What is the MEGAschino Cherry ?

GETRDUN · « **Reply #20 on:** 12 Jan 2018, 12:27 am »

Quote from: Wind Chaser on 11 Jan 2018, 11:02 pm

Once people start receiving Mike's amps I suspect you'll hear some good things about them... But how good are they compared to the Maraschino's and MEGAchino's is another question. Tommy has been doing Class D for a long time. And he doesn't source off the shelf chips from anyone.

Nice, Thanks! Guess we'll see when the Icepower amps hit the new owners!

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #21 on:** 12 Jan 2018, 02:50 am »

Updated Jan 25th.

See here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=149935.msg1661489#msg1661489

JerryM · « **Reply #22 on:** 12 Jan 2018, 02:58 am »

Price?

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #23 on:** 12 Jan 2018, 04:08 am »

Quote from: GETRDUN on 11 Jan 2018, 09:06 pm

It would be interesting to know how these MEGAschino amps would compare....

We design all the circuits, so Cherry Amps are not built from "inflated-price, one-size-fits-all, pre-fab modules".

Side story: We worked with SANYO years ago on high-performance Class-D. They were using an ice power circuit in a multi-chip module design that was cancelled. They told us even our old technology was light years ahead of ice power but the cost of our high-power Class-D was too high for mass market. We explained that our technology was intended for ultimate audio performance, not cheap mass market consumer audio.

We pride ourselves in a unique high-performance technology built with patented and proprietary circuits that WE DESIGN. Our technology doesn't require gobs of negative feedback as used in mass market pre-fab modules. Some say high-feedback amplifier designs are responsible for screechy highs and smeared imaging like the Class-AB amps of the 1980s. We also don't require complex compensation networks allowing much less output filtering for flat, extended response into difficult loads. Our extended response also allows better control at high frequencies. Other Class-D designs are adversely affected by speaker reactance, some so bad that capacitance on the output changes their operating frequency.

We design our hardware FROM SCRATCH (down to the smallest component) to fit the product, and we design the entire product around our own circuits. Therefore, we don't need to make sonic sacrifices in order to fill as many "sockets" as possible. This allows us to reach new levels of performance on the bench, but more importantly, into your ears.

The MEGAschino is like (sonic wise) the well-regarded Maraschino with even more extended bandwidth and massive added headroom. The result is an elegant and luxurious sounding amplifier capable of driving just about any speaker on the planet, even the BIG power-hungry ones like Legacy Whisper, Tekton Double Impact, Magnepan 3.7i, big JTRs (210RT, 212RT, 215RT), etc.

Here are some MEGAschino differentiating features:

DC coupling end-to-end ---- response down to 0Hz and NO BASS PHASE SHIFT
Low output impedance across the entire audio band ---- other amp manufacturers rate output impedance (or damping factor) only at 100Hz while we measure it at 100Hz, 1kHz, and 10kHz
Optimized for SONICS above all else ---- we start with amazing bench specs, like 128+dB SNR and 0.0008% THD+N, then we tweak for sound AFTER that
Black background and micro-dynamics ---- 120dB SNR, 0.005% THD+N at low power
High power ---- MEGAschino channel boards are capable of comfortably driving 1000W into 4Ω and up to 2000W into 2Ω
Extended bandwidth ---- up to 150kHz
Patented and proprietary circuitry designed in-house ---- we are one of the few amp manufacturers that still designs circuits as opposed to dropping yet another module into a fancy box!
Experience! ---- I'm the guy with 30-years Class-D amplifier design experience

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #24 on:** 12 Jan 2018, 04:11 am »

Quote from: JerryM on 12 Jan 2018, 02:58 am

Price?

LIST PRICES:
Stereo MEGAschino: $6100
MONO MEGAschino: $9800/pr
Stereo 1500W Transformer Upgrade: $800
MONO 1500W Transformer Upgrade: $1600/pr
Stereo Double Rail Capacitors Upgrade: $600
MONO Double Rail Capacitors Upgrade: $1200/pr
MONO Quadruple Rail Capacitors Upgrade: $2000/pr

However, we are running a pre-order special (ends soon). For more information, email Support@DigitalAmp.com.

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #25 on:** 12 Jan 2018, 04:13 am »

Quote from: carmaniac13 on 11 Jan 2018, 08:20 pm

I had a chance to visit Tommy last week and listen to the new MEGAschino monos. He had them hooked up to JTR Noesis 210RTs, speakers that can readily take advantage of the tremendous power on tap.

The combination produced an effortless and invisible reproduction of everything we listened to. The JTRs offered razor sharp imaging, and the MEGAschinos got out of the way and just delivered to the JTRs whatever was sent to them from the DAC DAC HS and Squeezebox Touch source. Regardless of the volume, from whisper quiet to deafeningly loud (110dB measured at the listening position, and we didn't turn it up all the way), the system maintained a realistic finesse that sets this equipment apart from the competition. The sound pressure this setup can reach is deceptive, because there's absolutely NO strain or distortion. Lows remain tight and well controlled, maintaining tonal balance and good punch at any volume, and highs stay articulate and refined, with zero harshness.

Tommy has another winning product, delivering on his goal of complete transparency and ultimate control of whatever speaker load you decide to feed, with a bottomless pit of power to play at any volume you dare.

Thanks for your kind thoughts. Glad you enjoyed the MEGAschino MONOs!

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #26 on:** 12 Jan 2018, 04:41 am »

VIEW ON A WIDE SCREEN !

Minimum Channels Wpc Wpc USD List
Model Type Bandwidth Load per amp into 4Ω into 8Ω Price (new)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEGAschino Stereo Stereo Amp 0 - 150kHz 2Ω 2 660 400 $6,100
MEGAschino MONO Mono Amp 0 - 150kHz 2Ω 1 720 430 $9,800/pr
Classic Cherry Stereo Stereo Amp 1Hz - 60kHz 4Ω 2 600 360 $2,100
Classic Cherry MONO Mono Amp 1Hz - 60kHz 4Ω 1 650 390 $3,000/pr
Classic Cherry ULTRA Stereo Stereo Amp 1Hz - 60kHz 4Ω 2 675 400 $3,900
Classic Cherry ULTRA MONO Mono Amp 1Hz - 60kHz 4Ω 1 770 420 $7,000/pr
Desktop Maraschino Mono Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 1 145 (36V) 70 (36V) $2,500/pr
250 (48V) 125 (48V) $2,500/pr
400 (60V) 200 (60V) $3,500/pr
KING 60V Desktop Maraschino Mono Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 1 400 200 $4,000/pr
Golden Cherry Mono Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 1 400 200 $6,900/pr
In-Line Maraschino Mono Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 1 145 (36V) 70 (36V) $1,900/pr
250 (48V) 125 (48V) $1,900/pr
KING In-Line Maraschino Mono Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 1 400 200 $3,100/pr
Stereo Maraschino Stereo Int Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 2 70 (36V) 70 (36V) $1,200
125 (48V) 125 (48V) $1,200
KING 60V Stereo Maraschino Stereo Int Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 2 400 200 $1,700

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #27 on:** 16 Jan 2018, 06:14 pm »

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #28 on:** 16 Jan 2018, 06:15 pm »

Stereo MEGAschino board set with Double Capacitance:

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #29 on:** 17 Jan 2018, 06:15 pm »

We were asked to comment about the lack of heat sinks in the MEGAschino design....

The MEGAschino directs heat through the motherboard into the chassis. The chassis, or enclosure, it heavy gauge steel, and a massive heat sink.

You don't need heat sinks for powerful sound. The MEGAschino approaches 1000Wpc into 4 ohms, so there's proof heat sinks aren't necessary. With reasonably efficient speakers (mid 90s), you can reach SPLs of 110dB or even 120dB without significant distortion ---- from the amplifiers, anyway. There are not many speakers than can run such high SPL without loads of compression (distortion). JTR is one quick example.

We appreciate the onslaught of interest in the MEGAschino. Who would you like to see review this amp? We're looking for someone with at least a double digit pro review history and very high quality speakers.... Thanks.

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #30 on:** 17 Jan 2018, 06:57 pm »

Quote from: AmpDesigner333 on 17 Jan 2018, 06:15 pm

Who would you like to see review this amp?

How about The Absolute Sound or Stereophile?

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #31 on:** 17 Jan 2018, 07:30 pm »

Quote from: Wind Chaser on 17 Jan 2018, 06:57 pm

How about The Absolute Sound or Stereophile?

We have tried many times, but since we don't advertise there, they have declined. I guess it's no problem to ask again, but we have reviewers from other publications (not at liberty to disclose) asking US to review the MEGAschino! Thanks.

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #32 on:** 18 Jan 2018, 03:41 am »

MEGAschino MONO board set with standard capacitance:

MEGAschino MONO board set with Double Capacitance:

MEGAschino MONO board set with Quadruple Capacitance:

sumoking · « **Reply #33 on:** 18 Jan 2018, 06:31 am »

Quote from: AmpDesigner333 on 12 Jan 2018, 04:41 am

Minimum Channels Wpc Wpc USD List
Model Type Bandwidth Load per amp into 4Ω into 8Ω Price (new)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEGAschino Stereo Stereo Amp 0 - 150kHz 2Ω 2 660 400 $6,100
MEGAschino MONO Mono Amp 0 - 150kHz 2Ω 1 720 430 $9,800/pr
Classic Cherry Stereo Stereo Amp 1Hz - 60kHz 4Ω 2 600 360 $2,100
Classic Cherry MONO Mono Amp 1Hz - 60kHz 4Ω 1 650 390 $3,000/pr
Classic Cherry ULTRA Stereo Stereo Amp 1Hz - 60kHz 4Ω 2 675 400 $3,900
Classic Cherry ULTRA MONO Mono Amp 1Hz - 60kHz 4Ω 1 770 420 $7,000/pr
Desktop Maraschino Mono Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 1 145 (36V) 70 (36V) $2,500/pr
250 (48V) 125 (48V) $2,500/pr
400 (60V) 200 (60V) $3,500/pr
KING 60V Desktop Maraschino Mono Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 1 400 200 $4,000/pr
Golden Cherry Mono Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 1 400 200 $6,900/pr
In-Line Maraschino Mono Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 1 145 (36V) 70 (36V) $1,900/pr
250 (48V) 125 (48V) $1,900/pr
KING In-Line Maraschino Mono Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 1 400 200 $3,100/pr
Stereo Maraschino Stereo Int Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 2 70 (36V) 70 (36V) $1,200
125 (48V) 125 (48V) $1,200
KING 60V Stereo Maraschino Stereo Int Amp 0 - 100kHz 2Ω 2 400 200 $1,700

Can't wait to get my KING 60V Desktop Maraschino Mono Amps...
Hope they do the trick in my system; Exogal Comet DAC, Custom Tube preamp, and Spatial M3 Turbo S's !!!

Cheers! Sumo

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #34 on:** 26 Jan 2018, 03:52 pm »

MEGAschino Specifications (prelim 25-JAN-2018):
Gain: 25.6dB
SNR: 120dB
1W THD+N: 0.005%
Size: 17.0" x 14.3" x 4.6"
Power Stage Efficiency: 95%
Output Impedance: <0.04Ω at 1kHz, <0.08Ω at 10kHz
Sensitivity: 3.0Vin for 400Wout into 8Ω
Weight: 30-40 lbs (depending on version)
Input Impedance: 20kΩ true balanced
Frequency Response: 0Hz to 150kHz (DC coupled)
Output Power (standard 750W transformer):
Stereo Version: 660Wpc into 4Ω, 400Wpc into 8Ω
MONO Version: 720Wpc into 4Ω, 430Wpc into 8Ω
Output Power (1500W transformer):
Stereo Version: 750Wpc into 4Ω, 440Wpc into 8Ω
MONO Version: 850Wpc into 4Ω, 460Wpc into 8Ω
Protection: Thermal, Current, Voltage, Auto-Recovery
Output Connectors: WBT Gold Binding Posts
Input Connectors: Neutrik Gold XLR (RCA-to-XLR adapters included)
Idle Power Consumption:
Stereo Version: 36W
MONO Version: 20W
Sleep Mode Power Consumption:
Stereo Version: 11W
MONO Version: 8W
AC MAINS: 120VAC nominal, 230VAC upon request

MEGAschino Features (prelim 25-JAN-2018):
* Auto-Sleep: Amp sleeps after 8 minutes of no audio and wake up when audio returns
* Enclosure: Heavy Gauge Steel in Black, Black Faceplate (looks like Classic Cherry)
* Power Supply: Massive Linear Transformer, separate channel rails with stereo version
* Remote trigger: 2.5mm DC jack, 3V-12V
* Ultra-High Sound Quality: Muscular and Graceful

MEGAschino Amplifier Prices, pre-order special (ends 31-JAN-2018):
Stereo MEGAschino: $4600 ($6100 regular price)
MONO MEGAschino: $7400/pr or $3800 each ($9800/pr or $5000 each regular price)

Classic Cherry to MEGAschino Amplifier Motherboard Upgrade, pre-order special (ends 31-JAN-2018):
Stereo: $2200 ($2900 regular price)
MONO: $2700/pr ($3600/pr regular price)

MEGAschino Add-On Prices, pre-order special (ends 31-JAN-2018):
Stereo 1500W Transformer Upgrade: $600 ($800 regular price)
MONO 1500W Transformer Upgrade: $1200/pr ($1600/pr regular price)
Stereo Double Rail Capacitors Upgrade: $450 ($600 regular price)
MONO Double Rail Capacitors Upgrade: $900/pr ($1200/pr regular price)
MONO Quadruple Rail Capacitors Upgrade: $1500/pr ($2000/pr regular price)

Email Support@DigitalAmp.com if interested.

Here are some MEGAschino differentiating factors:
* DC coupling end-to-end ---- response down to 0Hz and NO BASS PHASE SHIFT
* Low output impedance across the entire audio band ---- other amp manufacturers rate output impedance (or damping factor) only at 100Hz while we measure it at 100Hz, 1kHz, and 10kHz
* Optimized for SONICS above all else ---- we start with amazing bench specs, like 128dB SNR, then we tweak for sound AFTER that
* Black background and micro-dynamics ---- 120dB SNR, 0.005% THD+N at low power
* High power ---- MEGAschino channel boards are capable of comfortably driving up to 1000W into 4Ω and up to 2000W into 2Ω
* Extended bandwidth ---- up to 150kHz
* Patented and proprietary circuitry designed in-house ---- we are one of the few amp manufacturers that still designs circuits as opposed to dropping yet another module into a fancy box!
* No Heat Sinks ! ---- Our proprietary thermal design channels heat into the large steel chassis.
* Experience ---- Our most important feature is experience. With more than 30-years of Class-D amplifier design experience, we stand ready to deliver the highest level of technology for truly state-of-the-art performance.

Shear Bliss VMPS · « **Reply #35 on:** 26 Jan 2018, 11:13 pm »

MEGAschino reviews ?? Absolutely Anybody but Stereophools or Absolute Idiots as their as biased as the Democratic Party!! They both sugar-coat for their paid audio advertisers and cater to them with glowing reviews when another non-advertising concern is clearly head an shoulders superior!!

A good case in point is Tekton Designs various loudspeaker line, many of which have been reviewed by both rags esteemed reviewers with glowing praise, but which will never make a publication issue because its taboo, they don't pay advertising fees. Why else would well heeled audiophiles be dumping their $20 Grand to $50 Grand speakers for the Tekton Double Impact or Double Impact SE loudspeakers ?? The Double Impact SE in automobile gloss paint and loaded internally, with all upgrades tops out around $ 7000.00 ... you do the math.

The "new MEGAschino" will be in the exact same situation with these pay to play folks! Shameful their reviewers voice will not be heard because of silly biases. The subscribers from both rags deserve better. This amp is going to be stellar in every way with the power of the Classic Cherry design with the Maraschinos clean clear extension!! People this new power amp is going to be something very special ... period!

Regarding both fore mentioned rags ..... both only useful for upper Michigan rustic outhouse duties.

DW

BruceSB · « **Reply #36 on:** 27 Jan 2018, 03:32 am »

Congratulations on a fantastic new product.
I have just a few questions:
I wonder if you could tell me what would make the most difference, the bigger transformer upgrade or the higher capacitance upgrade?
What is the maximum power consumption?
Are there going to be faceplate options like red or white or silver?
Keep up the good work.
This is very exciting!
Thanks.
Bruce

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #37 on:** 3 Feb 2018, 05:54 pm »

It may be obvious to some of you that I am much better at designing amplifiers than marketing. I was recently asked by a large publication editor (no guesses, please) what amplifiers are in the "MEGAschino genre". Can you help me out and suggest some models to compare against in the $3,000-20,000/ch range? By the way, "old stuff" still counts, if it's still being sold by the manufacturer. We realize many brands haven't put out new amps recently. I'm also interested in who's actually designing amplifiers and building them with their own technology these days. I heard Levinson is doing that. Other big names have fired their designers and turned to modules. Has anybody gone the other way? Thanks for any help you can provide.

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #38 on:** 3 Feb 2018, 06:00 pm »

Quote from: BruceSB on 27 Jan 2018, 03:32 am

Congratulations on a fantastic new product.
I have just a few questions:
I wonder if you could tell me what would make the most difference, the bigger transformer upgrade or the higher capacitance upgrade?
What is the maximum power consumption?
Are there going to be faceplate options like red or white or silver?
Keep up the good work.
This is very exciting!
Thanks.
Bruce

Well, for low level to medium level listening, neither are necessary. However, more caps are great for low to medium level listening as well as loud "pulsating" music. For continually loud music, bigger transformer. For "knock you off your seat" type playback, both! Thank you for your kind post.

AmpDesigner333 · « **Reply #39 on:** 12 Feb 2018, 07:12 pm »

Quote from: AmpDesigner333 on 3 Feb 2018, 05:54 pm

It may be obvious to some of you that I am much better at designing amplifiers than marketing. I was recently asked by a large publication editor (no guesses, please) what amplifiers are in the "MEGAschino genre". Can you help me out and suggest some models to compare against in the $3,000-20,000/ch range? By the way, "old stuff" still counts, if it's still being sold by the manufacturer. We realize many brands haven't put out new amps recently. I'm also interested in who's actually designing amplifiers and building them with their own technology these days. I heard Levinson is doing that. Other big names have fired their designers and turned to modules. Has anybody gone the other way? Thanks for any help you can provide.

Bump