[mca]

http://www.juicymusicaudio.com/

[lonewolfny42]

A Juicy product with 30 day home trial...... http://www.juicymusicaudio.com/web_pages/contact.html  ....not sure about the color...

[Tbadder1]

Read a review of this somewhere--very positive, but can't remember where?  Hmmmmmm...I think it looks cool, in a dumpy sort of way.

[BradJudy]

I think it looks cool, in a dumpy sort of way.

I hope you don't use that line on the ladies/guys.  

[Carlman]

It's got that 70's look to it.  If you like that sort of thing, it's cool.  It's look doesn't really fit the 2,k price tag to me.  Maybe in person it looks nicer.  I do wonder if it sounds good.

-C

[JuicyMusic]

Thanks to all who recently checked out our Online store and web site at www.juicymusicaudio.com. After seeing a few hundred hits from this IP over the past week, I figured I should investigate as I was not all that familiar with AudioCircle.

My wife and I spent a large cup of coffee "analyzing" the comments about the color (she being the graphic artist on board). She's puzzled by "70s look," and I am worried about "Dumpy." (But in a cool way).

Admittedly, it's not your generic "black box of knobs." Having been in and out of the audio business since 1974, I must admit I was tired of that look-and-feel as we searched for a bit of differentiation in appearance. The result is my version of retro-modern. (Our customers all report that it sort of "grows on you.")

The JuicyMusic products - BlueBerry (Full function preamp) and Peach (Linestage only), are different in more significant ways too, so the visual treatment was a way to suggest that difference. Their strong personality is part and parcel of their charm sonically and visually.

Of course, at the end of the day, it is always and only about sound - give it a listen, it's not "Dumpy" at all.

Mark Deneen
JuicyMusic

[Carlman]

Maybe it's the combination of juiciness, blueberries, and wood that are not only unique but impart a character that isn't traditional to hifi.  I don't normally associate my gear with food.  I think it looks 70's and since it's retro-modern, and it's 2004, 70's is retro.  From what era does the 'retro' originate?

I'm surprised you're surprised that a product so unusual looking (amidst the black and silver boxes) is remarked about critically.  Clearly you wanted your product to stand out and be easily discernable.  I'm glad this product is getting some attention... it will sell to the right buyer.  Clearly you have the savvy to research and respond to attention so, I'm assuming your cleverness produces a great sounding product.  I'd like to hear it.  Have you considered a demo tour?

I will not pretend to understand the stylistic name, color, and design choices... I understood Ampzilla and Tuna, etc... I like a company that doesn't take itself too seriously... But, you've created a unique, standout design so, you may have to roll with the punches...

-Carl

[JuicyMusic]

Carl--
Oh no, I wasn't surprised in a critical or negative way at all. I was, or we were, more "amused" or "bemused." I explain the retro-modern appearance like this. The wooden enclosure, and the general size, layout and shape (generous size, roomy) harken back to the Scott's and Marantz' and Fishers of the 60s and 70s. Whereas the name, use of color, use of scratch-proof polycarb,  and more whimsical graphic treatment suggest something fresher and new - a twist, if you will on the old.

As for the thematic use of "juice" and fruit - this all came about from two sources: First, my impression that when music is good and 'alive' sounding it gives a refreshment to the ears, that is not unlike the very tasty "splash" you get from fresh juice. It's a personal analogy - extended into a marketing theme, I suppose.

And second, you hit this one on the head - we DON'T take ourselves too seriously, or more accurately too pompously. Something I say all the time, "This IS supposed to be fun, isn't it?" I find it just a tad tedious for everyone in the business to claim Prodigious Status, Unrivaled Refinement and Taste, Unassailable Truth, and all the rest of the yadda, yadda. You CAN do serious work in the audio field without insisting everyone imagine you are more important than say, a cure for cancer.

A tour? Yes, I have considered this at length, and I am committed to the idea, if not the schedule and mechanism. We will try to do some shows of some sort too. In the beginning here, we are going stops out to finish all the designs for the amplifiers and other products, so it may be the fall or winter before we fire up the Roadshow.

Oh yeah, we're quite happy rolling with the punches. We are having a lot of fun and we're quite patient in terms of the business growing.

Mark Deneen

[Carlman]

Cool!  So hang out a little around AC and see what develops... I think it'd be good to hear some of your insight in other topics around here if you have time...  (careful, AC can be addictive)

So, officially, welcome to AC!!!  

I think you'll notice a lot of readership and not as much 'postership'.  Hence a thread with a couple of responses yields 100 hits on your site...

Looking forward to product launches and tours.... keep us informed.

-Carl

[EDS_]

Thanks to all who recently checked out our Online store and web site at www.juicymusicaudio.com. After seeing a few hundred hits from this IP over the past week, I figured I should investigate as I was not all that familiar with AudioCircle.

My wife and I spent a large cup of coffee "analyzing" the comments about the color (she being the graphic artist on board). She's puzzled by "70s look," and I am worried about "Dumpy." (But in a cool way).

Admittedly, it's not your generic "black box of knobs."  ...

Count me-as very interested.

1. I can't find any info. re: "The Peach Linestage"-I'd want a Peach as it were.
2. The unit looks great. My little brother, an architect, would say your industrial design is spot on. It hints at a different age, and hints vacuum tubes. The tung oil finish is a wonderful choice. The polycarbonate too.
FWiiW-tube rectification when done right is the way to go IMO-good move.

I hope you "do" well with these products. Congratulations.

[DARTH AUDIO]

Mark, Great looking product!! Nice to see something that goes against the norm.. Reminds me of my old Marantz 2270.   If I wasn't set with my preamp, your's would look great in my stereo rack.

Do you have a seperate phono stage in the works? Same looks as the preamp I hope..

Good Luck with your company and keep having fun..

Gary

[JuicyMusic]

Thanks for the warm welcome to AC - I appreciate it. As for the all new "Peach" linestage - we are just building the first units now and something (preliminary) will be on the web site in a few days at most. It will not be the final pictures (which take a few weeks) but will have all the important information.

In short, the Peach is a "Tri-Mode" linestage using three 6DJ8 and of course tube rectification with a massive power supply (2X BlueBerry, which was already large).

"Tri-Mode" refers to three output options: Mode 1 is High Output Impedance single stage no feedback and most suitable for driving tube power amps (we refer to this as "BlueBerry Mode." If I were more pompous, I'd call it 'Classic Mode').

Mode 2 is a SuperLow Output Impedance two-stage amplifier (current-sourced cathode follower) which can be used to drive 30 feet or more of cable, or very low input impedance power amps, etc.

Mode 3 is a simple "HT Bypass" which allows a HT processor to drive your main amps without switching cords, plugs and what not. It bypasses all functions of the preamp.

Additionally, the Peach has a relay-controlled delay Standby/Play function which enhances tube life and keep the unit "read to rock" at all times (Heaters on, B+ off).  Hovland MusiCaps, Alps volume control, etc., finish out the unit. Same physical size as BlueBerry  - graphics are "earthtones" on a similar "pattern" as the BlueBerry. Price is $1,695.

Check the web site later this week - it should be on there. First deliveries are July 19, and the first run is almost sold out already based on BlueBerry reputation.

Again, thanks for the warm welcome - I'll try not to wear it out!
Mark Deneen

[mca]

I beleive Mark also has an amp (amps?) coming out. Let's hope it's something big and juicy, like a watermelon


Can you tell us more about the amps?

[JuicyMusic]

How about a Big Juicy "Cherry" - which is the working name of the amplifier. Actually, there are two, and I've not decided which comes first, as frankly, we have been pickin' "Peaches" 24X7 in order to get that product out in July. (This IS just a "cottage" industry, and whatever does come out, does so at my hand.)

One amp will be a modest wattage SE amp in the 10W - 15W range, and the other is a bit more powerful PP amp. It's a bit early to be very specific, because I have changed both designs many times since last October, and really I'm still listening to twiddles and tweeks trying to find the exact flavor I'm after. (BlueBerry took 7 months of such iterations).  

It's most likely to be an October/November timeframe before either 'Cherry' is ripe enough for market. There's a million decisions between now and then. I'll be getting serious into the final production design in August.

Mark Deneen
JuicyMusic

P.S. "No" to the separate phono preamp. I've yet to convince myself it makes any sense, engineering or economy wise. If I took, for example, the BlueBerry, and just removed the linestage, I'd have a "phono unit" but the cost structure would be nearly 90% of the full unit. What I am suggesting is that the "overhear" in parts - chassis, transformer, case, power supply and such, is large no matter WHAT the device is. Once there, adding a small amount of parts for the linestage is a minor cost.

On the performance side, connecting a phono stage from Column A, to a linestage from Column B, does not always yield good results. And, there is the issue of significant cabling in between. This question comes up a lot, and I never say never, but I can't quite see it happening yet.

[lonewolfny42]

And second, you hit this one on the head - we DON'T take ourselves too seriously, or more accurately too pompously. Something I say all the time, "This IS supposed to be fun, isn't it?"  

Sort of like the slogan here at AudioCircle..."Lighten up, its only audio!".

Welcome and good luck with your products !! [/list:u]

[BeeBop]

Have there been any reviews of your product yet? Any forthcoming?

[JuicyMusic]

I guess you mean formal reviews by magazines? No, not yet. It may never happen as many experts I have talked with are asying that the mags won't review products that are sold direct (no dealer network). I don't know if that's true or not. We only made our first shipments in April.
Mark Deneen

[TheChairGuy]

Maybe it's the combination of juiciness, blueberries, and wood that are not only unique but impart a character that isn't traditional to hifi.  I don't normally associate my gear with food.  I think it looks 70's and since it's retro-modern, and it's 2004, 70's is retro.  From what era does the 'retro' originate?

I'm surprised you're surprised that a product so unusual looking (amidst the black and silver boxes) is remarked about critically.  Clearly you wanted your product to stand out and be easily dis ...

Hey Carl,

'Juicy' Mark is here in NorCal, the produce / fruit basket of the country.  Only makes sense his designs and names reflect his surroundings  

We're also a bit more 'flavorful' 'round these parts. Do you know who our governor is, and who was about 30 years ago?  The Terminator and The Gipper.

[lonewolfny42]

I guess you mean formal reviews by magazines? No, not yet. It may never happen as many experts I have talked with are asying that the mags won't review products that are sold direct (no dealer network). I don't know if that's true or not. We only made our first shipments in April.
Mark Deneen

Hello Mark,

If your looking for reviews...if and when you run a home audition tour , you'll get plenty of comments here on AudioCircle. On of the longest tours I can think of is the one by IRD , their Purist preamp....take a look....

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=4402    [/list:u]

[JuicyMusic]

Lone wolf -- Very interesting to see such a large tour. I sent my JM BlueBerry "prototype" on a 3 person "confirmation" tour last December. It worked out rather well. I would definitely consider a similar thing as IRD here on AC with our BlueBerry and/or Peach preamps.

I'd want to develop some kind of promotion around it though. Something to add some incentive and make it a bit of fun too.

Let me float the idea right here, and perhaps I'll start a new thread. If anyone reading this thread is interested, drop me an email and I will start a prospective list.

Thanks - good idea.
Mark Deneen