News and Updates
09/18/2025
Orchard Audio, in collaboration with Soundfield Audio, is proud to announce the debut of a revolutionary new product at the NYC International Audio Show: a 4-channel, 1200-watt plate amplifier with integrated DSP.
A plate amplifier is essentially a self-contained power amp module, typically mounted directly onto the rear panel of a loudspeaker enclosure. It integrates the amplification circuitry, input connections, and a DSP with crossover controls into a single, compact unit. For the listener, it means fewer boxes, shorter signal paths, and a more direct connection between source and transducer (driver). By embedding the amp into the speaker cabinet, designers can optimize the amp-speaker synergy, especially in low-frequency reproduction, where damping factor and driver control are critical.
Orchard Audio’s cutting-edge plate amplifier, which uses our award-winning Starkrimson technology, marks a significant leap forward in active speaker design, delivering precision control, immense power, and advanced signal processing—all in a compact plate-mounted form factor. Engineered to meet the demands of high-fidelity enthusiasts and professional audio environments alike, the amplifier offers:
- Four independent channels of amplification for complex multi-driver configurations
- 1200 watts of total output power, ensuring dynamic headroom and low distortion
- Integrated DSP for tuning and crossover management
- Modular architecture allows for future firmware updates and customization, giving users long-term flexibility and performance enhancements
The plate amplifier will be installed in a Soundfield Audio 1212C full-range cardioid loudspeaker. This speaker features:
- Wide dispersion planar super tweeter
- 12-inch Neodymium coaxial point source main driver with ring radiator compression driver
- 2 x 12-inch subwoofers
- DSP Delayed diffuse field rear firing planar driver.
Orchard Audio will be in room 107 at the NYC International Audio Show, October 24-26, 2025.
07/15/2025
Orchard Audio has partnered with Elise Audio to be our sole distributor in the United Kingdom. They have a showroom in London at the address below. The following products are available for demo:
Elise Audio
Upper Flat
24 Sale Place
W2 1PU
London, UK
Eliseaudiouk@gmail.com
+447515702387
Elise Audio will also be showcasing our Valenica fully balanced headphone amplifier at the upcoming London CANJAM, July 19-20. 2025
02/14/2025
Orchard Audio Unveils Valencia: The First Ultra-High-Performance Balanced Headphone Amplifier
Orchard Audio is thrilled to announce it is expanding into the headphone market with the launch of Valencia, the first ultra-high-performance 17wpc, class AB, balanced headphone power amplifier. Valencia is designed to drive the most demanding headphones, while remaining clean enough to support highly sensitive ones. Valencia is also capable of powering high-sensitivity speakers, delivering 7 watts into 8Ω.
Valencia represents Orchard Audio’s first collaboration, joining forces with respected long-time audio commentator Z-Reviews. The unique transparent properties of Orchard Audio’s line of speaker power amps – coupled with Z-Reviews’ industry insights and expertise – elevates audio engineering and delivers unparalleled performance and quality to customers in the headphone market.
Product Highlights/Features:
- Amplification Design: A fully balanced power amplifier from input to output, featuring independent linear power supplies for each channel. The design also minimizes noise and distortion through circuit path simplicity. This preserves the natural detail and nuance of your music.
- Timeless Design: A sleek, modern, sandblasted aluminum chassis and unique angled fascia blends in with other high-end desktop gear or the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamers. Available in anodized black or natural aluminum finishes, to match your setup’s aesthetic.
- Gain: 14dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): > 134dB (A-weighted)
- Output Power: 17W into 32Ω (See the specifications for a full list of power numbers for impedances from 8Ω to 600Ω.)
01/09/2025
I am excited to announce that Orchard Audio will participate in the 2025 Florida International Audio Expo, which will be held from February 21 to 23, 2025.
We will be in room 431.
The room will have two systems:
1. Bookshelf speakers (Soundfield Mini Monitor) powered by Starkrimson Mono Premium.
2. Floorstanding speakers (TBD) powered by Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium.
Both systems will use the PecanPi+ Streamer Premium as the source.
09/26/2024
I am excited to announce that Orchard Audio will participate in the 2024 Toronto Audiofest from October 18 to 20.
We will be in the following rooms:
- Room 443 — Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium
- Earvana Fest — PecanPi+ Streamer Premium
07/10/2024
The Starkrimson Stereo Ultra including the DMC, get an update. Rev 2.5 of the amplifers includes a built-in RCA to XLR converter. This enables the amplifiers to be used with both single-ended and balanced sources. For more info see the blog post at this link.
This rev of the amplifier was reviewed by Old Guy HiFi. See the YouTube video at this link.