There is no doubt that Orchard Audio is doing something very right with the sound of Class-D amps. Their Starkrimson® Integrated just makes me want to sit back and listen to music.
Orchard Audio is the result of founder Leo Ayzenshtat’s decades of engineering expertise and consulting work for some of the world’s most advanced companies: NASA, Lockheed Martin, L3 Technologies, and Siemens. After designing products for several elite names in the industry and obtaining multiple patents, Leo formed his own company, Orchard Audio.
A little over three years ago, I reviewed the first Orchard Audio amplifier. It was a stereo Class-D that was voiced for tone and not for power.
Before you read any further, I should also tell you that Leo is offering our readers a 10% discount through the end of the year if you mention Beatnik2020. Thank you, Leo!
Class-D Amplification
Last year, Adam LaBarge reviewed the Orchard Audio BOSC™ Monoblocks. You can read that review here. These monoblocks were a significant step up from the CRISPIN, their first amp.
With few exceptions, the sound of Class-D amplifiers has failed to catch on with audio enthusiasts. Many of them sound nice and stay that way, but after a while, they just begin to bore me. Most of these amplifiers use the common Hypex, N-core, IICE, or a similarly designed chipset. Orchard Audio’s Starkrimson® Integrated amp uses their own proprietary dual feedback modulator design.
Description
The Starkrimson® Integrated is simple to use, providing access to both balanced DAC outputs and amplifier inputs and the cable to connect them. All you need to do is hook up a computer, transport, or music server.
It is an analog switching amplifier and DAC. The pulse-width modulation (PWM) is performed completely in the analog domain. The signal is then amplified by the GaN power stages.
The Starkrimson® Integrated basically consists of two 150-watt monoblock amps and an Orchard Audio PecanPi DAC (reviewed here). The inputs for the DAC are either USB or S/PDIF. So, all that you need to do is hook up a digital source and speakers and you have music.
Listening
I used the Starkrimson® Integrated in my reference system. Overall, it provided music that had a well-balanced sound. I don’t believe that I ever once thought about it being a Class-D amp the whole time I was listening.
It played music that was full-bodied, relaxed and just fun to listen to. Standup basses and cellos had a beautiful tone and the finger work was easy to hear. Best of all, I could easily hear the difference in bass between a cello and standup bass.
I can also safely say that with the Starkrimson® Integrated amplifier in my system I never ran out of power and the amp produced an accurate scale of the instruments.
Yes, the Starkrimson® Integrated is a specifically designed minimalist product. It is a no-frills product that brings you true high-end sound for a very fair price. One thing that may surprise you is that it doesn’t have a remote control.
Leo has done a great job of listening to this amp and tuning it to give us real musical tone from both a Class-D amplifier and a DAC. Leo has done a fine job of incorporating his Pecan Pi DAC in this unit.
Conclusion
I think the best thing and highest praise I can give the Starkrimson® Integrated is to say that it is intended for people who love music. If what you’re looking for is a “Status Statement,” this integrated is not for you. But if you’re like my youngest son who loves music and doesn’t want to spend a ton of money, the Starkrimson® Integrated may be just what you are looking for. As he said to me, “I don’t care that it doesn’t sound as good as your more expensive stuff, I can tell you every time I listen to this integrated amp I get pulled into the performance. I think that says a lot.”
Complete technical specification are available here.
Price: $2,495.00
