Starkrimson™ Amp Tech - Three Great Ways to Listen

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GaN provides the following audio sonic/sound quality benefits over traditional silicon transistors:

• Less harshness
• Cleaner highs
• Better transparency
• Higher detail

This is because GaN transistors have much better characteristics over their silicon counterparts:

• Increased slew rate
• Reduced ringing
• Faster switching
• Faster overload recovery

Amplifier performance is improved by the use of GaN technology:

• Decreased noise
• Less distortion
• Better transient response
• Higher bandwidth

You read that right. Starkrimson is an analog switching audio power amplifier. The "d" in class d does not mean "digital."

The pulse-width modulation (PWM) is performed completely in the analog domain and is then amplified by the GaN power stages.

This sets Starkrimson apart from its counterparts that use digital modulation techniques using FPGAs, DSPs, and processors. 

Starkrimson amplifiers use my 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  Starkrimson 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 no phase shift from DC (0Hz) to 30kHz.

The filter is a very important part of a class d amplifier. Starkrimson uses oversized very high-quality, oxygen-free copper (OFC) inductors and a very high-grade film capacitor.

Having high-quality components will only get you so far; Starkrimson’s 4-layer PCB is state-of-the-art. It uses a custom stack-up with high-end dielectric (insulating) material and ENIG (gold) finish.