My apologies if this has already been posted, but PS Audio is launching the independently branded Sprout integrated amplifier on Kickstarter. Go check it out:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2022604828/sprout-hifi-stereo-amp-that-transforms-the-way-you
At six days into the 30 day campaign, Sprout has raised almost six times the initial $36,000 goal.
I'm not sure PS Audio will have as much interest at the $800 retail price as they're having at the $400-500 Kickstarter price, but this might be the right product and right marketing to do the impossible: selling new hi-fi to large numbers of 20- and 30-somethings.
I'm struck by how much Scott McGowan's thoughts on audio in the modern household fit my own. Also, we're both 31 and living with stereo-phobic fiancees.
A couple of years ago, I actually pitched an amp with a very similar feature set (but a lower target price) to an audio company I worked for. I was told that there wasn't a big enough market to consider it.
The goods: Sprout features meticulous and beautiful industrial design in a full-featured integrated amplifier. The front side has just a source selector and volume knob. On the back, you get an IEC power input (onboard switching power supply), binding posts, USB and coaxial digital inputs, RCA MM phono (sorry, "Vinyl" in Sprout-parlance) input, a single 3.5mm stereo analog input, and a stereo 3.5mm analog Pre-Out. There's Bluetooth capability utilizing the aptX codec. Power is 50/33 wpc into 4/8 ohms, provided by an Abletec Class D amp board inside the Sprout.
I want one, even if I'd have to build a 4-1 switch box to accommodate the extra analog sources in my rig (and hold a fire sale to be able to afford one before the Kickstarter ends).
Does anybody else feel like Sprout was built especially for them?
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2022604828/sprout-hifi-stereo-amp-that-transforms-the-way-you
At six days into the 30 day campaign, Sprout has raised almost six times the initial $36,000 goal.
I'm not sure PS Audio will have as much interest at the $800 retail price as they're having at the $400-500 Kickstarter price, but this might be the right product and right marketing to do the impossible: selling new hi-fi to large numbers of 20- and 30-somethings.
I'm struck by how much Scott McGowan's thoughts on audio in the modern household fit my own. Also, we're both 31 and living with stereo-phobic fiancees.
A couple of years ago, I actually pitched an amp with a very similar feature set (but a lower target price) to an audio company I worked for. I was told that there wasn't a big enough market to consider it.
The goods: Sprout features meticulous and beautiful industrial design in a full-featured integrated amplifier. The front side has just a source selector and volume knob. On the back, you get an IEC power input (onboard switching power supply), binding posts, USB and coaxial digital inputs, RCA MM phono (sorry, "Vinyl" in Sprout-parlance) input, a single 3.5mm stereo analog input, and a stereo 3.5mm analog Pre-Out. There's Bluetooth capability utilizing the aptX codec. Power is 50/33 wpc into 4/8 ohms, provided by an Abletec Class D amp board inside the Sprout.
I want one, even if I'd have to build a 4-1 switch box to accommodate the extra analog sources in my rig (and hold a fire sale to be able to afford one before the Kickstarter ends).
Does anybody else feel like Sprout was built especially for them?
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