[Dmason]

Max,

 In layman's terms, two words, "clean power." Direct access to lots of clean, dirt-free, constant voltage, power. Nothing accesses current like a battery. Look at the instant cranking power of a car battery in winter, fighting all that thick, cold oil, like fossil pudding in the bottom of the crankcase. That is battery power.

In the context of the ClariT, with battery amp and source, you get blackness. No noise at all, at any volume. None. Add the extraordinary resolving power of a Tripath chip, increase that resolution by way of an optimally quiet and fast current provider which reduces noise and increases speaker control, and you get a sonic that is destination audio. Remove crossover components, which add electrical, phase, and time distortion, add the sonic of battery power source and amp, and, well, others here can describe it far better than I.

The Nixon TubeDAC has been compared extensively all over AA, and here, in earlier threads, under Critic's Circle. Scott's stuff pretty well kills anything that comes around. This approach is also far kinder to older, earlier, or poorly mastered CD recordings making for a bigger pile of good listening CD's in my collection.

On the subject of battery powered transports, this is something the world needs. I do believe there must be rechargeable CD-ROM drives out there somewhere, but I do not think alot of noise gets transferred in the digital realm, from what I am getting.

[gary]

Has anybody tried this amp with less efficient speakers? Anyone have any thoughts on how they'd drive my Onix Ref 1's, which are fairly standard and relatively inefficient two-way monitors (rated at 88 db)?

The JVC sounds great, and I haven't heard anything for under a grand or so that betters it, but I did really like the Music Hall Mambo class A integrated and I think it'd be a step up. So would something like the Jungson JA-88D, which can be had for slightly over $1k, but if Vinnie's amp would get me there for just over $400 with my current speakers I'm definitely interested.

Gary

[maxwalrath]

I have some Meadowlark Audio Swifts "laying around" (someone buy them already...) that I could try out with the clari-T in the next day or two. I'll let you know.

[smargo]

gary wrote:

Has anybody tried this amp with less efficient speakers? Anyone have any thoughts on how they'd drive my Onix Ref 1's, which are fairly standard and relatively inefficient two-way monitors (rated at 88 db)?

I am using 88db polk lsi9's into 4 ohms but for some reason the clari t drives them really well. I listen at moderate levels but the thing plays loud as well with these speakers with a lot of panache. In other words it is worth a try - there is something in the amp that you will find addictive and if they don't work that great with your speakers - I'm sure you will wind up selling them - because once you hear the clari t  and it may be just one song on one album or cd that your speakers are allowing the amp to shine on just a little bit - there will be no going back.

regards,
smargo

[Vinnie R.]

All,

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and give a big "thank you" for all those who have participated in this Clari-T-Amp thread, and an extra THANKS to those who walked out on a limb to purchase a Clari-T-Amp from my first batch and report their impressions of it so far.  

All of this really has me looking forward to 2005!!!     I am planning to start an official business and will be releasing the name early next month, and maybe request my own manufacturer's circle if people here would like this.   There will be a bigger batch of Clari-T-Amps ready for sale in mid-January.  I also have some other ideas for new products    Things are really starting to get exciting and I want to "take it to the next
level."  

Warm regards,

Vinnie

PS:  My wife and I will be leaving off to the West Coast tomorrow to visit relatives, and will be returning Jan 2nd.  I may not be able to respond to all posts and emails while away, but I will make sure to respond as soon as possible when I return.

[Vinnie R.]

Hi Everyone,

First of all, Happy New Year!  

I've been fighting off a nasty cold these past few days and am still waiting for congestion to leave me ears    Listening has been a little tough because of this  

As I may have mentioned earlier, a new batch (25 units) of Clari-T-Amp will be coming out hopefully by the end of the month.  I am working with a local electronics house to help me keep up with demand.  This is going to add a little more to the price    ($499 instead of $429), but getting this rolling will really help in getting orders out faster and to more people who are interested.  I will still be fully inspecting and testing each unit to make sure they are 100%.

I want to bounce some ideas off everyone:

1) Would you prefer the Clari-T-Amp to be an "amp only" without the volume control, and I can sell a passive volume control separately for those who want one?  

OR

Would you prefer if I give you the choice of buying the Clari-T-Amp with or without the volume control?


I have received emails from those who want to use their own preamp, such as a tubed preamp, passive preamp with stepped attenuator, etc...
Some want a stepped attenuator in the Clari-T-Amp, some want a remote volume control, etc.   I'm thinking that not including the volume control will allow one to use their own favorite preamp.  Of course, this adds complexity  

2) For an amp only with no volume control, would you like the blue LED in the bottom center of the front panel where it is now, or dead center of the front panel where the volume control is?  

2) I can order the same high quality aluminum knob with rubber O-Ring grip in a Black Anodized finish, with a white dot to indicate volume position.  This is the same size, just in black.  I thought it would look better, but would like feedback on this.  

3) Some have mentioned that they'd like a larger battery (one that will go beyond the recommended 6 hours before charging).  I can't put a larger one in that enclosure, but I was thinking about using the same type of enclosure external to the Clari-T to house a bigger battery that can connect to the Clari-T-Amp via an external cable.  This would require an extra jack in the back of the Clari-T (which has limited room   ), and a different switch to allow for the selection between the internal battery or the external battery source.

I really appreciate all your feedback on this.  

Regards,

Vinnie

[Feisal K]

Vinnie,

hello and happy new year. get well soon!

would a digital input be out of order? TOSLINK and/or Coax that you could plug a CD player in - I think you would not be needing a DAC, but it could be a different board altogether that could take in a PCM stream and internally convert it to PWM(?)

[RoadTripper]

I am placing my vote/suggestion to not change a thing.

Could you explain why a separate pre-amp could improve the sound. How would the overall topology (is that the right word) change from your current design if there was no volume knob and if, then, a pre-amp was required? Doesn't that just make it more complex?

What happens to the signal in the current design vs. what all happens to the signal in the pre-amp. Is the idea that the pre-amp (which may be a tubed pre-amp) can "warm" up the music? Why would you want to tamper with the original recording/performance?

FWIW, I like your little amp the way it is.

[Dmason]

If I have learned anything, with a personal tendency to avoid complication, is to keep things simple KISS. And Less=More

I also vote for leave it alone. Offer volume attenuator or not. Seriously.  Two flavors, vanilla and chocolate....if people wish to run their existing tube pre amp, they would also be well advised to order WITH the attenuator because they could run the tube pre wide open which is nice, and use the volume on the ClariT, and then when they compare the sound without the pre, they will likely prefer it that way, and will have that volume control as a fallback. Listen to this: Everyone polled around here thought even a world class A tube pre amp like the Joule Electra LA150-- which eclipses completely most all tube pre amps currently available, and being considered, - just got in the way. The ClariT is that resolving. My DAC interconnect is 6 inches long.

The 'on' light is just fine where it is. Instead, Black Gate storage capacitors and OTA Cardas wiring.

 Take yours to CES and plug it into the Edgarhorns, Odeons, Lowther Academy, and see what this thing is made out of...

[cjr888]

Vinnie - regarding the configuration and volume control vs. no volume control.  What about the idea of maybe using a slightly larger chassis, including a larger battery by default, and then offering two configurations -- one that's a dedicated amplifier, and then if you are to offer a second configuration, it being one with more than one input?  So say a dedicated amplifier, and an amplifier with volume control and say three inputs?

Just a thought... Might provide the best balance -- those that are going to want a dedicated amp are happy, and those that want a simpler solution get the ability to add multiple inputs.  Granted this expands your costs and labor a little bit, but the additional flexibility might introduce more sales, though its granted that your target market is small, being for those with a bit more sensitive speaker setups than average.

[maxwalrath]

To echo seminarian...if you really want warmer sound, you could use a tube CD player like a Njoe Tjoeb, Heart, or Modwright modified player...or add a buffer stage like the old Musical Fidelity X-10-D.

Basically I wouldn't change a thing. If people really want it maybe make a seperate version, but people with high efficiency speakers probably want the volume control....simpler is better.

So what's Dmason taking 'bout with higher quality parts? What other options are we talking about and what's the turn around time?

Listen to this: Everyone polled around here thought even a world class A tube pre amp like the Joule Electra LA150-- which eclipses completely most all tube pre amps currently available, and being considered, - just got in the way.

Maybe if DMason could expand on this the masses would give it a try in "stock" version.

[JLM]

Vinnie,

How about more power?  Is there a Tripath board available that does say 40 wpc or 100 wpc?  These bigger versions could be designed to run off an external battery, in which case use a common off the shelf battery with dummy friendly connections.  This power issue is a major factor in opening the door to a sustaining a source of customers.

Are you married to this box?  Small is cool, but don't think you'd lose many customers if you made it say 5" x 8" x 12".  Like you mentioned, the small box limits you and makes for a harder build.

I recommend a straight stereo amp option and another with volume control and three input capabilities/front switch.

The volume control should have a marker (dot) to know roughly where you are to help protect ears/equipment.

[doug s.]

a few comments.  i, for one, would like at least double the power, cuz my 14 ohm rated speakers effectively halve the amps' awreddy diminutive output.  but, i am not sure this is possible.  

re: the other stuff, i would certainly prefer no wolume pot, cuz there's no way i'm gonna depart w/a full-featured active tubed remote-control preamp.  less *is* more - when it comes to amps!  

also, a bigger box w/bigger battery would also be nice.  or a second box, as vinnie suggests - whatever is easier or sonically superior.  i imagine some folk would go to wayne at bolder cables for his similar amp, if only to get the bigger battery...

doug s.

[Vinnie R.]

Vinnie,

hello and happy new year. get well soon!

would a digital input be out of order? TOSLINK and/or Coax that you could plug a CD player in - I think you would not be needing a DAC, but it could be a different board altogether that could take in a PCM stream and internally convert it to PWM(?)

Hi Feisal,

Using a digital input will not be an option with this amp, as it would add complexity and cost.  Plus, it would not have a volume control unless a DAC was used or the volume is controlled digitally.  This is beyond the scope of the minimalist design.

Thanks for responding,

Vinnie

[Vinnie R.]

I am placing my vote/suggestion to not change a thing.

Could you explain why a separate pre-amp could improve the sound. How would the overall topology (is that the right word) change from your current design if there was no volume knob and if, then, a pre-amp was required? Doesn't that just make it more complex?

What happens to the signal in the current design vs. what all happens to the signal in the pre-amp. Is the idea that the pre-amp (which may be a tubed pre-amp) can "warm" up the music? Why would you want to tamper with the original recording/performance?

FWIW, I like your little amp the way it is.
...

Seminarian,

Thanks for your response!  If a volume control was not to be used, I can wire the input from the RCA jacks directly to the amp board.  Yes, one would need their own preamp, which will add complexity.  Some people want to use their own preamp, be it a DACT, remote controlled, tubed, etc.   Plus, preamp usually have input selection, which some may want.

I am all in favor of the built in volume control because this is the most simple, direct path for the sound, which colors the sound the least.  

Thanks for your feedback!

Vinnie

[Vinnie R.]

If I have learned anything, with a personal tendency to avoid complication, is to keep things simple KISS. And Less=More

I also vote for leave it alone. Offer volume attenuator or not. Seriously.  Two flavors, vanilla and chocolate....

Hi Dan,

This is the way I am leaning.  The units will be built with volume controls in them, but for those who want them without it, I can modify them with a new faceplate and wire the inputs from the RCA's directly to the amp board.  

Thanks for your feedback!

Vinnie

[Vinnie R.]

Vinnie - regarding the configuration and volume control vs. no volume control. What about the idea of maybe using a slightly larger chassis, including a larger battery by default, and then offering two configurations -- one that's a dedicated amplifier, and then if you are to offer a second configuration, it being one with more than one input? So say a dedicated amplifier, and an amplifier with volume control and say three inputs?

Just a thought... Might provide the best balance -- those that are going to want a dedicated amp are happy, and those that want a simpler solution get the ability to add multiple inputs. Granted this expands your costs and labor a little bit, but the additional flexibility might introduce more sales, though its granted that your target market is small, being for those with a bit more sensitive speaker setups than average.
 ...

cjr888,

The Clari-T-Amp will remain in the same enclosure, but if I come out with a higher powered "big brother" version, I may consider these ideas.

Thanks a bunch!

Vinnie

[Vinnie R.]

To echo seminarian...if you really want warmer sound, you could use a tube CD player like a Njoe Tjoeb, Heart, or Modwright modified player...or add a buffer stage like the old Musical Fidelity X-10-D.

Basically I wouldn't change a thing. If people really want it maybe make a seperate version, but people with high efficiency speakers probably want the volume control....simpler is better.

So what's Dmason taking 'bout with higher quality parts? What other options are we talking about and what's the tur ...

Max,

I'm leaning towards offering the option of the Clari-T-Amp with or without the built in volume control.  

Thanks!

Vinnie

[Vinnie R.]

Vinnie,

How about more power?  Is there a Tripath board available that does say 40 wpc or 100 wpc?  These bigger versions could be designed to run off an external battery, in which case use a common off the shelf battery with dummy friendly connections.  This power issue is a major factor in opening the door to a sustaining a source of customers.

Are you married to this box?  Small is cool, but don't think you'd lose many customers if you made it say 5" x 8" x 12".  Like you mentioned, the small box l ...

Hi JLM,

More power is going to require a different product design, which would be around 25 to 35 watts.  It would be in a larger enclosure, with larger batteries.  

For now, I am married to the small black enclosure.  It just fits the board and battery perfectly, and I'm working on having the next batch drilled  

The volume knob DOES have a marker to indicate volume position.

Thanks for responding,

Vinnie

[Vinnie R.]

a few comments. i, for one, would like at least double the power, cuz my 14 ohm rated speakers effectively halve the amps' awreddy diminutive output. but, i am not sure this is possible.

re: the other stuff, i would certainly prefer no wolume pot, cuz there's no way i'm gonna depart w/a full-featured active tubed remote-control preamp. less *is* more - when it comes to amps!  

also, a bigger box w/bigger battery would also be nice. or a second box, as vinnie suggests - whatever is easier or sonically superior. i imagine some folk would go to wayne at bolder cables for his similar amp, if only to get the bigger battery...

doug s..

Hi Doug,

The 2024 chip in the Clari-T cannot output any more power, so a more powerful version will require another design.  

Regarding a bigger battery, some folks are happy with a 6 hours of use before charging.  For those who want longer playing time, I 'may' offer an optional enclosure with a larger, secondary battery for extended playing.  

One thing to note, I have not found that a larger SLA sounds any better with this amp.  It just plays longer before needing to be charged.  

Also, I recommend 6 hours between charging, but if you are playing atlower levels and using more efficient speakers, don't be surprised to find out that you can go even longer before charging.  


Thanks for responding!

Vinnie