AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Digital Amplifier Company Owners => Topic started by: AmpDesigner333 on 5 Nov 2018, 06:18 pm

Title: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 5 Nov 2018, 06:18 pm
This thread will be about "all things Stereo Maraschino"....
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 5 Nov 2018, 06:26 pm
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=186375)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=186376)
Title: STM switches and such
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 7 Nov 2018, 02:44 am
Initial turn-on:
    - Make sure the volume is all the way down.
    - Make sure the left switch is set to MUTE.
    - Make sure the right switch is set to OFF.

Left switch positions (Input Select):
    - UP = Front (1/8” jack, Single Ended)
    - MIDDLE = MUTE
    - DOWN = Rear (XLR, True Balanced)

Right switch positions (Power Mode):
    - UP = ON
    - MIDDLE = AUTO (amp will sleep after 8 minutes of no audio)
    - DOWN = OFF

Power LED:
    - RED = Standby
    - GREEN = Running
    - ORANGE = Running at high voltage (60V)
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread_line Level out to sub?
Post by: ctk on 7 Nov 2018, 03:37 am
Tommy,

Can one use these wonderful  5-way posts on the STM and run line level out to powered sub?
Cannot keep from thinking I did come across this query in past but am unable to find this again. Others may appreciate this feedback, especially if intended use would be on desktop set up with small speakers.
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: jonbee on 7 Nov 2018, 03:39 pm
I will just add what I've said before. This is the biggest bargain in true high end amplification. I listen to mine as a power amp daily in my office, where I've used a couple dozen good amps over 30 years, and this leaves me wanting nothing. Transparent, dynamic, ultra clean and powerful.
If you have a large room or difficult to drive speakers, as I do in my main system, the 60V mono Maraschinos are indicated, but on a SQ basis they are very close.
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread_line Level out to sub?
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 7 Nov 2018, 06:25 pm
Tommy,

Can one use these wonderful  5-way posts on the STM and run line level out to powered sub?
Cannot keep from thinking I did come across this query in past but am unable to find this again. Others may appreciate this feedback, especially if intended use would be on desktop set up with small speakers.
You can run the outputs to a "speaker level input" on a sub, but some subs ground the negative side (mostly older models).  If this is the case, it can damage stuff, so post your sub model and we'll take a look....

Also, keep in mind we have a November Sale going on (see below)....  Thanks.
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 7 Nov 2018, 06:32 pm
I will just add what I've said before. This is the biggest bargain in true high end amplification. I listen to mine as a power amp daily in my office, where I've used a couple dozen good amps over 30 years, and this leaves me wanting nothing. Transparent, dynamic, ultra clean and powerful.
If you have a large room or difficult to drive speakers, as I do, the 60V mono Maraschinos are indicated, but on a SQ basis they are very close.
Thank you for the compliments.  We have a few STMs ready to go at the special price.  Here's the post about the sale mentioned above:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160513.0
"Cherry Amps and MORE! November sale.... (Stone MEGA review)"

Make sure you read the follow up post added today on that thread!
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: rodge827 on 7 Nov 2018, 06:59 pm
This amp is a very special piece of gear. I have had many class A, A/B, D, SET Class A, and Push Pull Class A/B amps over the years. The DAC STM bested them all. Every time I listen to the STM I shake my head and wonder "how'd he do it?"  :scratch:  A relaxed digital amp with superior detail, openness, depth, smooth sweet upper end, deep defined clear bass, and no etch! 
The DAC STM's value is off the charts for the sound quality it produces. This isn't an "at this price point" good sounding amp. It's a superior sounding amp at any price point! Period!!

Unfortunately I have come into some unexpected financial issues and selling my 3 month old STM. The hope is that when the dust settles in I will purchase another one from Tommy. Who BTW is one of the best people in audio to deal with and know.

Chris   

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160156.0
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 7 Nov 2018, 09:14 pm
This amp is a very special piece of gear. I have had many class A, A/B, D, SET Class A, and Push Pull Class A/B amps over the years. The DAC STM bested them all. Every time I listen to the STM I shake my head and wonder "how'd he do it?"  :scratch:  A relaxed digital amp with superior detail, openness, depth, smooth sweet upper end, deep defined clear bass, and no etch! 
The DAC STM's value is off the charts for the sound quality it produces. This isn't an "at this price point" good sounding amp. It's a superior sounding amp at any price point! Period!!

Unfortunately I have come into some unexpected financial issues and selling my 3 month old STM. The hope is that when the dust settles in I will purchase another one from Tommy. Who BTW is one of the best people in audio to deal with and know.

Chris   

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160156.0

Chris,

Thanks so much for the kind words!  We'd like to add a special bonus to the deal to help you fins a new home for your STM....  If it sells this week, we'll convert it to a KING STM (400Wpc, 1kW power supply, WBT Gold posts) for a $200 adder.  Normal cost for this upgrade is $500 minimum.  Thanks again.

Best Regards,
Tommy O
Title: STM power output versus power supply voltage
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 7 Nov 2018, 09:17 pm
36V Output Power:
    70Wpc into 8Ω
    70Wpc into 4Ω
    70Wpc into 2Ω
48V Output Power:
    125Wpc into 8Ω
    125Wpc into 4Ω
    125Wpc into 2Ω
60V Output Power:
    200Wpc into 8Ω
    400Wpc into 4Ω
    500Wpc into 2Ω
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: rodge827 on 7 Nov 2018, 10:43 pm
Chris,

Thanks so much for the kind words!  We'd like to add a special bonus to the deal to help you fins a new home for your STM....  If it sells this week, we'll convert it to a KING STM (400Wpc, 1kW power supply, WBT Gold posts) for a $200 adder.  Normal cost for this upgrade is $500 minimum.  Thanks again.

Best Regards,
Tommy O

Wow!

Very generous of you Tommy! :thumb:

A very good deal for someone who needs the power.
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread_line Level out to sub?
Post by: ctk on 8 Nov 2018, 01:56 am
You can run the outputs to a "speaker level input" on a sub, but some subs ground the negative side (mostly older models).  If this is the case, it can damage stuff, so post your sub model and we'll take a look....

Also, keep in mind we have a November Sale going on (see below)....  Thanks.


My Quad L-Series sub is older, but not TOO old I hope. Not sure if you can ascertain from included link, but would appreciate if you would check it out.
Thanks Much Tommy!
http://www.aviyaffe.com/store/files/Quad%2022L.pdf
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: smargo on 9 Nov 2018, 05:34 pm
This thread will be about "all things Stereo Maraschino"....

tommY:

can i use  a wireless sub? or can you make a mod to my unit that i can use a sub?
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 9 Nov 2018, 08:36 pm
tommY:

can i use  a wireless sub? or can you make a mod to my unit that i can use a sub?
You can use any sub that takes a speaker level input as long as it doesn’t ground the negative side of the outputs (only old designs do this).
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: smargo on 12 Nov 2018, 03:19 am
what makes the maraschino so good is the timing and pace of the music - its just nailed - so many designers make nice sounding stuff - but the timing leaves you wanting

In terms of the amp sounding digital - really? - it sounds so musical - its very rich sounding - ok maybe not to the nth degree - but when you have musicality and timing together - you dont care so much about other things
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: dj1228 on 15 Nov 2018, 01:12 pm
I have just ordered one and cant wait to get it! Already own the King version of the desk top Maraschino and love the smooth open sound, Also the convenience of signal sensing  turn on is a fantastic feature.
Thanks for making such great product Tommy and staff.
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: matevana on 18 Mar 2019, 11:23 am
Has anyone bypassed the volume potentiometer on their STM? I am currently using mine as a power amp and was wondering about even better SQ if it were bypassed.

Thanks, 
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: smargo on 18 Mar 2019, 02:53 pm
Has anyone bypassed the volume potentiometer on their STM? I am currently using mine as a power amp and was wondering about even better SQ if it were bypassed.

Thanks,

Not sure what you mean - If you mean that you are using the marschino as an integrated amp - then what i do is turn the volume on the m almost all the way up and use a preamp with a remote control - id say i probably get 90% of the sound - then when i use the m as an integrated - as an integrated - the potentiometer  i found is very transparent - as a power amp it gets me 90% there.
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: matevana on 18 Mar 2019, 03:18 pm
Not sure what you mean - If you mean that you are using the marschino as an integrated amp - then what i do is turn the volume on the m almost all the way up and use a preamp with a remote control - id say i probably get 90% of the sound - then when i use the m as an integrated - as an integrated - the potentiometer  i found is very transparent - as a power amp it gets me 90% there.

I'm asking about removing the volume pot from the signal path entirely (bypassing). It's an easy mod that I've done elsewhere and depending on the original quality of the potentiometer, sometimes SQ gains can be significant. I'm the 2nd owner so I'm not concerned w/warranty issues, etc.
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: smargo on 18 Mar 2019, 03:38 pm
i would like to know how to do it as well - im sure tommy - the owner knows - (855) 753-0900
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 18 Mar 2019, 03:52 pm
Has anyone bypassed the volume potentiometer on their STM? I am currently using mine as a power amp and was wondering about even better SQ if it were bypassed.

Thanks,
Production tests are done with the volume all the way up, except the volume control test itself.  This makes performance nearly identical to a pair of Maraschino monoblocks.  The preamp section is designed to minimize any additional noise and distortion, thus the 120dB SNR with the volume all the way up!  That’s something you’re not likely to experience with a separate preamp, however, you can also get a “plain amp” in 2-channels with our new 2-CHerry amp.  More on that later....
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: matevana on 19 Mar 2019, 11:11 am
...however, you can also get a “plain amp” in 2-channels with our new 2-CHerry amp.  More on that later....

Thanks for the info. I think it's clever offering a 2-CHerry amp. I'm guessing it's like an STM minus the preamp section and front panel input? I may have opted for that if it were available, since I'm using a DAP as my source.
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 21 Mar 2019, 02:15 am
Thanks for the info. I think it's clever offering a 2-CHerry amp. I'm guessing it's like an STM minus the preamp section and front panel input? I may have opted for that if it were available, since I'm using a DAP as my source.
More like a pair of Maraschino Monoblocks, but driven from a common power supply.  Channel separation is also >100dB !!
Title: Re: STM VS. DTM sonic performance
Post by: jonbee on 22 Mar 2019, 12:15 am
Since I now own 2 sets of 60 V. Maraschino King monoblocks for my 2 main systems and have also used a 48V STM, I thought I would comment on sonic differences.
Both systems are high resolution. One system drives Avalon Opus, a 4 way system that is a smaller version of the Eidolon, w/ Accuton and Eton drivers and some load complexity and lowish sensitivity, and the other uses a pair of 7" two-way stand mount LaHave Melas, an easier load. I use virtually identical front ends and cabling, both using TDSS modded Nuprime DAC 10H dac/preamps.
The STM uses one 48 V power supply, and the Kings are true mono with  a pair of larger 60V PSs, and are much more powerful.
The net result of the switch was similar on both my systems, although more noticeable on the Avalons.
Right off the bat, I'd say that they sound very similar, as you might expect. Both have transparency focus, balance and smoothness in spades. Both can drive either pair of speakers with authority and are class leading, IMO.
The effect of moving from the STM to Kings on the frequencies above 200hz. or so is fairly subtle. There is a bit more "ease" and focus generally, with the STM being perhaps 90% of the Kings in that range.
Below 200 or so the overall focus, tightness, focus and clarity through the bass range is improved with the Kings, and the bottom end "slam" is sharper and more impactful. The Kings offer more clean dynamic slam (startling at times) than any amp I've had, and have rarely heard elsewhere, so the STM is up against one of the best in that dept. The improvement is clearly audible to me, and once again as expected the Avalons are most improved. In the lower ranges I'd give the STM 80-90% of the Kings, if those numbers make any sense, but still very satisfying on its own terms.
Given the mono Kings are much more than double the price , there's real value in the STM. Of course, the 60V King supply can be purchased and used with the STM as well, probably narrowing the differences.
I won't speak for anyone else, but if the $ is a big factor, the STM is one h*** of a bargain for the quality received.
For me, I feel fortunate that I own TWO amps that approach SOTA at a combined price less than the price of a single comparable quality high power audiophile amp.
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AvsFan on 20 Jun 2019, 08:29 pm
Production tests are done with the volume all the way up, except the volume control test itself.  This makes performance nearly identical to a pair of Maraschino monoblocks.  The preamp section is designed to minimize any additional noise and distortion, thus the 120dB SNR with the volume all the way up!  That’s something you’re not likely to experience with a separate preamp, however, you can also get a “plain amp” in 2-channels with our new 2-CHerry amp.  More on that later....

So what you are saying is to get the best and purest signal, don't even use a pre-amp? Just source to your STM and that's it? 
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 20 Jun 2019, 08:42 pm
So what you are saying is to get the best and purest signal, don't even use a pre-amp? Just source to your STM and that's it?
Exactly !!

However, the STM can also be used as “just an amp” with the volume set to max.
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AvsFan on 20 Jun 2019, 08:48 pm
Exactly !!

However, the STM can also be used as “just an amp” with the volume set to max.

Oh the hassles of having to get up and down to change the volume! LOL 1st world problems.  :D
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AvsFan on 22 Jun 2019, 01:11 am
You mentioned earlier about using a pre-amp that uses DC coupling. Would this be a good match and what you’re talking about?

https://www.schiit.com/products/saga-s
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 23 Jun 2019, 05:11 am
You mentioned earlier about using a pre-amp that uses DC coupling. Would this be a good match and what you’re talking about?

https://www.schiit.com/products/saga-s
Yes, but balanced would be even better (:
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AvsFan on 23 Jun 2019, 06:43 pm
Yes, but balanced would be even better (:

Their Freya is balanced but is it also DC coupled? I can’t figure it out based upon their description.

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-s
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 24 Jun 2019, 06:13 am
Their Freya is balanced but is it also DC coupled? I can’t figure it out based upon their description.

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-s
We are happy to answer questions directly to customers and potential customers right here!  You won’t be discussing much directly with the founders/owners of companies that are not on forums like Audio Circle.

Just thought it’s a good time to point that out (:
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: AvsFan on 24 Jun 2019, 05:19 pm
We are happy to answer questions directly to customers and potential customers right here!  You won’t be discussing much directly with the founders/owners of companies that are not on forums like Audio Circle.

Just thought it’s a good time to point that out (:

That makes sense.  :D
Title: Re: NEW Official Stereo Maraschino Thread
Post by: DeeCee on 8 Aug 2019, 01:20 am
Any folks out using Aerial Acoustics speakers with these amps? (Specifically Model 7) 86db/1W/1M, 4 ohm nominal. Inquiring minds want to know!

Happy Listening!
DeeCee
Title: Cherry Stereo Maraschino 2ch Amplifier VIDEO Review
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 8 Aug 2019, 09:27 pm
Check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=920S0TYJ_AU