Starkrimson Specifications

Why GaN?

Gallium nitride (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 than their silicon counterparts:
— Increased slew rate
— Reduced ringing
— Faster switching
— Faster overload recovery
Amplifier performance is improved by GaN technology:
— Decreased noise
— Less distortion
— Better transient response
— Higher bandwidth

Read my article on this topic in compound semiconductor here:
https://compoundsemiconductor.net/article/114332/Audiophile_amplification_gains_from_GaN

An analog amp!!!

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

The pulse-depth modulation (PDM) 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.

Why does it sound so good?

The Starkrimson audio amplifier uses 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 practically 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.

Specifications

Starkrimson (150W)

Gain: 16.8dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 121dB (A-weighted, 22kHz BW)
Residual Noise: 32uV (A-weighted, 22kHz BW)
THD* @ 10W: <0.0003% (-110dB) for 1kHz into 8Ω
THD @ 0.25W: <0.0030% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 8Ω
THD @ 10W: <0.0013% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 8Ω
THD @ 75W: <0.0050% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 8Ω
THD @ 150W: <0.015% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 8Ω
THD @ 10W: <0.0004% (-108dB) for 1kHz into 4Ω
THD @ 0.25W: <0.0030% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 4Ω
THD @ 10W: <0.0025% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 4Ω
THD @ 75W: <0.0092% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 4Ω
THD @ 150W: <0.015% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 4Ω
SINAD** @ 5W 1kHz: 107dB into 8Ω
SINAD @ 5W 1kHz: 105dB into 4Ω
Frequency Response: DC – 80kHz+
Sensitivity: 5Vin for 150W into 8Ω
Sensitivity: 3.5Vin for 150W into 4Ω
Balanced Input Impedance: 44kΩ
Output Power (16Ω): 75W_RMS (150Wpeak)
Output Power (8Ω): 150W_RMS (300Wpeak)
Output Power (4Ω): 150W_RMS (300Wpeak)
Damping Factor: >550 @ 1kHz
Module Size: 3.64″ (9.25cm) x 3.3″ (8.38cm) x 1.0″ (2.54cm)
Power Supply Input Voltage (module): 45.6 to 58.8 VDC
Power Supply Input Voltage (mono amp): 90 to 264 VAC
Efficiency (module): See below or click here
Efficiency (mono amp): ~85%

Starkrimson Ultra (500W)

Gain Balanced Input: 19.05dB
Gain Single-Ended Input: 25.05dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 120dB (A-weighted, 22kHz BW)
Residual Noise: 44.72uV (A-weighted, 22kHz BW)
THD* @ 10W: <0.0004% (-108dB) for 1kHz into 8Ω
THD @ 0.25W: <0.0016% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 8Ω
THD @ 10W: <0.0006% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 8Ω
THD @ 62.5W: <0.001% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 8Ω
THD @ 250W: <0.016% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 8Ω
THD @ 10W: <0.0005% (-106dB) for 1kHz into 4Ω
THD @ 0.25W: <0.0021% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 4Ω
THD @ 10W: <0.0007% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 4Ω
THD @ 125W: <0.0018% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 4Ω
THD @ 500W: <0.08% for 20Hz – 20kHz into 4Ω
SINAD** @ 5W 1kHz: 102.5dB into 16Ω
SINAD @ 5W 1kHz: 100dB into 8Ω
SINAD @ 5W 1kHz: 97dB into 4Ω
Frequency Response: DC – 80kHz+
Sensitivity Balanced Input: 5Vin for 250W into 8Ω
Sensitivity Balanced Input: 5Vin for 500W into 4Ω
Sensitivity SE Input: 2.5Vin for 250W into 8Ω
Sensitivity SE Input: 2.5Vin for 500W into 4Ω
Balanced Input Impedance: 44kΩ
SE Input Impedance: 22kΩ
Output Power (16Ω): 125W_RMS (250W_PEAK)
Output Power (8Ω): 250W_RMS (500W_PEAK)
Output Power (4Ω): 500W_RMS (1000W_PEAK)
Damping Factor: >700 @ 1kHz
Module Size: 4.95″ (125.7mm) x 3.75″ (95.3mm) x 1.45″ (36.8mm)
Module Weight: 8.75oz (248g)
Power Supply Input Voltages (rev 3.0 modules): +/-36V (+/-30 to 43.4V)
Power Supply Input Voltage (stereo/mono amp): 95 to 265VAC
Efficiency module (Rev 3.0): click here
Efficiency (stereo amp): ~85%

*THD – Total Harmonic Distortion
**SINAD – Signal-To-Noise And Distortion Ratio

Starkrimson (150W) Audio Amplifier Test Results

Starkrimson Ultra Audio Amplifier Test Results

8Ω

4Ω

Jonathan

2023-03-29

I was looking for the best GAN based Class D amplifier I could and stumbled across some positive reviews of the Starkrimson Ultra Gan amplifier. My initial buying experience was atypical in that the amplifier wasn't able to deal with my 125vac due to it triggering the overvoltage circuit to cut off the amplifier. I'm not going to sugar coat it; I reacted a bit too hastily with my words g g and well in the end cooler heads prevailed and Leo agreed to put a better regulated replacement power supply and solved the problem for me. Right out of the gate this amp has a very deep punchy bottom end. The midrange drivers and AMT tweeters sound as good as I've ever heard them now. I'm glad I kept this amplifier as it offers so much better control over the bass with extremely natural sounding mids and high. I highly recommend you audition the Starkrimson Ultra before checking out other class D or Gan based amps

Michael Valentiner

2022-12-29

Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra Review Michael Valentiner A big thanks to Leo for the opportunity to evaluate the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra amp. It is hard to add anything that hasn't been already said about this amp. It is detailed, dynamic, lively, has well defined bass, etc. Superlative in many aspects. Detailed, smooth, and bright. Musical notes are very articulate and distinct from one another. Great separation of musical instruments. Percussion instruments are rendered in great detail. I was hearing things I hadn't heard in the mix before.

Riley Leclerc

2022-11-26

These little monoblocks paired with the streamer as a pre-amp is the smallest footprint endgame stereo set up out there.

stuart cadman

2022-10-08

I bought a PecanPi 18 months ago yet Leo didn't hesitate to advise on solving a technical issue I ran into today. Top Man!

Arnold Panganiban

2022-09-22

I recently acquired the Pecanpi Streamer Ultra with the PiCorePlayer pre-installed. Since I have more experience using Volumio, I flashed a new micro SD card with the latest version of Volumio. I had a few questions and needed some guidance so I got on the phone and called Orchard Audio and got no answer, but almost immediately I received a text from Leo stating that he was not available to talk at that moment. So I texted my issue to him and he was more than willing to help me out. He was able to guide me with the IS2 driver to use and additional config tips to successfully configure Volumio. So thank you Leo for your awesome customer service. So a quick personal review on the Pecan Pi Streamer Ultra performance. By no means I am a pro, but will give you my honest opinion on how the Streamer Ultra fared with my system. Let me start with the audio setup - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum tube integrated amplifier, Magnepan LRS speakers, Zu Audio Speaker Cables, Schiit Audio Bifrost 2 Multibit DAC, Music Hall MMF 5.0 turntable with Denon DL103R MC cartridge and Blue Jean Cable interconnects. When I asked Leo on which connection method would be better, the PecanPi DAC or through my Bifrost 2 DAC. He told me that the PecanPi should sound better. I listened to him and connected it via the RCA outs to my Cronus Magnum. I must admit, it sounds really good! I have tried different DACs over time - the Schiit Modius, the Bifrost 2, even the Yggdrasil, Topping D90... -- All of them sounded great with good soundstage and imaging, but I felt that there is a very ever so slightly lacking clarity on the upper mid highs, i.e. when the drumstick hits the cymbals... The PecanPi Streamer Ultra delivered. Do not get me wrong but the Bifrost 2 is an awesome DAC and will continue to use it. But the Ultra gave me what I have been wanting. Just want to say, PecanPi Streamer Ultra earned my respect and will stay in my system. The Bifrost 2 and my DIY Raspberry Pi streamer with HifiBerry Digi+ Pro will go in my second system. Keep up the great work and awesome customer service, Leo! Wish List for the Streamer Ultra - a power button.

G W

2022-09-20

Starkrimson Stero Ultra- I’ve had this for almost a year now. It’s an excellent addition to my system”klipsch Heresy, Moon Mind II streamer. Musician Pegasus Dac. I love it . Natural, open, dynamic sound. It replaces wyred 4 sound and PS Audio.

Dameon Jamie

I am a very proud owner of 3 devices from Orchard Audio. I have a a PecanPi Streamer connected to a pair of Starkrimson Monoblock Amplifiers from OA driving a pair of KEF LS50's. The sound is detailed, organic, clear, emotiv and live. I also have a PecanPi streamer between a ROON NUC and a Yamaha RX-V60 Receiver driving a pair of Australian made Orpheus Aurora loudspeakers. That setup again feels like the artist is in the room. I have looked at many other streaming devices and all in one solutions. I find that Orchard Audio devices are just better delivering high quality audio that is true to life.

Sepand Shahab

2022-08-22

I have a pair of starkrimson monoblocks and they are just stunning. Suuuuuper transparent with none, nada, and zero of the annoyingness of older class d amps. Acoustic music sounds phenomenal through these and I love the added bonus of no heat buildup! My $4000 class A amp is now up for sale. Thanks, Leo!!!!

Keith Peterson

2022-07-24

Orchard Audio is - amazing! My product, the PecanPi hits way above its weight in terms of simplicity and sound. Actually, to my ears, it sounds better than streamers costing 4 times its price. Best of all, Leo provides better support to owners than any competitor. He responds immediately to questions and has provided invaluable guidance on the operation of my PecanPi. In short, if you want someone actually standing behind your product who built it, Orchard Audio is it. Bravo!

Brendan O'Malley

2022-07-07

I purchased two PecanPi streamers to use as Roon endpoints for my whole-house system. Totally blown away by the value. Listening is subjective, obviously, but to my ears these far exceed the Sonos Ports they are replacing, not to mention that the PecanPi supports HiRes formats that Sonos does not. Orchard's customer service is also excellent and responded quickly to my questions. Highly recommended.