AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Digital Amplifier Company Owners => Topic started by: AmpDesigner333 on 13 Mar 2015, 05:51 pm

Title: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 13 Mar 2015, 05:51 pm
Check it out:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/378044010/mint-maraschino-amp-for-use-with-high-res-players
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: firedog on 14 Mar 2015, 09:48 am
 A little confused here. This is "just" a new stereo amp?
How is it different in specs/performance from the Regular/King Maraschino you already sell?
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 14 Mar 2015, 11:50 am
Nice  :D

A few thoughts and questions:

1) Where are you originally from? Long Island? Brooklyn? Love the accent. Reminds me of home.

2) What tune were you playing at the end of the Kickstarter Ad?

3) Do you feel that the rear of the amplifier is a bit crowded? I guess that is a compromise for a one enclosure (non monoblocked) integrated amplifier design.

4) How is the volume control implemented in this design? What do you use?

5) I am sure the specs are beyond reproach as your standard Maraschino has shown, so I am pretty sure the sonics will be quite good. Mind posting the differences (with your Audio Precision plots) of the stereo versus mono versions of the Maraschinos? Are they identical?

Thank you and good luck to you. Should be another hot seller!

Best,
Anand.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: watercourse on 14 Mar 2015, 10:47 pm
Interesting!
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: OzarkTom on 15 Mar 2015, 09:52 pm
This will make a fantastic buy at $800, well $650 each for three of them. I now wish I had a second system.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 16 Mar 2015, 03:18 am
This will make a fantastic buy at $800, well $650 each for three of them. I now wish I had a second system.
The $650 version is a prototype, and we only plan on building 5 pieces of those to prove out the new boards and machanicals.  We should add that these won't have silk screening.  Two will be saved for reference, which leaves 3 to sell off....  Thanks for your kind post!
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 16 Mar 2015, 03:42 am
Nice  :D

A few thoughts and questions:

1) Where are you originally from? Long Island? Brooklyn? Love the accent. Reminds me of home.

2) What tune were you playing at the end of the Kickstarter Ad?

3) Do you feel that the rear of the amplifier is a bit crowded? I guess that is a compromise for a one enclosure (non monoblocked) integrated amplifier design.

4) How is the volume control implemented in this design? What do you use?

5) I am sure the specs are beyond reproach as your standard Maraschino has shown, so I am pretty sure the sonics will be quite good. Mind posting the differences (with your Audio Precision plots) of the stereo versus mono versions of the Maraschinos? Are they identical?

Thank you and good luck to you. Should be another hot seller!

Best,
Anand.
Anand,

Thanks for your post.  Here are some answers:
1) Where are you originally from? Long Island? Brooklyn? Love the accent. Reminds me of home.
>>>> That's Steve, our Sales VP.  He does have a cool accent!  I'll ask him more specifically where he's originally from, but definitely NY.

2) What tune were you playing at the end of the Kickstarter Ad?
>>>> This is a demo piece that our videographer found.  I'll ask him for the name of the band/song.  I like it too (:

3) Do you feel that the rear of the amplifier is a bit crowded? I guess that is a compromise for a one enclosure (non monoblocked) integrated amplifier design.
>>>> Yes, a bit crowded, but after trying various cables, everything hooks up quite easily, with plenty of room for your fingers to tighten the binding posts in case you want to use bare wire.  We recommend banana plugs, though.

4) How is the volume control implemented in this design? What do you use?
>>>> We plan to use an ALPS two-channel panel mount control.

5) I am sure the specs are beyond reproach as your standard Maraschino has shown, so I am pretty sure the sonics will be quite good. Mind posting the differences (with your Audio Precision plots) of the stereo versus mono versions of the Maraschinos? Are they identical?
>>>> Well, you get less power with the MINT due to the simgle supply configuration.  Of course, the monoblocks have perfect channel separation, but this is not possible with a single two-channel board that shares power supplies.  Channel separation is TBD, but will likely be as impressive as our other specs.  The In-Line Maraschino has an advantage in that it can be hung from the speaker using VERY short speaker wires.  You can't do that with the MINT Maraschino, but in smaller systems (like computer audio), shorter speaker cables are prevalent.  We will post plots once we have the new boards.  This will take a few months.  However, much of the layout is identical, and we expect performance to be almost as good as the monoblocks.  Note that we are shooting for >120dB SNR.  In order to accomplish this, we may need to tweak the feedback filters.  If this has any negative effect on the sound, we will back off on the SNR.  We typically tweak for sound after we achieve very high bench performance.  This is why our amps simply sound better than almost anything out there regardless of price.  We are willing to back off a bit on specs to achieve that Cherry sound....

Thanks again, and hope I answered your questions adequately.  Please back our project!
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 16 Mar 2015, 04:36 am
A little confused here. This is "just" a new stereo amp?
How is it different in specs/performance from the Regular/King Maraschino you already sell?
MINT is two channels versus one.  It puts out less power per channel than the Desktop or In-Line Maraschinos.  MINT includes an 1/8 jack input for portable players and XLRs (RCA adaptes included) for audio sources.  MINT also allows you to turn off the auto-sleep function.  MINT uses one power supply to feed both channels.  Additional info is in our detailed response to Arnand's post.  Thanks, and please support this project.  We added an $8 level if you just want to be part of the team without buying an amp or t-shirt.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: jparkhur on 16 Mar 2015, 07:37 pm
So where are we on the power output?

Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: OzarkTom on 16 Mar 2015, 09:13 pm
My buddy Rex is enjoying his Marachinos so much, he signed up for the first prototype for his desktop system.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: opnly bafld on 16 Mar 2015, 09:31 pm
So where are we on the power output?

Power is stated on the kickstarter link.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: metro on 17 Mar 2015, 12:58 am
Anand,

Thanks for your post.  Here are some answers:
1) Where are you originally from? Long Island? Brooklyn? Love the accent. Reminds me of home.
>>>> That's Steve, our Sales VP.  He does have a cool accent!  I'll ask him more specifically where he's originally from, but definitely NY.

Hi Anand, I am from Staten Island..

2) What tune were you playing at the end of the Kickstarter Ad?
>>>> This is a demo piece that our videographer found.  I'll ask him for the name of the band/song.  I like it too (:

3) Do you feel that the rear of the amplifier is a bit crowded? I guess that is a compromise for a one enclosure (non monoblocked) integrated amplifier design.
>>>> Yes, a bit crowded, but after trying various cables, everything hooks up quite easily, with plenty of room for your fingers to tighten the binding posts in case you want to use bare wire.  We recommend banana plugs, though.

4) How is the volume control implemented in this design? What do you use?
>>>> We plan to use an ALPS two-channel panel mount control.

5) I am sure the specs are beyond reproach as your standard Maraschino has shown, so I am pretty sure the sonics will be quite good. Mind posting the differences (with your Audio Precision plots) of the stereo versus mono versions of the Maraschinos? Are they identical?
>>>> Well, you get less power with the MINT due to the simgle supply configuration.  Of course, the monoblocks have perfect channel separation, but this is not possible with a single two-channel board that shares power supplies.  Channel separation is TBD, but will likely be as impressive as our other specs.  The In-Line Maraschino has an advantage in that it can be hung from the speaker using VERY short speaker wires.  You can't do that with the MINT Maraschino, but in smaller systems (like computer audio), shorter speaker cables are prevalent.  We will post plots once we have the new boards.  This will take a few months.  However, much of the layout is identical, and we expect performance to be almost as good as the monoblocks.  Note that we are shooting for >120dB SNR.  In order to accomplish this, we may need to tweak the feedback filters.  If this has any negative effect on the sound, we will back off on the SNR.  We typically tweak for sound after we achieve very high bench performance.  This is why our amps simply sound better than almost anything out there regardless of price.  We are willing to back off a bit on specs to achieve that Cherry sound....

Thanks again, and hope I answered your questions adequately.  Please back our project!
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: watercourse on 17 Mar 2015, 01:44 am
Power is stated on the kickstarter link.
Is it? I looked thrice and must have missed it?
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 17 Mar 2015, 10:34 am
Is it? I looked thrice and must have missed it?
Check out the rewards section. Power output is listed there.  Thanks.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: JeffBrown on 17 Mar 2015, 07:56 pm
The 48 volt looks cool, will this model be able to upgrade to the 60 volt without modification?  Sorry in advance if I missed something in the posting. I honestly did read it a couple of times, but I didn't see this in it.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 17 Mar 2015, 09:13 pm
The 48 volt looks cool, will this model be able to upgrade to the 60 volt without modification?  Sorry in advance if I missed something in the posting. I honestly did read it a couple of times, but I didn't see this in it.
Yes, you are correct !
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: metro on 18 Mar 2015, 01:09 am
Anand,

Thanks for your post.  Here are some answers:
1) Where are you originally from? Long Island? Brooklyn? Love the accent. Reminds me of home.
>>>> That's Steve, our Sales VP.  He does have a cool accent!  I'll ask him more specifically where he's originally from, but definitely NY.

  Hi Anand, I am from Staten Island !
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 18 Mar 2015, 06:02 pm
By popular demand.....

We've added two new rewards:

$1300 - 48V In-Line Maraschino PAIR (5 available)
$2200 - KING 60V In-Line Maraschino PAIR (5 available)

These are full production units.  Add $100 and get two pair of locking banana speaker wires.  These can be used to hang the In-Line Maraschino from your speakers.  Output is up to 800Wpc (KING version)!

Some have said the Maraschino is the "best sounding amp in the world".  Hopefully, the MINT Maraschino project will get the word out.

As always, THANK YOU, BACKERS!

p.s. We also added a features list in the text.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: Goosepond on 18 Mar 2015, 09:57 pm
Hi,
Since I'm new to the Kickstarter thingy, if I pledge for one of the Inline Maraschino monos, what happens if the Mint Maraschino Kickstarter project does not get funded?

Thanks,

Gene
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 19 Mar 2015, 12:39 am
Hi,
Since I'm new to the Kickstarter thingy, if I pledge for one of the Inline Maraschino monos, what happens if the Mint Maraschino Kickstarter project does not get funded?

Thanks,

Gene
We'll check the rules, but at that point, we can probably just sell them outside Kickstarter, honoring the price of course....
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 21 Mar 2015, 11:38 am
We found out that in the case we don't get funded (perish the thought), those who pledged for amps will need to contact us separately (Support@DigitalAmp.com) about making a purchase. We will honor the prices, but only for those who pledged.  We need support.  Thanks.
Title: Should we ????
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 21 Mar 2015, 11:43 am
The debate is on.....  Should we add "big Cherry" amp rewards?

Some have said it goes in the opposite direction of the "new stuff", but the big Cherry, Cherry MONO, ULTRA, and even Cherry MONO ULTRA are still available, and they are great amps.

So, should we?

We have some demos in stock that could use a good home. Maybe this is a way to offer great deals while boosting our numbers for the MINT....
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 21 Mar 2015, 12:34 pm
We found out that in the case we don't get funded (perish the thought), those who pledged for amps will need to contact us separately (Support@DigitalAmp.com) about making a purchase. We will honor the prices, but only for those who pledged.  We need support.  Thanks.
To clarify....  We get backer contact information after successfully funding the project.
Title: Updates today
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 25 Mar 2015, 03:28 am
We added some diagrams to our storyboard showing various use cases for the MINT Maraschino.  Check it out!

Thanks as always to our awesome BACKERS!

Please give us a hand in spreading the word by sharing our project on social media sites.  We are already in week 2 and need to step it up.

-Tommy O

Link:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/378044010/mint-maraschino-amp-for-use-with-high-res-players
Title: MINT Maraschino Photos
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 25 Mar 2015, 05:06 am

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117562)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117563)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117564)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117565)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117566)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117568)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117567)
Title: New video starring ME
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 2 Apr 2015, 08:58 pm
New video starring ME:
http://kck.st/1EKKHSt

Plus we recently added lots of info to our storyboard.

JUST OVER ONE WEEK LEFT !
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: Jonathon Janusz on 3 Apr 2015, 03:04 am
Hey, Tommy!  Glad to see the kickstarter thing is working for you!

Two questions I thought of regarding the Maraschino:

On the MINT, any chance of a remote for the volume control?

On all of the king versions, maybe I missed it, but is the big power supply a switching supply or linear?  Assuming it is a switching supply, any thoughts on (or tested by protoype?) a Maraschino fed by a big linear supply similar to the ones in the big Cherry amps?

I really do dig the case design for the MINT, and in particular the layout for the controls on its power supply - connectors in the back, power switch in the front!  I have wondered for a while in the world of audiophile (unless it really just has to do with the internal wiring to a power supply), why manufacturers almost universally make you reach around to the back of an amplifier to turn it on or off. . .
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 3 Apr 2015, 03:52 am
Hey, Tommy!  Glad to see the kickstarter thing is working for you!

Two questions I thought of regarding the Maraschino:

On the MINT, any chance of a remote for the volume control?

On all of the king versions, maybe I missed it, but is the big power supply a switching supply or linear?  Assuming it is a switching supply, any thoughts on (or tested by protoype?) a Maraschino fed by a big linear supply similar to the ones in the big Cherry amps?

I really do dig the case design for the MINT, and in particular the layout for the controls on its power supply - connectors in the back, power switch in the front!  I have wondered for a while in the world of audiophile (unless it really just has to do with the internal wiring to a power supply), why manufacturers almost universally make you reach around to the back of an amplifier to turn it on or off. . .
Jon,

Two trains of thought regarding the Maraschino amplifier line "next step": 1. Offer a linear supply (the 1kW 60V supply used in KING versions is a switcher), 2. Make a version of the big Cherry with Maraschino output stages.

An external 60V linear power supply would be an easy upgrade and not such a difficult project.

The Monster Maraschino (TM) is another story.  That requires a totally new motherboard.  It's possible to make that an upgrade for existing big Cherry owners, at least for everything built within the last 3 years or so.  The fact is, listeners have been blown away by the sonics of the current Maraschino sets. One great thing about switchers is the lack of transformer mechanical hum.  There's also the obvious size/weight issue.

Plus, a few weeks ago I was pleased with the swapping of a pair of KING Maraschinos for a big stereo Cherry.  I thought the little Marasvhinos showed no stress at all playing just as loud into Mag 1.7s. The sound was simply amazing, too.  That's an unbiased opinion (of course).  Well, it wasn't only me thinking this.

No remote for the MINT because that would add lots of cost and slow down the product release. Maybe in the future. I'm a big fan of remote volume/MUTE.

Thanks for the compliments and kind words (:

-Tommy O
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: Jonathon Janusz on 4 Apr 2015, 03:20 am
Two more thoughts before I hopefully stop digressing from the MINT amps:

Regarding the 60V linear supply (hypothetical) for the Maraschino, what do you think the sonic differences would be between this and the switching supply?  I'm presuming as the voltages are the same, and I'd guess the current output would be comparable, we would be talking solely in a change in flavor of the final result based on the operating characteristics of each type of power supply design?  Also, maybe on a related note, have you had a chance to connect a Maraschino to a battery yet to see what pure DC input can do?

Second, on the "Monster Maraschino".  Would the end result here be basically a higher power output version of the current Maraschino?  Not that the 200wpc the current model offers is anything to sneeze at, but in my (admittedly limited) experience with certain generally physically bigger speaker designs, playing large scale music, although lower power amps can often drive the systems well, there really is (to me at least) something to be said for the effortlessness a half a kilowatt with a ton of current drive can bring to the table. 

I guess I see some appeal to the idea of all the sonic benefits found in the newer Maraschino design coupled to the dynamics and control that you've said in the past is what separates the classic Cherry amps from the Maraschino (aside from the more tube-like presentation from the Cherries).  I'm thinking in particular as used with large planars, large electrostats, and line arrays off the top of my head.  Some of these I've encountered have sensitivity ratings easily comfortably within the capabilities of the current Maraschino, but really seem to come alive on a whole different level as the available power on tap goes up, regardless of what the raw specifications of the speakers would suggest.

Thanks for the few minutes indulging daydreaming.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 4 Apr 2015, 04:18 pm
Two more thoughts before I hopefully stop digressing from the MINT amps:

Regarding the 60V linear supply (hypothetical) for the Maraschino, what do you think the sonic differences would be between this and the switching supply?  I'm presuming as the voltages are the same, and I'd guess the current output would be comparable, we would be talking solely in a change in flavor of the final result based on the operating characteristics of each type of power supply design?  Also, maybe on a related note, have you had a chance to connect a Maraschino to a battery yet to see what pure DC input can do?

Second, on the "Monster Maraschino".  Would the end result here be basically a higher power output version of the current Maraschino?  Not that the 200wpc the current model offers is anything to sneeze at, but in my (admittedly limited) experience with certain generally physically bigger speaker designs, playing large scale music, although lower power amps can often drive the systems well, there really is (to me at least) something to be said for the effortlessness a half a kilowatt with a ton of current drive can bring to the table. 

I guess I see some appeal to the idea of all the sonic benefits found in the newer Maraschino design coupled to the dynamics and control that you've said in the past is what separates the classic Cherry amps from the Maraschino (aside from the more tube-like presentation from the Cherries).  I'm thinking in particular as used with large planars, large electrostats, and line arrays off the top of my head.  Some of these I've encountered have sensitivity ratings easily comfortably within the capabilities of the current Maraschino, but really seem to come alive on a whole different level as the available power on tap goes up, regardless of what the raw specifications of the speakers would suggest.

Thanks for the few minutes indulging daydreaming.
What do you think the sonic differences would be between this and the switching supply?
>>>> Possibly a more authoritative presentation, but the Maraschino design has very good PSRR, so as long as the power supply can keep up with demand, the sound should be pretty close.

Change in flavor of the final result based on the operating characteristics of each type of power supply design?
>>>> Depending on implementation and post-regulation, the linear version should be able to produce a cleaner output (less "ripple"), especially when the load is light (not playing loud).

Have you had a chance to connect a Maraschino to a battery yet to see what pure DC input can do?
>>>> Even batteries don't produce "pure DC" since they are load dependent.  We haven't run from batteries, but have run from post-regulated bench supplies with great results.  I suspect the same could happen with batteries.  We do run the Maraschino on the warm side, though, and this requires more idle power than other high efficiency designs.  By the way, running the low voltage supplies from a separate transformer winding (as done in the classic "big Cherry" amps) provides measurable improvements in some specs, like SNR.

"Monster Maraschino": Would the end result here be basically a higher power output version of the current Maraschino?
>>>> It would provide massive power, but also allow cost effective post regulation.

Thanks for the few minutes indulging daydreaming.
>>>> Thank YOU for your kind words and well written posts!

-Tommy O
Title: Bi-Amp MINT Maraschino ????
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 4 Apr 2015, 04:19 pm
Check this out:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=133688.0
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 5 Apr 2015, 12:07 am
With just a week left, we're almost half way there!

For your convenience:
http://kck.st/1EKKHSt

We're adding Desktop Maraschino rewards!!!!

-Tommy O
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: Jonathon Janusz on 5 Apr 2015, 06:35 pm
>>>> Depending on implementation and post-regulation, the linear version should be able to produce a cleaner output (less "ripple"), especially when the load is light (not playing loud).

This right here is interesting, specifically in addressing the performance characteristic of the amp at low volume.  Not that reference volume isn't fun and all, and not that headroom for dynamics isn't important, but with many folks not moving further than the "first watt (or so)", if this is an inexpensive experiment to test, I think it might be well worth the result in particular if the price point of the finished power supply wasn't too far off the map of the overall pricing scheme.  Actually, with the MINT only requiring one power supply, it might be an even more worthwhile adventure from a bang-for-the-buck perspective?
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 5 Apr 2015, 07:14 pm
This right here is interesting, specifically in addressing the performance characteristic of the amp at low volume.  Not that reference volume isn't fun and all, and not that headroom for dynamics isn't important, but with many folks not moving further than the "first watt (or so)", if this is an inexpensive experiment to test, I think it might be well worth the result in particular if the price point of the finished power supply wasn't too far off the map of the overall pricing scheme.  Actually, with the MINT only requiring one power supply, it might be an even more worthwhile adventure from a bang-for-the-buck perspective?
Hmmmm.. You have me thinking a lot about this now.....
Title: NEW REWARDS LIST
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 6 Apr 2015, 06:01 pm
$30 - T-Shirt only
$500 - DUAL 60V upgrade for Maraschino Owners (!) - add $300 for DC_SNAKE cables
$700 - MINT stereo 48V PROTOTYPE
$800 - MINT stereo 48V pre-production
$1200 - MINT stereo KING 60V pre-production
$1300/pr - In-Line monoblock BLK 48V - add $100 for locking banana speaker wires
$1500/pr - Desktop monoblock RED 48V on marble - add $450 for 60V upgrade
$1500/pr - Desktop monoblock BLK 48V on marble - add $450 for 60V upgrade
$2200/pr - In-Line monoblock BLK KING 60V - add $100 for locking banana speaker wires
$2800/pr - Desktop monoblock RED KING 60V on solid aluminum
$2800/pr - Desktop monoblock BLK KING 60V on solid aluminum

....and there's only one of these available: $999/pr - Desktop monoblock DEMO RED 48V on granite - add $450 for 60V upgrade

Link to project:
http://kck.st/1EKKHSt
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: virtue on 6 Apr 2015, 10:32 pm
Guys,

After owning Tommy's hanging Maraschino's for more than 2 months now and hearing them with a range of power hungry speakers including Magnepans, I'd like to support his Kickstarter in the following way.

If you are an Audio Circle member with 4 posts or more, and Tommy tells me you have bought a MINT amplifier ($700) or more, you get a free pair of our top-of-the-line Virtue Nirvana interconnects custom built by Jason, up to 2 meters.  Just send me a PM and tell me:

1) Length you desire
2) Why you are supporting the DAC/Kickstarter campaign (I reserve the right to anonymously publish these).

If you don't want the interconnects, we will credit you $50 for any other cable we make over $100.  You can handle this transaction with Jason directly.

If you're already supporting the campaign, send me a PM and let me know.

Seth
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: OzarkTom on 6 Apr 2015, 11:02 pm
Those Virtue cables are one of the best buys on the market. I have two of Jason's power cables now hooked up to the Marachinos on the 48v power supplies, and what a difference that made. I have the most lush and magigical sounding system that I ever have had.

Someone needs to jump all over those demos, that is a heck of a deal for someone. I will have to tell my buddy Rex about the Virtue cable deal, since he has already committed to one. He is also a proud owner of several Virtue cables, I think he needs a second power cord for his Marachinos. Rex is using his Marachinos with Vinnie's new LIO as a pre and is loving the combo tremendously.


Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 7 Apr 2015, 09:49 pm
If you own 48V Maraschinos, check out the DUAL 60V upgrade deal here:
http://kck.st/1EKKHSt

Check out the "rewards" section.

A little more than 3 days left on the project, so get in before it's too late.  Orders from the Kickstarter will be shipped before orders outside the program.

By the way, there's a sweet deal on a pair of demo desktop Maraschinos in there.  Only one pair available!

Thanks to Seth for adding the cable deal (see above)!

-Tommy O
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: virtue on 8 Apr 2015, 06:05 am
For our special give-away for MINT Kickstarter customers, I've had two requests for balanced (XLR) Nirvana interconnects instead of the standard RCA single ended.

Jason will build these with Neutrik connectors for a $40 up-charge.

Tommy is keeping a list of what y'all want.  CC: me (seth at virtueaudio) if you have other special requirements.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: jseipp on 8 Apr 2015, 06:07 am
I'm going to second OzarkTom's opinion on the Virtue cables -- I'm looking at a pair of the Virtue speaker cables right now.  They don't only sound great, but they look great, too!  Seth has taken great care of me with my purchases -- he is definitely one of the good guys, right along with Tommy, and he's really stepping up to the plate to build community support with his offer  :thumb:.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 8 Apr 2015, 02:29 pm
MINT Target Specifications:
Gain: 22dB
Sensitivity (KING 60V Version): 3.1Vin for 400Wout into 4Ω
Sensitivity (48V Version): 2.2Vin for 200Wout into 4Ω
SNR: 120dB
Input Impedance: 20 kΩ, true balanced
THD+N: 0.002%
Frequency Response: 0 Hz to >100 kHz
Size and Weight: 7.8" x 6.5" x 2.3", <3 lbs (amp only)
Output Power (KING 60V Version): 400Wpc into 4Ω
Output Power (48V Version): 250Wpc into 4Ω
Power Efficiency: 95%
Protection: Thermal, Current, Voltage, Auto-Recovery
Output Impedance: <0.02Ω
AC Power (KING 60V Version): 100-130VAC/200-250VAC, 50-60Hz
AC Power (48V Version): 100-250VAC, 50-60Hz

Link:
http://kck.st/1EKKHSt

Ends Saturday 1pm EDT.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: mdconnelly on 8 Apr 2015, 04:13 pm
...
Ends Saturday 1pm EDT.

Tommy, the Kickstarter page says it ends on Sunday, April 12 @ 1pm.    Just want to make sure I understand which is correct - Saturday or Sunday?
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 8 Apr 2015, 04:44 pm
Tommy, the Kickstarter page says it ends on Sunday, April 12 @ 1pm.    Just want to make sure I understand which is correct - Saturday or Sunday?
You are correct!  It ends 1PM EDT Sunday.  So, Saturday is the last full day of the program.  Thanks.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 9 Apr 2015, 07:26 pm
Kickstarter is now measuring time left on this project in HOURS!  70 hours remain....
http://kck.st/1EKKHSt

We're asking our audiophile friends to PLEDGE at this time.

We have several audio goodies left, including a super low cost monoblock demo set and power supply upgrades for existing Maraschino owners.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 10 Apr 2015, 12:18 am
We just corrected the reward listing for the KING 60V MINT Maraschino ($1200).  It now INCLUDES the DC_SNAKE cable.

The DC_SNAKE is a super-low-impedance 5-way braided black/red cable (see photo in the storyboard) for connecting our 60V 1kW power supply to a Maraschino amplifier (any Maraschino amplifier, actually).  These have 0.2 ohm round-trip resistance.  To give you an idea of how much this matters, the standard DC cable that comes with the "non-KING" 60V Maraschino is 1.2 ohms round-trip.  The normal price on a DC_SNAKE cable is $150, by the way.

Oh, one more thing....  We added Maraschino performance plots in the storyboard.  These show Frequency Response, THD+N versus Frequency at that all-important "first watt" (1Wout), and THD+N versus power into 4 and 8 ohms.
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: jseipp on 10 Apr 2015, 03:06 am
I've made my pledge for a Mint to upgrade my small home recording studio -- I may have to empty my change jars, but tons of clean power can only make for better mixes, or at least for no excuses for crummy ones :icon_lol:.

Yet another application to think about for the Maraschino sound....
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 10 Apr 2015, 04:10 am
I've made my pledge for a Mint to upgrade my small home recording studio -- I may have to empty my change jars, but tons of clean power can only make for better mixes, or at least for no excuses for crummy ones :icon_lol:.

Yet another application to think about for the Maraschino sound....

Great point, John!!!!  Thanks (:
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 10 Apr 2015, 07:35 pm
We have reached our Funding Goal!

....but we're not stopping there.  Still lots of Amplifier Goodies up for grabs:
http://kck.st/1EKKHSt

There is a very special deal tucked in the rewards.  See if you can spot it (hint: Desktop).

We're thinking about stretch goals.  Something like "If we make it to $20,000, we will....".   Any ideas ?

Thanks as always to our AWESOME backers!

-Tommy O
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: virtue on 12 Apr 2015, 03:37 am
"In a world of mass-produced black boxes that threaten to turn music into a background commodity, Tommy at DAC provide products that are true musical instruments.  This Kickstarter campaign offers the opportunity to access a true musical experience for yourself, and to support access to the gift of music for others at the same time :)."

FEEL THE LOVE tommy!!!!
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 12 Apr 2015, 12:24 pm
"In a world of mass-produced black boxes that threaten to turn music into a background commodity, Tommy at DAC provide products that are true musical instruments.  This Kickstarter campaign offers the opportunity to access a true musical experience for yourself, and to support access to the gift of music for others at the same time :)."

FEEL THE LOVE tommy!!!!
Thanks, Seth (:
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 12 Apr 2015, 12:24 pm
Only 4 hours left on our campaign:
http://kck.st/1EKKHSt

We have a few amazing rewards available for modest contributions.

Thanks so much to our supporters!

-Tommy O
Title: Re: MINT Maraschino Kickstarter
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 12 Apr 2015, 04:37 pm
LAST HOUR!

We added one more reward:  DIY-ish PROCRASTINATOR'S SPECIAL!
Title: WE DID IT !
Post by: AmpDesigner333 on 12 Apr 2015, 05:49 pm
Thanks to our AWESOME BACKERS!

We have successfully launched the MINT Maraschino!

-Tommy O
and the Digital Amp Co Team