Orchard Audio, the boutique audio company from Succasunna, NJ continues to surprise the hifi community with a series of high-performance, affordable, and unique DACs, streamers, and amplifiers, innovating in each product class. All its products are meticulously designed and handcrafted in the United States, reflecting the considerable experience of Orchard Audio's founder, Leo Ayzenshtat, in analog, digital, mixed circuit design and advanced systems for mission critical applications. Its state-of-the-art 4-layer PCB design with electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) plating is one of its distinct trademarks, and the reason why Orchard Audio sells many of its products also as DIY kits.
For the past years, Ayzenshtat continuously perfected its series of Starkrimson (150W) and Starkrimson Ultra (500W) audio amplifiers using Orchard Audio's proprietary DC-coupled, fully balanced dual feedback modulator. This allows the amplifier to be completely balanced from input to output, through the use of bridged GaN power stages.
GaN technology enables the Starkrimson audio power amps to switch at ~800kHz which is 2-3 times faster than traditional Class-D amplifiers using silicon transistors. This very fast switching allows for the use of a simple LC (inductor and capacitor) filter, which allows the amplifier to have practically no phase shift from DC (0Hz) to 30kHz. As Ayzenshtat reinforces, "the filter is a very important part of a Class-D amplifier and the Starkrimson amplifiers use oversized, very high-quality, oxygen-free copper (OFC) inductors and a very high-grade film capacitor."
Key features of the new Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium start in its uncompromising power, boasting a staggering 500 watts (1000 watts peak) into 4 ohms, effortlessly driving even the most demanding loudspeakers. And because these are Class-D using GaN they are small and light, create almost no heat, and are very stable from 16 ohms all the way down to 1 ohm. The fully balanced design from input to output minimizes noise and distortion, helping to preserve the natural details and nuance of the music.
"By seamlessly fusing the most advanced technology with timeless design principles, we've created an audio experience that transports listeners to the heart of the music," says Leo Ayzenshtat about the new monoblocks.
The new Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium is now a strong contender for discerning audio enthusiasts and music lovers. The Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium is currently available for preorder at US $2149.95, a savings of $350 from the $2499.95 MSRP. Like the recent Starkrimson Mono Premium 150W monoblock model, the 500W amplifier comes in a brushed aluminum chassis with a very minimalistic aesthetic that will easily complement any audio setup.
www.orchardaudio.com
