[AmpDesigner333]

Introducing the Maraschino Module and Development Platform!

We have some exciting news.... We are adding a new reward to our Maraschino Video Series campaign (ends May 12th): Maraschino Module Development Board. This board is for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to evaluate and develop applications for our new modules. Some more sophisticated DIYers may also be interested.



Technical Information
Power is the rail (30-60VDC), 12VDC, and +/-5VDC. The modules are basically a miniaturized Maraschino board with external low voltage power supplies. They are only 1.8 x 2.0 x 0.5 inches and can drive up to 1000W (music peak, thermally limited, 1.8Ω load). SNR is 118dB. Low impedance output for damping factors up to 2000. Sonics are smooth, fast, and clean, like all Maraschino Amplifiers. DC-100kHz bandwidth. These modules can be socketed for upgradeability up to 400W into 4Ω.
We are offering a development package reward that includes:

• development board
• two Maraschino Modules
• 48V external power supply
• documentation package

Where We Stand
In a world of "me too" ncore and ice power module based amps, the Maraschino Module stands ready to set our partner OEM's products apart as a future-proof, forward-thinking, sonically optimized contenders. The competition uses modulation techniques that are wildly affected by speaker reactance and with gobs of negative feedback to achieve good bench measurements into a dummy load resistor. The result is ringing and high frequency hash much like the mega-feedback Class-AB amps of the 1980s. Our module offers amazing bench measurements without massive feedback or phase compensation networks. The Maraschino difference is simply better sonics. We have successfully eliminated the harshness associated with other Class-D amps.

Maraschino Module Development Platform
Our Maraschino Module Development Platform is a stereo amplifier. It's basically a life support system for the modules, providing the necessary power supplies and connections. The board is powered by either a linear power transformer or external DC power supply.  A schematic (and bill of materials) is provided for easy design of your own "amplifier motherboard". The modules are socketed.  There are both XLR and RCA inputs on the board.  We also offer a speaker connection harness for easy testing (see photo).



Our Maraschino Module Development Platform is ONLY available through our current Kickstarter project at this time (ends May 12th). The cost of getting yours will go WAY up once we get into production.

Here's our current Kickstarter project, Maraschino Video Series:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/378044010/maraschino-video-series

Thanks.

-Tommy O

[AmpDesigner333]

Here's a press release in The Audio Beatnik:
http://theaudiobeatnik.com/index.php/2017/05/08/introducing-the-maraschino-module-and-development-platform/

[AmpDesigner333]

A recently written blurb about our new module....

-----------------------------

With 1000W capability (thermally limited), the 2 x 2 x 1/2 inch Maraschino Module may have the highest audio amplifier power density in the world, but more importantly, they may also be the best sounding module available today!  Other modules on the market use modulation techniques that are affected by speaker reactance, or they use gobs of "ringy sounding" negative feedback to achieve good bench measurements into a dummy load resistor, or they have high distortion approaching the audio band that can smear imaging, or they are simply overpriced old technology.
 
The Maraschino Module is essentially a miniaturized Maraschino Monoblock amplifier board, minus the low voltage power supplies.  These modules have the same topology and sonic quality as the well regarded Maraschino Cherry line of high-end audio amplifiers.  They are significantly different in design than other modules on the market.  Here are some differentiating factors:
1. Low-feedback, low-impedance,high-bandwidth design for fast, clean sound quality into actual reactive speaker loads
2. Direct Connections and Easy Assembly....  Solder, or plug into, a simple motherboard (essentially connectors and power supplies) as opposed to being connected with multiple wire harnesses
3. Can be socketed for future upgradeability
4. Heat is transferred to the chassis through the motherboard, covering thermal considerations in most applications
5. SNR is >115dB.  THD+N is less than 0.01% at 10W output
6. Power "doubles down"....  Delivers 200W into 8Ω, 400W into 4Ω, and 800W into 2Ω with 60V rail supply
7. Power "doubles down"....  Delivers 125W into 8Ω, 250W into 4Ω, and 500W into 2Ω with 48V rail supply
8. 0-100kHz frequency response
9. Low output impedance through entire audio band
10. Other features:
    a. DC coupled
    b. True Balanced Output
    c. Balanced or Single Ended input
    d. Amp enable and Auto-sleep enable pins
 
Maraschino amplifiers are optimized for sonics, not just bench performance driving continuous sine waves into an ideal resistor.  In order to save space on the module, the low voltage power supplies are external.  The module board is double sided using small package components.  It's dual in-line package can be soldered to the motherboard or plugged into female headers on the motherboard.  Socketing the module allows future upgrades.  It's easy to add Maraschino amplification to your product.  A simple, fully documented development package is available.
 

[AmpDesigner333]

First Maraschino Module based product:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=152772.0

Please check it out and welcome Leo to Audio Circle.  Thanks.

[AmpDesigner333]

First CRISPIN Amp review/preview:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=152791.0

[AmpDesigner333]

Check it out:
http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/orchard-audio-crispin/

"CRISPIN is one warm and wonderful sounding product with the Maraschino Cherry Core"....

[MttBsh]

"The CRISPIN is one good sounding Class-D power amplifier"

I want to like the Crispin, but don't feel this "review" is doing it any favors. "Good sounding"?? is that really the best description the reviewer can come up with? How about listing its strengths and weaknesses compared to other Class D amps, especially the cherry amps themselves. The reviewer spends way more time talking about the quality of the recordings used in the review than how they sounded on the amp. Rather than damned by faint praise this seems like a case of damned by lack of useful information. Because of my respect for the Cherry amps, I would seriously consider buying a Crispin, but this "review" is turning me away. I hope a useful, informative review of this amp is forthcoming.

[AmpDesigner333]

"The CRISPIN is one good sounding Class-D power amplifier"

I want to like the Crispin, but don't feel this "review" is doing it any favors. "Good sounding"?? is that really the best description the reviewer can come up with? How about listing its strengths and weaknesses compared to other Class D amps, especially the cherry amps themselves. The reviewer spends way more time talking about the quality of the recordings used in the review than how they sounded on the amp. Rather than damned by faint praise this seems like a case of damned by lack of useful information. Because of my respect for the Cherry amps, I would seriously consider buying a Crispin, but this "review" is turning me away. I hope a useful, informative review of this amp is forthcoming.

Good points in your post.  I guess it's important to point out that this is a Maraschino Amplifier, sound quality wise.  Products like this start out slow because publications naturally lean toward their advertising customers for reviews, so there is a reliance on customer reviews.  So, catch-22, but there is a benefit price-wise to being an early adopter.  I'm not sure how Leo's going to sell these, as far as offering in-home demos, but usually, if you don't like it, you can get your money back (minus shipping cost), so there's no real risk.  There was another review before that one in The Audio Beatnik.  Did you see it?  Thanks for your kind post.

[Vlad]

Are these modules still available for DIY? If so, what's the price of a pair?

[AmpDesigner333]

Are these modules still available for DIY? If so, what's the price of a pair?

We were going to use them for our multi-channel amps, but we were able to get better performance with our new Maraschino mono boards, which are used in the x-CHerry series (2-5 channel amps).  We are asked about DIY often, and are currently considering sales of Maraschino mono boards through distribution.  However, we currently don’t participate in the DIY market because our design is not cheap to produce, even in higher quantities.  Powered speakers would benefit from Maraschino technology, especially considering the control Maraschino would have over a speaker with no crossover in series.  Thanks for your question.

[Wind Chaser]

Powered speakers would benefit from Maraschino technology, especially considering the control Maraschino would have over a speaker with no crossover in series.

Have you thought about partnering with a manufacture serious about producing a truly audiophile quality active loudspeaker?

Active speakers have never really claimed a place in the nonprofessional market, most likely or at least in part because manufactures don’t have much to say about the quality of the internal electronics. Simply stating power output and nothing more would suggest the electronics didn’t merit any special attention and that it might even be embarrassing to admit what they are. For the audiophile.market this is a guaranteed no sale. Amps matter!

[AmpDesigner333]

Have you thought about partnering with a manufacture serious about producing a truly audiophile quality active loudspeaker?

Active speakers have never really claimed a place in the nonprofessional market, most likely or at least in part because manufactures don’t have much to say about the quality of the internal electronics. Simply stating power output and nothing more would suggest the electronics didn’t merit any special attention and that it might even be embarrassing to admit what they are. For the audiophile.market this is a guaranteed no sale. Amps matter!

We’d definitely be interested, but it’s a pretty involved endeavor, and we’re super busy with other development projects.  Thanks.