Expect to read a lot about GaN power stages going forward; William Jennings spent a lot of time at T.H.E. Show listening to 3 other power amplifiers that utilize the technology and you can read his detailed explanation of how it works here.
Orchard Audio and AGD Productions have taken different paths with their respective products and you might notice a significant difference in the pricing as well. AGD’s most affordable GaN power amplifier is almost $2,500 more expensive than the Duo/Trio.
Orchard Audio is introducing the Starkrimson Duo/Trio amplifier. The Duo (dual mono) configuration is a stereo amplifier. The Trio (triple mono) configuration is perfect for driving the front three channels in a home theater, as well as for 2.1 systems.
This latest design fully explores the benefits of the latest gallium nitride (GaN) transistors, providing less harshness, cleaner highs, and better overall transparency and detail, and much lower noise levels.
The pulse-depth modulation (PDM) is performed completely in the analog domain before being amplified by the GaN power stages.
Starkrimson amplifiers use Orchard Audio’s proprietary DC-coupled, fully balanced dual feedback modulator, which allows the amplifier to be completely balanced from input to output, through the use of bridged GaN power stages.
This unique triple (or dual) mono design is packaged in an aluminum and steel chassis with high-end gold-plated binding posts and connectors.
Features:
- Fully balanced from input to output
- Power: 150 watts (300 watts peak) per channel
- Extremely low noise and distortion
- 2-ohm capable
Specifications:
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 121dB (A-weighted, 22kHz BW)
- Frequency response: DC – 80kHz+
- Gain (balanced input): 16.8dB or 21.5dB
Orchard Audio is offering pre-order prices (starting at $1,399.95 for Duo and $2,249.95 for Trio) on its website until the end of July 2023. Starkrimson Duo/Trio amplifiers will start shipping in August/September.
Additional specifications and test results are available on Orchard Audio’s website.
Related reading: Orchard Audio’s New PecanPi+ DAC and Streamer Feature AKM’s Latest Flagship Chips
