder as it gets deeper and more 3D – with the best bass articulation I’ve heard. That this comparatively tiny, unimposing amp can generate this much power and finesse is impressive to say the least. Oh, and it allows the shelf it’s on to roll all the way into the wall :duh:

Some have reported that the STM King gets too hot to handle after a couple of hours of play, but mine only gets warm even after being on all day. I attribute this to the MK2 upgrade. I have no way of knowing if that upgrade improves the sound quality in any way as I haven’t heard the STM without it.
 
Because the STM is an integrated amp, I would love to plug my Schiit Yggdrasil DAC directly into it but I have twin subs so I need two sets of outputs. A Tortuga passive in between solves that problem nicely. The remote on the Tortuga allows me to control its volume from the other room while leaving the STM set at full volume. My speakers are single driver Cain & Cain Abbys with attached Fostex T900A supertweeters, the STM drives them with great authority.
 
I want to add my voice to the praise for Tommy’s excellent products over at Digital Amplifier Company!
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Wind Chaser on 24 Feb 2020, 06:12 pm
Matt,

People say his unassuming spartan little DAC is every bit as amazing as his amps, I will soon find out for myself as I have one on the way.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: MttBsh on 25 Feb 2020, 05:16 pm
Hi Wind Chaser - please post your impressions - I'm very happy with my Yggdrasil but would love to hear how the DAC DAC 2 HS compares in my system.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Wind Chaser on 25 Feb 2020, 05:49 pm
When it arrives, mine will be the HS1.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AvsFan on 25 Feb 2020, 10:39 pm
Hi Wind Chaser - please post your impressions - I'm very happy with my Yggdrasil but would love to hear how the DAC DAC 2 HS compares in my system.

1HS, HAHA  :D

I called it the HS1 forever.

But man it is sooooooooo good!
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Wind Chaser on 25 Feb 2020, 10:42 pm
Did I put the cart B4 the horse?

Am I getting a 1HS or an HS1?

Why am I so confused?
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: MttBsh on 26 Feb 2020, 12:09 am
Tommy calls it the 1 HS or the 2 HS on his website but I'm pretty sure if you order a HS1 he will send you one! :lol:
Title: 🍒 48V Desktop Maraschino Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 11 Mar 2020, 04:36 am
https://www.audiopursuit.com/2019/03/cherry-amplifier-maraschino-desktop.html

Demo pair available.  Email Support@DigitalAmp.com for info.  Thanks.
Title: 2-CHerry review in Enjoy the Music
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 1 Apr 2020, 01:13 pm
"....a powerful amplifier that is detailed, clean, and transparent while also producing smooth and natural sound too."

"There is without a doubt a stigma that surrounds Class D amplifiers in the minds of some enthusiasts."

"No harshness, fatigue, or coldness...."

Here's the full review:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0420/Digital_Amplifier_Company_2CHerry_Amplifier_Review.htm
Title: Enjoy The Music featuring the Cherry MEGAschino on throwback Thursday!
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 9 Apr 2020, 03:31 pm
Enjoy The Music is featuring the Cherry MEGAschino on throwback Thursday!

Their homepage:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/

Link to the article (2018).  http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0418/Digital_Amplifier_Company_MEGAschino_Stereo_Amplifier_Review.htm
Title: 5-CHerry mini-review in AVS Forum 🍒
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 16 Apr 2020, 10:27 pm
“I have the 5-CHerry Amp and it has been nothing but spectacular. Loads of power, runs cool and sounds amazing. I am ready to add another 5-Cherry when I get some more 110HTs for atmos and rear duty. Best of all channels are arranged in monoblocks running off one shared power supply and independently shut off if not in use....”

https://www.avsforum.com/forum/89-speakers/1165099-official-jtr-speaker-thread-1338.html#post59500274
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: LarryD56 on 12 May 2020, 04:44 pm
I'm a happy owner of a Megaschino, DAC DAC 2, and a Cherry USB. I recently bought another USB from Tommy and received it yesterday and tried it out in my system. As with all the Cherry products I've purchased this USB worked flawlessly. That's something I really appreciate, never having to be concerned if anything I get from the Digital Amplifier Company is going to work right. (They always have.) That's just icing on the cake in addition to the full & real sound of the Cherry products. The USB caused my DD2 to sound so much better than trying to connect from my computer's sound card. I'll be buying another DAC DAC soon to put together another pleasingly musical system. Glad I found the Cherry products. Love the sound!
Title: mfsoa Cherry amp review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 17 May 2020, 05:02 pm
Check this out:
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/59271-what-is-the-best-youve-bought-so-far/?do=findComment&comment=1051686
Title: 🍒 DAC DAC 2 HSV mention
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 30 May 2020, 07:21 pm
DAC DAC 2 HSV mentioned here:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=170469.msg1805614#msg1805614

"So far really liking my DAC DAC2 HSV and this might be the end game for me."
Title: 🍒 Desktop Maraschino VIDEO REVIEW
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 5 Jun 2020, 09:06 pm
Video review of Desktop Maraschinos:
https://youtu.be/U4TpFf54ZzY
Title: Golden Cherry amps driving Magnepan LRS and Zu Dirty Weekends (and others)
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 12 Jun 2020, 07:37 pm
Comments about Golden Cherry amps driving LRS and eventually Zu Dirty Weekends (plus photos):
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154805.msg1807918#msg1807918
Title: 🍒 Desctop Maraschino STM Review
Post by: nodari on 4 Aug 2020, 08:13 pm
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=212783)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=212783)
I somehow got attracted with a promo info that I have received from
Tommy some moths ago. I was looking for a class D amp for me. After a closer look
at his amps and some email exchange with him, I got a feeling that he is lovely
involved in his production and I felt that his words were real and convincing.
Then I thought, perhaps, a Cherry amp could be a good choice for me.
Also motivated by the promo, I have
ordered a few Cherry products including Desktop Stereo Integrated Maraschino
(STM). I did not know what I could expect from such a compact and light amp, but was
indeed curious to check how it sounds (and there was a trial period). Besides the
promo price, this amp had some obvious attractive features for me: it is small,
light, energy efficient and integrated, and if one does not have many sources, it
could potentially be a perfect choice. I looked for this amp for my second studio
system with Thiel bookshelf speakers, and I need just two inputs, one
for streaming from my laptop while I am working (I use iFi Zen DAC) and the other
for my CD player/transport (the front input of STM is very useful so that you have
actually two inputs).

So what about the sound? In my case, it took some months this amp to sound at
its best. I am deeply involved with it and love how it sounds. Not only
the sound is very clean and detailed but the soundstage and dynamics are
also good, I would say that the soundstage is indeed good for a solid stage amp
especially. I am perfectly satisfied with the sweet attractive overall performance
of this amp with my bookshelve speakers. However, as it turned out, STM drives also
easily large non-sensible speakers (Thiel CS6 in my case). The soundstage and
dynamics though are not as good as with my bookshelve speakers so despite that STM
has enough power to drive large speakers, I think it gives its best with bookshelve
ones. In the same system, with my Krell CD player/transport I also use Cherry DAC TL
DAC with also nice results. This DAC gives clean, soft reproduction. (In fact, I did
an A-B comparison of this DAC with a more expensive PS Audio Gain Cell DAC, which
is also a preamplifier with a considerable number of inputs and features. As
to the sound reproduction, the Cherry DAC gives a little bit more open and clean sound).
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: nodari on 6 Aug 2020, 08:51 pm
A few days ago I have uploaded my comments on a sweet Cherry Stereo Maraschino. I have just noted that the same image was uploaded twice, sorry. For a more complete view, I am attaching a few more images.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a small compact studio amplifier that delivers a natural, clean and detailed sound and a lot of power, don't go further, try Cherry Stereo Desktop Maraschino!

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=212891)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=212891)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=212891)
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: nodari on 6 Aug 2020, 09:01 pm
Sorry again for duplicates (my first notes in this thread). the
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=212893)
missing images come
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=212892)
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 7 Aug 2020, 08:43 pm
This just in....

Hey Tommy, It’s been a little less than a week that I've had the Black Golden Cherries.

First impressions:
Packaging:  World Class, Attention to detail very noticeable.
Aesthetics:  Black Cherry GCM Amps look sleek and modern. (Side note, The hammer like finish on top cap of amp throws off symmetry between components).     
Sound:  Awesome!  No background noise or hiss, deep powerful base, very detailed / lifelike at low / high volume.
Also added Node 2i to my list of gear per your recommendation. Streaming features / capabilities are great, but connecting my RME ADi 2 DAC FS made a noticeable difference in playback.
Combination of Node 2i, RME DAC, GCM’s, and Klipsch speakers sounds great, but I cant wait to complete my GR Research Studio Monitors to really get full potential out of your amps.

-Pete Z in IL


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=212918)
Title: DAC DAC 2 HS and Cherry USB REVIEW in Audio Persuit
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 11 Aug 2020, 03:57 am
DAC DAC 2 HS and Cherry USB REVIEW in Audio Persuit:
https://www.audiopursuit.com/2020/08/cherry-dac-dac-2-hs.html

“The DAC DAC 2 HS may not be flashy, but its performance is equal to any in its price range. Not only are the basics done right, but just as important, every bit of sonic quality is wrung out.”


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=213081)
Title: Re: DAC DAC 2 HS and Cherry USB REVIEW in Audio Persuit
Post by: AvsFan on 11 Aug 2020, 04:17 am
DAC DAC 2 HS and Cherry USB REVIEW in Audio Persuit:
https://www.audiopursuit.com/2020/08/cherry-dac-dac-2-hs.html

“The DAC DAC 2 HS may not be flashy, but its performance is equal to any in its price range. Not only are the basics done right, but just as important, every bit of sonic quality is wrung out.”


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=213081)

Well deserved review. If the 2 HS just up's the performance of the 1, that's one heck of a DAC!
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: BruceSB on 11 Aug 2020, 08:02 am
Very nice review.
Good job.
You must be very proud.
Congratulations.
Bruce
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: bobn8tor2 on 25 Aug 2020, 12:41 pm
My first Cherry Amp was the fantastic STM King.  I have upgraded to the even more spectacular Cherry 2.  I have to say that since I have owned my Cherry amps I would only listen to music occasionally.   Now you cannot get me out of the music room.  My friends come over more often to listen and have nothing but accolades for how my system sounds.  I may over time update my other components but the Cherry is here to stay.  The only way it leaves my system is if I upgrade to the big  Cherry amp.  I whole heartedly believe that if you want to make your system sound its best.  Call or go online and get as many Cherry products as you can.   YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. I am not going to try to tell you this or that or go into audiophile based reasons as to why his products are fantastic.  All I am going to say is the music now talks to my soul and I want to hear more. Tommy keep up the great work you are doing.

Thanks,

Bob
Title: Cherry DAC DAC 1 HS review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 25 Aug 2020, 03:50 pm
Cherry DAC DAC 1 HS review just in:
https://youtu.be/D4oex11ZEOw
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Jack1949D on 24 Sep 2020, 08:40 pm
I was very happy with my system, but I wanted to have better definition of instruments (especially in the mid bass) and vocals. I was considering replacing my Ascend Sierra tower speakers to achieve this, but decided to try a power amp instead (the speakers I was interested in were pushing my budget). I never owned a separate amp and didn't know what to expect, so I started searching forums and found this site. After reading reviews of DAC amps and other vendors, I decided a Cherry amp may just be the thing I'm looking for.

So last month I emailed DAC support stating that I was interested in purchasing a power amp and that I am a neophyte when it comes to audio equipment and jargon, and that I needed some help deciding if my AVR and speakers were compatible with the 5-CHerry amp that I was interested in. Tommy replied to my email, giving me his personal number, asked me to text him so we could setup a time to talk. At first I was a little intimidated talking to the amp designer with my limited knowledge of such things, but Tommy brought things down to my level, which made me feel very comfortable. He looked up my AVR (Yamaha RX-A3040) manual was a little concerned about the preout voltage, so he wrote to Yamaha to get more details. In other words, he went beyond what I would have expected from our phone call to be sure that I would be satisfied with my purchase...who does that? I want to publicly thank Tommy for his world class customer service (even if I was just a potential customer at the time).

I purchased a KING 5-CHerry amp which I received 10 days ago. First thing I noticed was the very well protected and labeled packaging. After connecting it to my system I found what I was looking for: better overall sound (ie, bass, mid-range and highs), better imaging and instrument separation, but still felt I was missing something. I hadn't rerun the Yamaha room correction software (YPAO) yet, so after a few days I thought I'd try that. That improved it some, but still a little shy of what I was expecting. So next I turned YPAO off and suddenly the room came alive! Crisp wide open music! I've owned this AVR since 2014 and have always used room correction because music was dull without it. Now music is full, layered and detailed! Last night I listened to Steven Wilson's Hand Cannot Erase blu-ray (which I've played many times) and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The room seemed to expand wider than ever before and musical details I never heard before. 

Needless to say, I am very happy with my purchase! Thank you Tommy for your products and your customer service!

Jack
Title: Enjoy the Music Review: Digital Amplifier Company MEGAschino MK2 Mono Amplifiers
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 2 Nov 2020, 07:08 pm
"....the MEGAs produced notably consistent impressions, regardless of the type of signal source – silent backgrounds, no noticeable added distortion, great clarity, and pleasing, even sweet musicality."

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1120/Digital_Amplifier_Company_MEGAschino_MK2_Mono_Amplifier_Review.htm
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: mr_bill on 2 Nov 2020, 10:29 pm
This was a great review!
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 3 Nov 2020, 12:15 am
This was a great review!
Thanks!  Rick told me afterward that he's never been so sorry to send a review component back!
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Mr. Big on 30 Jan 2021, 06:30 pm
Owners, I read several reviews on the Cherry amps, all were good but most had one big but...overtones, shimmer, decay issues, yes, they are fast, but the tail end of the reverb is MIA. Seems the same is said of the PS Audio 1200 class D monoblocks, perhaps it a trade off with the technology, like I am sure many of you would say class A or A/B amps have issues.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 30 Jan 2021, 06:45 pm
Owners, I read several reviews on the Cherry amps, all were good but most had one big but...overtones, shimmer, decay issues, yes, they are fast, but the tail end of the reverb is MIA. Seems the same is said of the PS Audio 1200 class D monoblocks, perhaps it a trade off with the technology, like I am sure many of you would say class A or A/B amps have issues.

The tail end of the reverb is present and spectacular on all Cherry Amps !!   Sounds like (pun) you’ve never personally heard one.

By the way, ps audio doesn’t even design amps. They use pre-fab modules.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Mr. Big on 31 Jan 2021, 12:47 am
Well, they must design the amps they did their own circuit with tubes on the inputs. Still, even with tubes the knock was less shimmer, and loss of the things that make a system sound real, yes they are fast and musical for a class D, I think 6 moons said the same things Mikey did in Stereophile on the PS Audio Class D amps. Don't get me wrong they said they did something very well, but what made a recording sound real the decays was MIA. Your right I've heard one, but perhaps one day I give them a go with my Spatial Audio M3 Sapphires, have to figure out the best amp for them, My McIntosh amp is great with them.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: LarryD56 on 31 Jan 2021, 04:57 am
    I don't think the amp was the problem with the system Mr. Big was listening to. The one thing Cherry amps do better than the 3 to four dozen amps I've had previous to them is that they do make the music sound more realistic. That's why I bought two of them. I love to hear details and realism and I get that from the Megaschino and the King STM. I've had a few Cherry amps and I've been impressed from the first listen. They are the most realistic/natural sounding amps I've heard yet.

   Larry D.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: lewdogg on 1 Feb 2021, 12:04 am
Been a DAC customer for 1-2 years and have really been enjoying Tommy's amps and DACs. Most recently, I downsized my basement 2.0 system and sold my Outlaw Model 976 and 5-Cherry that powered a pair of Salk Song3s. I kept my DAC 1 HS but replaced the Outlaw/DAC/Salk combo with a plain Denon 3312 AVR and a pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2s. The new combo was fine, but I definitely missed that "Cherry" sound. Fast forward a few weeks and now I have a King STM mk2 running the Sierras and all I can say is WOW! Coming from the AVR, the King STM mk2 is AMAZING! Clarity and imaging have improved immensely and bass is accurate and full. Moving from the 5-cherry to the Denon was a huge step backwards , but now that I have the STM I’m back to musical bliss. I just can’t believe the difference.  I’m so glad I found DAC a couple years ago; I think I’ll be a loyal customer for life.

Thanks, Tommy!
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Mr. Big on 1 Feb 2021, 12:15 am
Sounds like you made the right move, moving from a receiver.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: lewdogg on 1 Feb 2021, 03:02 am
Sounds like you made the right move, moving from a receiver.

The receiver was in storage so I used it for HT/2.0 duty. The Outlaw/5-cherry was SOOO much better, but I was trying to recoup some cash. I have the same King STM mk2/DAC DAC 1 HS powering Philharmonic BMRs in my living room so I know how good it can sound. Will be holding onto all my Cherry's form now on. ;o)
Title: From the Home Cinema Geeks Facebook Group (John Lee author)
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 5 Feb 2021, 09:18 pm
Digital Amplifier Company’s 5-CHerry Amplifier: The Class D amplifier with sound to die for!

It’s a common belief that Class D amplifiers, while capable of being very efficient, powerful, compact and light, isn't in the same league at other amplifier typologies like A and A/B in musicality. Looking at the many Class D amps used in receivers and medium grade amplifiers with pre-fab modules and it's no wonder that many audiophiles look to the other classes as their preference for getting musical, pleasing sound reproduction. I’ve been using nothing but Class A/B amplifiers for the last 20 years under the assumption that no other typology could offer the same fidelity, warmth and musicality. The x-Cherry line of amplifiers however breaks the mold on what a Class D can deliver sonically. With his company garnering several awards based on the sound quality of their previous amplifiers Tommy O’Brien, owner of Digital Amplifier Company, was encouraged by his fans to make a five-channel version of his award winning Class D amps for use in home theaters. Tommy listened to his customers' suggestions, coming out with the x-CHerry in 2019.

The x-CHerry's channels, from 2 to 5 depending on how many you want to drive, are fed by a 1kW 60V power supply. So a total max. power output of 1000 watts is provided regardless of the number of channels. Since that power supply is shared by all channels, when running 2 channel music for example the active channels will have more power reserves. The inactive channels in turn consume very little power while they “sleep.” For this feature unused channels turn off or on depending on whether a signal is sensed, so you can leave the Cherry on 24/7. Most Class D amplifiers use off-the-shelf, mass produced, pre-fab modules to save on costs, without necessarily putting priority on sound quality first. Each channel's module inside the 5-CHerry use patented and proprietary circuitry designed in-house. The 5-CHerry's channels are made up of individual Maraschino Cherry Monoblock boards. Digital Amplifier Company is one of the few amp makers that still designs circuits instead of simply putting a pre-fab module in a box. In designing the 5-Cherry amplifiers Tommy starts with amazing bench specs in SNR and THD+N measurements and then tweaks for sonics after that. Most companies will publish the specifications on these metrics before tweaking for sonics instead. The amplifier is DC coupled from end-to-end with zero bass shift. The amplifier uses true balanced XLR inputs but adapters are included if you prefer RCA connections. Each unit is hand built in Allentown, Pennsylvania plus all components within the chassis are sourced locally. Tommy's over 30 years of amp building experience shines through when listening to the sonic quality of the 5-CHerry.

My ordered 5-CHerry arrived a month ago well packed, along with some Neutrik RCA adapters, a black DAC T-shirt, and some other neat things along with the amplifier. The amplifier weighs 15 lb., being without a toroidal transformer. The amplifier isn’t large either measuring at 17.0" x 10.1" x 4.5". The KING version, reviewed here, of the 5-CHerry includes Gold WBT binding posts, a very nice looking 3/8" thick anodized brushed aluminum faceplate (available in red or black) with signature Cherry silkscreen, and double rail capacitance on all 5 channels. The amplifier has quite a solid feel to it, as you'd expect from an amplifier at this price point. Set up and connection is easy. The amplifier is turned on and off by flipping the switch on the rear of the box.

Having used Class A/B amps for several years I wasn’t sure what to expect with the 5-CHerry sonically. Nothing that I’d heard up to this point that was Class D was particular groundbreaking to my ears to switch over. So I let my ears decide if the Cherry amp lived up to its reputation for great sound. Upon trying the new amplifier for the first several days I was immediately struck by greatly improved dynamics, a much lower noise floor (118dB) and amazing realism of whatever content I ran through it. Throughout the course of the past month I’ve found myself running my speakers full range more often than ever before, to hear the way the amplifier takes complete control of my speakers’ drivers. The 5-CHerry when used in full range mode takes amazing control of the 10” woofers in my JTR Noesis 210RT tower speakers, resulting in stunning authority down to mid to low 20Hz frequencies in my room as measured in room equalization wizard, or REW as it’s commonly called. In listening through the Tidal app some of my favorite tracks such as from Post Malone, Phoebe Bridgers and the Tenet movie soundtrack, take on a new life and depth that’s superbly real. The Cherry amp makes me reconsider using my JTR subwoofers for music now! Bass is quick, seamless, powerful and punchy with excellent decay with the 5-Cherry now even without using any subwoofers. The end-to-end DC Coupling and power output of 400wpc into 4Ω and 800 wpc into 2Ω contribute to delivering the most realistic bass I’ve ever had the pleasure to experience from a full range speaker. No matter what kind of load my 4Ω speakers put on the amplifier, even to below 3Ω at certain bass frequencies, it remained only slightly warm. The 5-CHerry is able to drive below 2Ω too. Never has the amplifier felt hot to the touch. It's as if the amplifer is saying, "Come on, is that all you got?" I’m unable to bench test gear so my review is subjective to a degree FYI.

Mid and high frequencies with the 5-CHerry is a revelation as well. Regardless of whether I’m running 2,3 or 5 channels of amplification the sound of the 5-Cherry is consistently non-harsh and smooth encouraging a greater turn of the volume knob without a hint of distortion. With a THD+N of .002%, listening to a movie at reference levels shows an amplifier with utterly breathtaking dynamics! Putting in a movie I’ve seen many times before, the racing scene from Ready Player One, the Cherry revealed sound that often made me gasp in amazement as I was transported from my seat and into the movie like never before. This is highly also owed to my main speakers which are JTR Noesis 210RT’s. They have incredibly low distortion (0.30% at 100db THD) and are 95dB efficient into 4Ω. The 5-CHerry amplifiers, including the flagship Cherrys the higher current Cherry Megaschino amplifiers, are often mated to JTR speakers in some high-end systems both for movies and strictly music. After a few weeks of listening to mine I can see why these amplifiers break new ground in not only the Class D typology but in how good any amplifier can sound for a very reasonable cost. In going back to playing songs I’ve heard many times before the Cherry amplifier also revealed details in music that simply sounded veiled when I had my 20 year old Rotel RB-985 mk2 amplifier hooked up to the JTR speakers. Granted the Rotel is much older and has several hundred watts per channel less. The 5-CHerry amplifier presents sound in a way that isn’t analytical at all but is sweet yet very detailed and listenable.

Regardless of the content being ran through the 5-CHerry the improvement in sound quality is not unlike wearing contacts with music, with everything coming into focus on sound, giving the listener a journey into the rhythm and emotion of the content being played. Comparing the 5-CHerry to my previous Anthem MCA325 and ATI AT4003 amplifiers the Cherry is the most natural sounding I’ve had the pleasure to run in my system. I found myself often listening for up to 4 hours at a time, just enjoying the lifelike quality the amplifier brings to movies and music alike. Eventually I’d like separate systems for 2-channel and for movies but currently am very pleased with the fidelity the Cherry amplifier brings to both. If you’re looking for an amplifier that’s equally at home in a high-end music setup as a home cinema the 5-CHerry is for you. It offers a level of no holds barred sonic performance that can easily make it an “end game” amplifier for any serious enthusiast.

Pros:
Impressive quiet background, powerful dynamics, micro-dynamics, power output and non-colored sound

Cons:
Not the cheapest, amplifier’s aesthetics is a hit or miss to some

Reference System:
Speakers: JTR Noesis 210RT and 210RM, JBL 306p mk2, KEF Ci160QR
Amplification: 5-CHerry by Digital Amplifier Company, Rotel RB985 mk2
Source: Anthem DTS Play-Fi, Samsung UDB K-8500, Apple TV 4K
Cables: Blue Jeans Cable and DH Labs interconnects and speaker cable
Surround Processor: Anthem AVM60
Subs: JTR Captivator S1 (x2), RS1 (x1)
Room: 17' 4" x 15' 8" x 9' 0" (WxDxH)

Specifications:
* Power Output: 200Wpc into 8Ω, 400Wpc into 4Ω, 800wpc into 2Ω, 1000W max. total
* SNR: 118dB, A-weighted
* Gain: 22dB
* THD+N: 0.002%
* Bandwidth: 0 Hz - 100 kHz
* Input impedance: 20kΩ, true balanced
* DC Coupled end-to-end (no bass phase shift)
* Output Impedance: < 0.02Ω
* Channel separation: >100dB
* High wideband damping factor: >500 at 1kHz
* Channel independent auto sleep 
* Power efficiency: 96%
* Weight 12 lbs standard, 15 lbs KING version.
* Size: 14.2" x 10.3" x 4.6" standard
           17.0" x 10.1" x 4.5" KING version
* Sensitivity: 3.1V in for 400 Watts into 4 Ohm
* Protection: Thermal, current, voltage, and features Auto-Recovery.
For more information about the Cherry amps by Digital Amplifier Company go to: www.CherryAmp.com

Link to post on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/929821834087976/permalink/1027070237696468/

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Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Mr. Big on 6 Feb 2021, 01:09 am
Nice review. Happy to hear it beat a Rotel. I would expect it would. Now let's see it against a Krell or Pass, ARC, or Levinson amps. I am somewhat curious about these class D amps.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 6 Feb 2021, 06:31 am
Nice review. Happy to hear it beat a Rotel. I would expect it would. Now let's see it against a Krell or Pass, ARC, or Levinson amps. I am somewhat curious about these class D amps.
Vs Pass:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160512.0

Other comparisons:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=170791.0

Also, Steven Stone article comparing Pass to Cherry:
https://hometheaterreview.com/digital-amplifier-company-megaschino-power-amplifier-reviewed/

Cherry compared to Parasound and NAD:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=161765.0
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: jonbee on 6 Feb 2021, 04:49 pm
Nice review. Happy to hear it beat a Rotel. I would expect it would. Now let's see it against a Krell or Pass, ARC, or Levinson amps. I am somewhat curious about these class D amps.
I have compared my Maraschino Kings to Shindo, Crayon, Berning and Spectral amps owned by friends, all different architecture, and while they all sound different, neither I nor their owners would say they sound "better", but system matching is important at this level of performance.
My Kings aren't going anywhere for a long time.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: ANCP on 19 Feb 2021, 03:13 am
Does Stereo Megaschino has 2kw for each channel?
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 24 Feb 2021, 03:37 am
Does Stereo Megaschino has 2kw for each channel?
Max power out for a MEGAschino is 1000W into 4 ohms, but this can go a bit higher.  The MEGA can briefly (until the caps run out) output 2kW into 2 ohms.

Continuous power output is more about the transformer size, and instantaneous power output is more about the rail caps.

Cherry Amps dissipate more power during idle than other, more typical Class-D types, but the high power output efficiency is very high, allowing the caps to be more effective.

The continuous power output of a standard Stereo MEGA is more than 650Wpc into 4 ohms.  The MEGA MONO with the 1500W transformer upgrade puts out more than 850W continuous.  Please keep in mind that music is transient in nature, so continuous power ratings can be somewhat misleading.
Title: Amazing Youthman Video about three awesome systems in one house!
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 24 Feb 2021, 03:40 am
Something everyone here should see at least once:

Check it out:
https://youtu.be/xKLLiMqOfyE
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: ANCP on 24 Feb 2021, 12:40 pm
Max power out for a MEGAschino is 1000W into 4 ohms, but this can go a bit higher.  The MEGA can briefly (until the caps run out) output 2kW into 2 ohms.

Continuous power output is more about the transformer size, and instantaneous power output is more about the rail caps.

Cherry Amps dissipate more power during idle than other, more typical Class-D types, but the high power output efficiency is very high, allowing the caps to be more effective.

The continuous power output of a standard Stereo MEGA is more than 650Wpc into 4 ohms.  The MEGA MONO with the 1500W transformer upgrade puts out more than 850W continuous.  Please keep in mind that music is transient in nature, so continuous power ratings can be somewhat misleading.

Thank you. For driving JTR 215TS what are the best options in addition to monoblocks?
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: ANCP on 24 Feb 2021, 10:33 pm
Thank you. For driving JTR 215TS what are the best options in addition to monoblocks?

I meant Megaschino stereo, x cherry or older models for moderate volume levels.
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 2 Mar 2021, 09:35 pm
I meant Megaschino stereo, x cherry or older models for moderate volume levels.
Here's a new thread about your question:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=175263.0
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: walterduke on 26 Mar 2021, 12:22 pm
Well the new Maraschino King 60V Desktop Amplifiers with double rail caps arrives, Set up took all of 5min. All I can say is that they opened up the top end of my Tekton Enzo 2.7s 1000%. Everything else just seems to be tighter. Not one for all the mumbo jumbo adjectives but I can tell you that the Maraschino amps work well with the Tekton arrays. Now the waiting game for my New Tekton Moabs (2-3 months).  For reference this is my Class D system and the previous amp was a VTV AMPLIFIER Stereo Hypex NC502MP NCore 500WX2.  Night and day difference.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=222411)
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Randy64 on 4 May 2021, 03:08 am
Hey Tommy,last we talked I failed to tell you how much I enjoy my Cherry STM. I received my Tekton Lores with upgraded crossovers with Be tweeters about 2 + weeks ago. Your amp with these Lore speakers are wonderful. Credit to you for designing such a great amp. I can't wait for your DAC DAC 3. It takes me back to great memories of concerts back in the 70s, especially with my friends and brother. YES,The WHO,Heart,Mike Bloomfield,The Allman Brothers,ELO,Bad Company, Santana etc. Now add Rory Gallagher,Dream Theater, Mark Knopfler with Emmylou Harris. Music!Memories! Thank You again, for designing what I think is a great amp.
Title: 2-CHerry mentioned in video
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 11 Sep 2021, 10:08 pm
😳 Check out this video about this truly amazing home theater system!  Scott describes his audio choices, including a 2-CHerry amplifier! 🍒
https://youtu.be/eUcxkcq_578
Title: Cherry MEGAschino Video Review from Home Theater Fanatics
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 18 Nov 2021, 05:51 pm
Cherry MEGAschino Video Review from Home Theater Fanatics:
https://youtu.be/2IEg7R_k1IU
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Shear Bliss VMPS on 28 Nov 2021, 01:02 am
Well no not recent ..... but have trusted and been with him and his team since 2012 er so. From my Cherry Ultra to Updates, on my Mega Maraschino up to a recent check-up which Tommy wrote on bottom of the amp, MK 2.5 ...... pretty cool no?? Damn I just wish I owned my Ohm-Fs ..... to throw at my Digital Amp Mega MK-2.5.

Every Superlative written or spoken on Tommy O and his wares are true, and he stands behind his products. 

 Thanks, Tommy
Doug West,
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: uphoto on 2 Dec 2021, 04:23 am
Well the new Maraschino King 60V Desktop Amplifiers with double rail caps arrives, Set up took all of 5min. All I can say is that they opened up the top end of my Tekton Enzo 2.7s 1000%. Everything else just seems to be tighter. Not one for all the mumbo jumbo adjectives but I can tell you that the Maraschino amps work well with the Tekton arrays. Now the waiting game for my New Tekton Moabs (2-3 months).  For reference this is my Class D system and the previous amp was a VTV AMPLIFIER Stereo Hypex NC502MP NCore 500WX2.  Night and day difference.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=222411)

Running X-Cherry 2 with my Tekton DI's.  Absolutely gorgeous. 
Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: Freethinker on 7 Dec 2021, 03:59 am
Hello,

I am new here and looking for help. I currently have a Lexicon RV-6 AVR driving 7series Bowers and Wilkins speakers in a 7.2.4 setup. Planning to add 5 Cherry amp to the mix. I would appreciate if any one on here can share their experience with Lexicon AVR and Cherry amp.

I previously had a Parasound A51 amp and had challenges, specially with the power output. I have to turn my volume pretty high 50% to get any sound from my speakers and 65% to get it to audible level, which was much higher then having the speakers powered directly from lexicon. 

I am not sure if the preouts on the Lexicon Rv-6 has enough power to drive the 5 Cherry to enjoy the system at lower sound levels. Looking for other people experiences here with lexicon and Cherry.

Thank you in advance!

Title: Re: UPDATED: 🍒 Maraschino, x-CHerry, and MEGAschino REVIEWS
Post by: RonN5 on 11 Dec 2021, 12:03 am
Check this out….

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=172230.0