Here are some customer reviews...
I should have sent this message a long time ago, of course I was still learning about the DA4800a. I purchased one from an individual on Audiogon and now feel like I literally stole it!!! Shaking my head here as I type this message, I'm so Taken Back by the sound of your Amp, I just can't stop taking about it. Also, purchased an Odyssey Tempest on Audiogon, Stoled it too. Having not much of a budget to work with for many years, could only dream of putting together a "High End" system. To make a long story short, I purchased all used equipment. System consists of 1pr Klipsch RF5's, 1pr Klispch RSW-10d subs, 1 sony XA777es and the above mentioned.
I only have a total of $4000.00 invested and with your Amp and the other "stuff", I am ABSOLUTELY dumbfounded!!!! I did use some McIntosh amps for awhile (they sounded incredible) until I decided to replace them with your amp. They is no comparison!!!!
Hands down the 4800a was and is an Epiphany to me!!!!! Have owned it now for about a year and my excitement just doesn't stop!!!!!!!! Every time I listen to it I find it impossible to keep my jaw closed!!!!! Every time I listen to it, it's like I'm just hearing the "Epiphany" all over again. Like I've said recently, before I listened to music, now I'm IN IT like it's a newly discover dimension. I could go on and on and on!!!!!
YOU GUY'S ROCK!!!!! Oh, yah, I was wondering if there are any particular preamps other than the Odyssey that match well with the 4800a?
I used to work in the electronics industry, don't know much about it "Technically" but enough to appreciate what "You Guys" are doing. Again, I can't say enough about your Amp!!! I don't think my excitement will ever go away!!! Absolutely Love your "Niche", everyone should hear what I'm hearing!!!
Charles S. (Rensselaer Falls, NY)
That 4800 is absolutely the 600 lb. gorilla in the room. Way more instantaneously powerful than the Wyred amps. The 600 hp Corvette that can light the tires up in all gears.
Pete D. (Canton, MI)
For those who have an older 4800A, do get in touch with Tommy about what upgrades can be done. He recently installed new modulator boards (I believe) in my 4800A. Out of the box, what struck me was a new-found fullness in the sound. That unjustly implies that the former 4800A was lacking, which it was not. The amp really presents a clear sonic picture, it hits hard when called upon and treads lightly with finesse too as the music content presents. I think much of the fine sonics relate back to a simple cliche, if the 1st watt sucks, what's the point of the rest. There's so much riding on that 1st watt, especially when high efficiency speakers are thrown in the mix...
The new product packing is certainly improved from what the amp was originally shipped in.
Just wanted to offer a little of my experience with the DAC4800A.
Jim M. (Montvale, NJ)
Just wanted to echo others' positive feedback on Tommy's amps and briefly share my experiences. I have been thoroughly enjoying the power and finesse of the Cherry Jr., and am constantly amazed at just how good this amp is as I pull out music I haven't heard in a while.
I had auditioned the Devores with an all-tube setup before buying them, and was very impressed with the musicality and immersive experience of the mega-buck demo system - in a much larger room than I would have thought these smallish drivers and speakers could fill. The system got me (and the owners) up and dancing at one point (to the Average White Band, no less)! Not being able to afford the demo system though (>$15K), it did provide a lofty reference, and my search began to achieve those heights once I got the Nines home.
Previously, I had a Bel Canto S300/Pre3 combo, then went off the grid with the Dodd battery pre and then the Red Wine Signature 30.2, before purchasing the very first Cherry Jr. from Tommy in August. I got to hear the 4800A (thanks to Lapsan) before the Jr., and got a sense of the potential of Tommy's designs with the rest of my system before committing. Tommy does have a 30-day return policy, though I didn't use it. He also offers a 3-year warranty on his amps (or more, says Tommy, but this doesn't appear on his prototype web page at this point). I can tell you my experience with Tommy has been first-rate.
Having gone through a series of amps in my system, the Cherry Jr. is the first one that I feel truly complements and shows off the Devore's many inherent qualities.
With other amps, the Nines tended to sound light in character, and at higher volumes sometimes shouty (S300) or underpowered (RWA). The S300 had an appealing "big screen" soundstage, but it was rather flat and uninvolving. The RWA had nice, palpable imaging, but everything was a bit dark-hued when tubes were in front of it. Before the Cherry Jr., I thought that the Devores just didn't soundstage all that well. Now, the Devores disappear, and the soundstage extends above, behind, and outside of the speakers' footprint (depending on the recording, of course).
My experience with the other Class D amps was that bass in particular was never well-controlled, had a dip or recess in some frequencies, or a darkness or tubbiness that lacked detail in other frequencies (even with solid state preamps or direct from DAC - not due to tubes). I attributed a lack of weighty bass to the Devores, but the Cherry Jr. set me straight. Now, with some types of music, I may forget to turn on the sub and not notice or care because the bass is evenly balanced through the range of the speakers, and is tight and textured - which is perfect for late night listening. This also made it very easy to dial-in the sub's x-over frequency and volume because the bass was so consistent and tonally accurate with the Cherry Jr. driving.
In my system, and with the Dodd running Amperex 7308s, the S300 was still overly cool, while the RWA was too warm (!). At the upper end of the spectrum, the high frequencies usually didn't sound like they are supposed to - sibilants were too hot or disjointed from the rest of the voice, cymbals sounded metallic, but tizzy - lacking the varied bronze overtones, textures, and full range of colors they are supposed to have, and that the Cherry Jr. reproduces accurately with these same recordings. Now the cymbals only sound tizzy when the recording is that way to begin with.
I only realized after putting the Cherry Jr. into the mix that the other Class D amps left their imprints on the sound that were a hindrance to the rest of the system. My experience with this amp is that it really excels at musicality, macro- and micro-dynamics, tonal accuracy, and detail - all of which simply increase in scale as you add more juice, without any sense of breaking up or topping out like with previous Class D amps I've tried. This amp really does go to 11. Give one of Tommy's amps a try if you're in the market. I'm very happy with mine, and I think it has given me a solid reference to keep fine-tuning the rest of my system.
Wilson Y. (San Francisco, CA)
I sold my Cary Slam 100 monoblocks. After listening to the Cherry I found switching back to the Slams less appealing. The low end was muddled compared to the clear precise bass notes the Cherry produces. I bought a Pioneer Plasma, 6 magnepans, a center Channel and SVS sub for a surround sound. I had little left so I bought a Sherwood Newcaslte Receiver. I have an outdoor system that has BOse satellites (4) and a sub under the porch. It is powerred by a Denon receiver. People listen and say how wonderful Bose speakers are. I bring them inside and introduce them to some real sound reproduction. My Cherry powers a pair of Apogee Caliper signatures. I have an M&K kx-12 sub set up with each Cal Sig with the crossover set at 40-50 hz. Thank You for turning me toward Apogees.
They sound great with your Cherry amp. It never fails to amaze. I can play acoustic guitar, female vocals, Pink Floyd, Santana, Enya, New age, Classical, Jazz, You name it and the listener is always amazed.
They cannot get over the clarity. Most people think "what great speakers". But occassionally I will get someone that knows. They say"those speakers produce great sound but what are you powering them with? The power behind the Cherry and the clarity it produces. Proven not only by its numbers but by what we hear. I have burned up a solid state trying to power Quad 57esl electrostats. I have listended to OHM 5 mkIIs and been disappointed. Only to find out it was what I was powering them with. Once hooked up to the Cherry they blossomed. My Apogees have extended range when powerd by the Cherry.
Gerry M. (Springfield, VT)
[The DAC4800A] has performed as described. Lots of juice and very transparent!
Joe B. (Norfolk, VA)
The 4800A is ROCKING MY WORLD! (sorry for shouting) Seriously, it is one incredibly sweet amp. Somebody a while back said something about "out of body euphoric". Well, I'll second that. A couple examples from two of my favorite recordings; Dave Holland's Prime Directive - so incredibly present, huge soundstage, everybody in their place with correct height, depth, you name it. The other is Chick Corea To The Stars which sounded great before but a little - maybe, harsh, that's not the right word exactly, but kind of edgy. Well, now it is sweet and majorly 3D - holographic even. I keep turning around because there are people playing behind me. There is a section in the first tune where everybody is trading fours - it is just plain wicked now. Everybody is lined up right in front of me blowing like crazy. I listened to it three times in a row just to make sure it was real. And the bass - holy smokes. You guys who heard the 4800A with the SP Tech speakers know what I am talking about. I have the Continuum's and I just received a set of Mini's from another AC member. If you think the 4800A sounds great with the Minis you should hear it with the Continuums, and I can only imagine what two of these in Mono would sound like through a pair of Revelations.
Robert S. (Charlottesville, VA)
Cherry amp impressions..
I received my Cherry amp a few days ago and wanted to post a few early reactions. I will try to follow up with more in depth comments in a few weeks after I have lived with it for a good period of time.
First, the amp is dead quiet. It is also much better looking than I thought it would be. The pictures really don't do it justice - the deep cherry color of the faceplate is very pleasing.
My early impressions of the sound:
No problems at all. A tremendous sense of power, particularly in the bass. One of the first things I noticed was a somewhat cleaner and more extended treble than I'm used to. This is a good thing in my system (ACI Sapphires, passive preamp, small deadish room). Perhaps related to this is a surprising improvement in PRAT over any of my previous amps. Toe tapping and head bobbing started very quickly. The Cherry also has an amazing sound stage and imaging. This is true even when listening well off axis and it is not subtle. I am also hearing an across the board improvement in detail. This is not a "fingers squeaking on the strings" sort of thing so much as an enhanced ability to pick out and follow each member of a well recorded jazz combo. The old analogy of someone cleaning the window is apt. I would say this amplifier is well worth hearing and should be compared with the best you can come up with.
UPDATE... (January 4th, 2009)
After two weeks of listening it is hard to add anything to the above. I'm just tempted to go back and underline everything already said. Here is a musical example: Kenny Barron and Regina Carter have a great duo album (Freefall). Carter's violin sound is resiny and forward. This can translate into "steely" through some amps. With the Cherry you can hear and feel the instrument. It is right there, with no edginess. Very much like hearing her perform live. When Barron solos on "Softly.." she carries the melody in the background (there are no other sidemen). On some systems her background playing can sound almost like an annoying bee. With the Cherry in the system you can ignore the piano if you want and just listen to her amazing tone and control. No droning at all. As for Barron, he reminds me that in the hands of some great jazz players the piano is a percussion instrument. With the Cherry in place you not only hear the chords, you feel them. (And, no offense, but listen to this album to understand the difference between "smooth" jazz and the real thing). Enough said. If this kind of presentation appeals to you, try a Cherry. It could be too much of a good thing in some systems so take that as a caution. This is not the amp of choice for gentle background music. It won't let you ignore the music. I haven't yet had the chance to hear it with a tube preamp which could be the magic combo.
Bill O. (San Marcos, CA)
After some listening with Spectron amp and DAC 4800A amp, I decided to keep DAC amp. I didn't realize how good this amp is until I have both amps to compare. They're both have a lot power, the mid sound about the same, the separation of the instruments give that to DAC, the high is about right with DAC but Spectron seem a little bright for me. The bass on the DAC is fast and tight. The Spectron is fast and go a little lower then the DAC. The Image is about the same. In the end I like DAC a little better with my AVA T8 pre amp. The Spectron probably go better with another pre amp.
Lap L. (San Francisco, CA)
Related Equipment: SP TECH Revelation Speakers, Mod Wright Transporter, Arcam 73T, Sansui T900 tuner, Van Alstine T-8 pre amp, Gregg Stratley white cable (speaker cable)
How's the listening? Simply, I am impressed. It's like a window has been opened into the music. More detail comes through but balanced in respect to the music.
Treble is liquid and amazingly transparent. Cymbals are much better resolved, defined and their ADSR is well represented. Bass is tuneful, well defined, has impact and not overblown. Easy to discern the bass line from the kick drum. Midrange is true. The amp on a whole has a forward presentation, that is, the performance is closer to me rather than me being rows back. Forward as in front row, but plenty of soundstage depth.
Not forward as in bleached, stringent or harsh.
Also (from an Audio Circle post):
BTW- IMO, the DAC4800A is a better sounding amp than the AVA Insight 440H, I recently tested (see review: DAC4800A Review)
Jim M. (Oak Ridge, NJ)
Related equipment: ICE-based H2O Audio S250 Signature, Exodus Audio UcD400, NAD C160 preamp (previous), Jeff Rowland Capri, Bel Canto PRe3, Magnepan MG1.6s
I haven't posted any comments on the DAC4800A's sound quality because the only amp I have on hand for comparison, is my Aberdeen Signature TacT S2150, which no one on this website has heard, and I'm sure no one on this website has heard the Gradient Helsinki 1.5 speakers I'm using. Plus, I wanted to give it some burn-in time.
For the moment, all I'll say is I'm impressed enough to wonder what a pair of DAC 1000+ watt monos would do on the 1.5s.
There aren't any "$300 bucks worth of B&O modules" in this amp. Anyone who's look at at the pictures on the DAC website could tell you this.
If you're not "simple poor," and are in the market for a powerful, cool running amp, I suggest you contact DAC and arrange for a 30 day trial. The DAC4800A is very smooth.
Dan E. (Makawao, HI)
I got to hear the Cherry in many configurations over three weeks, in two different rooms. I'll try to capture some of what was learned:
The easy part is stating that the amp operated perfectly. I even did a real dumb thing and left some speaker cables attached to it and not to the speakers, and the amp clicked its protection a few times before I could shut it off. But the amp turned on no prob after that and worked flawlessly.
First hearing was at the Oct. Rave at my house using a pro-type DAC (Benchmark- sized) directly into the amp into B&W 805s in my bigger living room. This was one of the first times this amp had been used and I'm not going to attribute anything to break in, but the possibility is there. The sound was too bright and at loud volume sent people from the room. The B&Ws don't have very deep bass and the overall presentation was just way too lean. (In their defense we had them sounding fabulous later when using a sub and a PrimaLuna tube integrated). As the night went on though the setups kept changing and sounding better and better. Using the SPTech Minis was an improvement in that they have much more full-bodied sound, and less open and airy highs than the B&Ws - Both qualities that mated well with what the Cherry has to offer. At some point a Red Wine Isabella DAC/PRE was put in front of the Cherry with excellent results - way smoother than just direct from the D/A converter. Overall conclusion from these set ups was of speed, clarity and control. The conventional wisdom of "Tube pre before Class D" was borne out. There were reservations about the sweetness factor though, esp after the B&W experience. Imaging was outstanding at all times.
The Cherry then made its way into my smaller, damped main 2-channel room fed by my VAC preamp. Apparently a match made in heaven because both the Minis and my VR4JRs sounded great overall. The only amp I can make any direct comparison to is my VAC, and the DAC was much faster and cleaner while not equaling the VACs "tube glow" qualities.
The DAC excelled at bass control and pitch definition. I listened to it and a 600 watt Sunfire amp using just the bass cabinets of the VR4s and the DAC had much tighter control over the bass. The Sunfire bass was wooly and non-descript in comparison.
Another positive trait was its imaging ability. Much wider and more precise than my VAC, and more in front of the speakers as well. As I said, there were moments of true amazement of hearing sounds seeming to come from so far to the outsides of the speakers. Precise, precise, controlled yet very open and airy highs up top.
Over time, I don't know how much was due to break-in of my ears or the amp but the sound seemed to get better and better - more meat on the bones. To the people that were at the Rave - You did not get to hear what this amp can do, I promise you. I got used to the speed and began craving the imaging and bass. By far the best bass I've heard from my speakers (Aragon 2004, Channel Island D200s, Sunfire Signature 600 watt).
I switched my VAC amp back in yesterday, and while it certainly does things that people like tubes to do, the soundstage is narrower and at the same time more diffuse, and the bass performance is significantly worse than before.
The DAC amp is better through the bass range than the VAC by a wider margin than the VAC is better than the DAC is thru the treble. I think that makes sense.
I have to conclude that the DAC is the real deal folks. Like anything, it needs to be used appropriately. If you have Theils and silver cabling and live in a glass house, I'd think twice. I see Big Red Machine has a balanced KCI gold cable for sale that I'd guess would be a perfect match for this amp (balanced inputs only). Add a quality tube pre, speakers that can benefit from a good spankin and an appropriately treated room and this amp is capable of really amazing performance.
We found it to benefit greatly by a switch to a Black Sand Silver Ref V power cord vs. a "stock in the box" cord. Something that made the DAC engineer convulse a little He is a really good guy - Very knowledgeable and down to earth. Seriously committed to making great sounding gear that he feels very proud and confident in. He knows what he's doing and is intimately familiar with the pros and cons of all the major class D designs, and believes he has far surpassed them (sorry if I just put some words in your mouth there - Just trying to express the seriousness with which you are driven in your design)
I really encourage anyone to try this amp out for themselves. It's that good.
Also (from an Audio Circle post):
My impressions, after 3 weeks with a Cherry:
- Incredible dynamics yet no strain 
- Class D efficiency and power without glare 
- Breathtaking imaging precision yet emotionally involving 
- Superb bass control and airy highs 
The ICE and UcD solutions I've tried have not been able to pull off these balancing acts.
Very wide soundstage - much more so than my VAC amp (One of the Raverscommented that w/ the DAC in place of the VAC, he was now able to easily hear the R speaker from the L side of the room, while he could not at all w/ the VAC, whatever that indicates)
Mike S. (Milford, NJ)
I have listened to your DAC amplifier in my audio system for about two weeks or so and wanted to share with you some of my impressions thus far. From my point of view as a music lover and audiophile, I must first congratulate you on what is clearly a remarkable engineering achievement. As you know, I have owned many amplifiers over the years including some that have earned the distinction of being renowned as timeless classics. Every ten or twenty years, I have found, a truly exceptional engineer shows up with a new design that captures my attention. You and your DAC amplifier have done just that and have shown that innovation in amplifier design is alive and well, advancing the art of music reproduction.
Your DAC amplifier successfully combines genuine musicality, reliability, versatility, outstanding dynamics, and full range music reproduction in a sensibly designed, easily managed, and compact package. The unit delivers the music with transparent clarity, a natural sound, and all the authority required to achieve a "live" sound.
Hooking this amplifier up to my delicate electrostatic speakers is just about the toughest test there is for an amplifier. First of all, it was electronically stable at all times into this difficult and complex load. Next, I found that I could safely turn the amp off or on, or change interconnects and speaker cables at will, without any fear of damage to these sensitive speakers. Your standby switch and internal protective circuitry adds another level safety that assures protection for any connected equipment. I like that and it further shows how well thought out the design is.
The amplifier effortlessly delivered all the subtle nuances and detail of whatever recording I played. From the Paganini Caprices to Bach's great organ works, it was all there, all the time.
What the amplifier does not have is any pops or clicks, excess heat, unwieldy weight or size, strange sounds, or annoying quirks that I have found in so many other designs. It is a pleasure to use because once turned on, I am not listening to an amplifier - I am listening to and enjoying music. Your amplifier easily surpasses even the $30,000 amplifiers out there. I have found that those units deliver only a fraction of the quality and power the DAC amplifier provides.
Also, congratulations on your patent for the engineering of this amplifier. It is well deserved. I think this amplifier is absolutely extraordinary and know you will have tremendous success with your technology.
Arthur S, M.D. (Allentown, PA)
The amplifier itself is a straightforward design using patented switching amp modules featuring CLDjam, a closed loop design. (See their web for full description). It is equipped with an on/off switch, 15A breaker, xlr input, binding posts and removable IEC plug on the rear of the unit. The AC plug is terminated directly on the PCB board. Inside everything is neat and well laid out with a 750v torroidal transformer (a 1500v is now offered as an upgrade). The amp has thermal, shorted, voltage and over current protection, which are indicated on the front of the unit with led’s for each channel. Between them a standby / operate switch.
This review was conducted in a minimalist system being fed by a Resolution Audio cd55 player with analogue volume control, thru VandenHul the second carbon fiber interconnects to the amplifier and finally to diy 8’ axon cables feeding the custom made monitors using the same Seas aluminum mid woofer as Joseph Audio RM 7’s, an excel tweeter and the crossover design by Dennis Murphy and 1.5” thick, braced walls on heavy 24”steel stands.
The DAC is rated at 350w into 8ohms and almost 700w at 4ohms.The speakers are 87db efficient and are 6ohm nominal. The DAC is a very powerful, yet efficient (97%), amplifier and will play very low notes, below 20z, with authority, detail and a vise like grip on the woofer. The treble never sounds strident, on all but the worst recordings. It’s sonic signature is a natural sounding timbre, very detailed, both micro and macro, with excellent speed, pace and rhythm. The decay is very believable, while the attack and dynamics have to be heard, to be believed! Its sound lies somewhere in between solid state and tube amplification.
Rob Wasserman’s Duets “Angel Eyes” is a great piece to test the dynamic capability of amplifier/speaker. The plucked notes are very detailed and clear, with a woody quality. Cheryl Bentyne’s voice has been captured with extreme dynamics. The DAC presents this with incredible force without giving up any of the hall reverb effects and various cues from the plucked bass, or sounding stressed.
Ani Difranco’s steely sounding guitar in “Garden of Simple” has crisp transients with great decay, while “So What” has a very deep, detailed and punchy bass line.
Ben Harpers “Fight for your mind” title song, as well as “Burn one down” portrays the drums with excellent speed and timbre. Impressive!
The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies has some subsonic background noise, which requires a powerful but detailed amplifier to create the proper balance of foundation for Margo Timmins solo in “Mining for gold”. When the second track fades in you can really notice the absence of background noise and the musical canvas once again becomes totally black and silent.
Patricia Barbers Modern Cool has a variety of well-recorded music. The “Company” song at 2:45 offers an incredible drum solo. The DAC makes this song very exciting with incredible speed and dynamics. But his doesn’t come at the cost of accurate timbre. Rather a believable and crystal clear window of the original event is presented.
Is the DAC 4800-A for you? While the amp does not posses that warm, liquid, syrupy sound of a single ended triode, it is similar to an ultra linear tube design in sound. It also does not sound like typical transistor output devices. Its strengths are in delicate, detailed sound with lots of punch and authority. From top to bottom, I am not aware of any tube amp that can compete with the bass authority of the DAC at double the cost. The sound stage and imaging are good, but for the ultimate, will benefit by the aid of a tube, somewhere in the chain. I am presently pursuing this with a tube preamp or tube buffer and passive volume. A little more depth and width are always welcome. If you need the power, this amp must be considered a bargain. The build is a little utilitarian. Solid to be sure. It looks like a workhorse, but the minute you listen to it, you realize it is a magnificent show horse.
Gary T. (Ontario, Canada)
Related equipment: Promitheus TVC rev 3 passive preamp, Joseph Audio RM7si speakers
I've had Pass Labs, Nuforce, Nakamichi PA-7 (stasis), and many more amplifiers including tube. The DAC amplifier is spatial, with proper rhythm and pace, is very quiet and well built , not to mention brute power to drive any speaker. The DAC amplifier ends my quest for Audio Nirvana, I absolutely love it!
...I'm getting marvelous results using a custom built passive with two DACT CT-1's. The transparency is amazing and really allows the DAC to reveal every minute detail without a hint of glare. Great job on the amplifiers. I've had a lot of very good amplifiers, Yours is my favorite over all. And definitely a best buy. I appreciate you and your teams hard work.
Greg W. (Green Valley, AZ)
I have compared the DAC 4800A to some high end tube equipment and some solid state on various speakers and the clarity and detail that I hear with your amp is better than I have heard with any other. On complicated Orchestra passages it delivers the punch that is needed and the instruments stand out. It also does not leave me with that hollow feeling. Somehow you have overcome the shortcomings that plague most solid state amps.
...I was delivering a pair of Quad ESL 57s when I was introduced to DAC. By the equipment list you can tell, I am a tube guy. I love female vocals and an acoustic guitar, Mid range and warmth. I like my lows firm but not overbearing and my highs clear and crisp. Digital and SS have always left me feeling hollow. I played the DAC4800A along side my Cary Slam100's. I started with Red Rose Music vol 1 track 6 - twenty-third psalm. The Japanese and Korean temple bells were vibrant. They hold a long single vibrating sound. The DAC produced it clear from beginning to end. I could feel Shane Cattralls lips as she spoke each syllable. Granted it is an excellent recording and you should be able to hear these sounds. But the DAC did not sound shallow or hollow or tinny. Next The Belfast Harp Orchestra playing Earth Water Wind and Fire. The clarity and separation of each note was clear. The strumming of the harps was full. Tack 5 of the McIntosh Test Disc is "Voices of Angels". I was able to separate voices in the choir and hear the finishing of words with the "tse" sound. On the David Manley recordings #8 Cantos de los Gitanos the Depth of percussion the clarity of the piano and the smoothness of the violin were evident. A violin will often sound screechy with a poor SS unit. It grates on me . Not on the DAC or the Cary's for that matter. I went on to play Diana Krall, more jazz, piano by Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, and complicated tracts by the Boston Pops and Cincinnati Orchestra and of course some Pink Floyd at loud volumes. The DAC delivered clarity to each instrument and when a punch was needed it delivered it. Side by side to my Slams I found the DAC very similar. It was clearer and slightly less warm. But it had a fullness to it that is missing from most non tube amps. The one area that the SLAMS clearly outperformed was in listening to Eva Cassidy. Eva does jazz and solo acoustic guitar incredibly well. I found on "you take my breath away" that the DAC was not as warm or engaging. Dare I say a little harsh in the vocals. But that is only because of the beautiful reproduction by the Cary's. Hard may be a better word than harsh because I still found the sound pleasing. And the difference could be that of the recording, a burned cd from my computer.
After 2 weeks of side by side listening I have to say I am impressed and enjoy listening to the DAC4800A. So impressed that it is now part of my system. I will be listening to it as much as my Cary's. DAC has done a great job. If you get a chance to listen to one take it.
Associated gear:
Shanling T200A SACD Player
Ohm5 mkii speakers
Advent lg speakers
Bose sub/sat system
Similar products:
Conrad Johnson CAV 50 int tube amp
Manley Stingray int tube amp
Cary Slam100 mono blocks
Gerry M. (Springfield, VT)
Distortion in music reproduction bothers me. It takes away from my enjoyment. A clean precise reproduction of a note or word from whence it came excites me. The "Cherry Amp" from Digital Amplifier Company excites me. This is a piece of equipment that when added to my system it made me want to listen to my entire music collection all over again. It is like switching from a cone to an electrostatic or a first generation CD player to a high end SACD player.
Power in my system had been coming from a pair of Cary slam 100 mono blocks and a DAC 4800a ($3600 from digital amp). After listening to a pair of Apogee Caliper Signatures I felt I needed more to open them up. In comes the "Cherry" amp. While waiting I listened to my tube amps exclusively to give myself a solid reference point.
Right out of the box it is impressive. The front panel is Cherry red and minimalist in its design. It is heavy for its size, very solid, no wasted air inside this chassis. Set up is easy.
I love a female voice. First up "Spanish Harlem" sung by Rebecca Pigeon. The disc is "The worlds Greatest Audiophile Vocal Recordings" produced by Chesky records. A solo bass starts out, each note is defined and clear. Rebecca's voice chimes in, she is there full bodied with plenty of depth. Percussion followed by strings and then piano. Every note is distinct with good placement on the stage. A wonderful recording and this amp laid it out beautifully.
Piano is very difficult to reproduce. The keys, the way they are touched and the after sound can be captured. This is where some ss amps have accuracy but lose the felling. Each note feels hollow. I start with Red Rose recordings of "In a sentimental mood" and " Misty". Then on to George Winstons "Autumn" and finally The Grande Piano Concert by Rick Wakeman. Each artist uses a different piano. The clarity and warmth of each can be distinguished. When a finger slowly touches and releases a key it is there. This I have missed in my tube amps. Even though they sound warm and full they sometimes do not bring out a soft hidden sound. The Cherry did. Tract 4 on Red Rose "Recitative in Scherzo for solo Violin" sounds so different. The violin has fullness and not a hint of screech.
So far the recordings are not complicated. They point to the accuracy of reproduction that an amp needs to perform. I have been playing the volume at low to moderate. Now on to some more complicated passages.
Tract 2 from Ottmar Liebert + Luna Negra's disc "Viva" is entitled Buddhas Flower. It has a very deep soundstage. In the background are "peepers". My solid states and tubes have all faired well with this passage. But with the Cherry the peepers are very clear. They do not overwhelm any part of the music but they are distinct in each peep and stand out more. Very nice. Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite", Tchaikovsky's "1812 overture" and "Fanfare for the Common Man" are demanding pieces. The first two have passages that require an amp to put out power immediately and go back to quiet then more power. Different instruments jump in and out. Quite a workout for the Conductor as well. Fanfare has some very low rolling percussions that if not delivered with clean power will buckle a speaker. I had experienced this with both sets of speakers. But not when they were being powered by the Cherry. Even Dagda "Druids in the Glen" is phenomenal.
Throughout the listening I have been using the Apogee Caliper Signatures. The room is 22 x 24. They are 3 ft from the back wall and 2 ft from the side wall. At high volumes I detected no stain on the amp or deterioration in the sound. This cannot be said for the other amps. They either heated up and could not power the Calipers for long periods or they introduced distortion and did not open up the speakers.
Next I switched the speakers to my Quad 22L2's. These are a two and a half box speaker. They have a rear port and are therefore placed 18 inches away from the back wall. The one problem I have had is in the low end. It has been boomy. Low notes are muddled. I attributed it to the room acoustics. I just have not been able to get their placement right. I ran the previous selections through and was amazed at what I heard. The Cherry amp opened up the quads. Obviously the amp has more power than they can handle but the speakers blossomed. The low end was deep and clear. I even threw in some Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon". The high was not tinny but crisp. Prior to the Cherry I thought of these Quads as a good box speaker but still a box. Now they have an airy quality up high and a firmness down low. There sound stage is wider. I enjoy listening to them. Something I could not say when they were hooked up to my other amps.
This is my first amp costing over $5000. It is worth it. I am delighted with the improvement in my system. My Apogees and Quads have been opened up. The clarity of the Apogees at high volumes is impressive with the Cherry amp. At low volumes depth and fullness is present. The sound stage is wide and deep and each instrument has its place. The Cherry Amp from Digital Amp Company has increased my enjoyment of music and my other equipment. I highly recommend this amp. www.DigitalAmp.com/
Associated gear
Source-Shanling T200a Sacd
Preamp- Bel Canto pre3
Speakers- Apogee Caliper Signature
Quad 22L2
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Gerry M. (Springfield, VT)
I am the proud Owner of one of your Amps...And it sounds unbelievable....I run it through Canton Karrat Speakers...And it Truly Makes the Music Come Alive......I really do hear things I never heard before....
It is Truly Incredible and I do Love it....I would Recommend this amp to Anyone looking for True High-End Audio Equipment....I Honestly believe that this is the best amp I have ever Owned....And I have owned...70's Pioneer/Luxman Hybrid Amps/Denon/Parasound/NAD....
Richard C. (Cincinnati, OH)
Amazing specs! No wonder they sound so good. Typical THD curves of top-end class AB amps look like crap (starting out at 1% distortion at low wattage).
Absolutely the best amp I have ever heard regardless of price. If you ever listened to a great Class-A amplifier with its complete lack of crossover distortion and smooth silky highs and rock solid low end, then you'll know what to expect from this unit. Yet, the amp is a very powerful digital amp with all of the punch you would expect from a bipolar class-AB amp, combined with the silky smoothness of a class A. This amp sounds fantastic played soft or loud.
William B. (San Diego, CA)
This product is outstanding! It sounds as good as tubes, but without the limitations. Typically, tubes have limited power output and limited low impedance drive capability. The DAC4800A doesn't have these problems, and it sounds pure and clean at any listening level. There's never a question if this amp can handle peaks or extreme detail, like guitar plucks and whispery singing. The simmer of cymbals is clean and long lasting. The transients are super accurate and the highs are limitless. This amp does everything well that solid state doesn't. It runs quiet and even saves on your electricity bill (less than 30W from the wall when idle). Best amp ever!
Jean O. (East Stroudsburg, PA)
I'm not what you'd call an "audio pro", but I have heard this amplifier in a side-by-side comparison to others on the market. Bottom line, Digital Amplifier Corp. is doing something truly unique, for they can drive an incredibly clear signal that is rich, yet coupled with an incredible depth of sound. If someone's looking for the ultimate in Home Theater, I can't see what could be better. What's really amazing is the limited heat dissipation from this unit. Their digital technology must be the cause for the low power, and noticeably missing heat sinks (no fins!!). It's obvious these guys are going to gobble up the consumer high-end market.
Just wait until you hook up your subwoofer.. Hold on to your hat!!!
When I listened to the amp, it reminded me of being in front on a live band. There was a timber and richness in the sound that I had never experienced with other amplifiers. In a side by side comparison using the same audio track, the DAC amplifier was the hands-down winner relative to clean power and overall sound quality. The amp truly made you feel like there was a liver performer right in front of you. I was also amazed by the small size of the DAC amp as compared to traditional amps. It’s obvious that DAC’s technology is simply more efficient, and does not require the large heat sinks used in past amplifier designs. As a result, the DAC design allows more audio power to the user, rather than wasting heat energy in the environment.
Robert M. (Wayne, PA)
Here are the listening tracks and some comments from the group:
We've put (at least) the following through it so far, using a MacIntosh tube pre-amp (I forget the model), and through a pair of "adequate" Hafler 300 Series speakers.
Dire Straights - Love over Gold and greatest hits ("Telegraph Road" live thru the DAC amp sounds great!)
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon - Breathe ("Soaring and clear through the intro. Harmonies sounded more vibrant.")
Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Sessions - "Mining for Gold" and "Misguided Angel" - ("Great imaging - felt like I was in the church")
Portishead - Dummy - "Mysterons" - ("We could hear every warble and nuance of the theremin part. The reverb from the kick drum did NOT override the vocals. Scratchy guitar came across especially clear.")
Peter Murphy - Deep - "Marlene Dietrich's Favorite Poem" - ("Warm rendering of the music, nice contrast with Murphy's distinctive vocals")
Yello - (can't remember the album name)
Everything but the Girl - (ditto)
Peter Gabiel - Shaking the Tree
Monster Magnet - God Says No
Radiohead - Kid A
Delerium - Poem - "Aria" ("Clear, distinctive harmonies")
Tom S. (Chandler, AZ) 
