Is this be the best Amp I have heard? My review of the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra DMC 2.0 Amp
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- Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
- Thanks to Leo Ayzenshtat of Orchard Audio for loaning me this amp for review. Not only is the Starkrimson Ultra (500W) DMC 2.5 the best Class D amp I have ever heard, it is one of the best amps I have ever heard full stop. It is remarkable in its clarity and power. It has no sonic sins. It is 100% faithful to the source. At $3999.00 plus $250.00 for the single ended to balanced option, this is, IMHO, a terrific value considering its performance. If you are looking for separates in this price range (or even 3X or 4X this price) you need to give this unit serious consideration.
Visit orchardaudio.com for more specific info.
*DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate Amazon links. If you purchase with those links, I do receive a small commission but, it doesn't affect your price or your ability to return something. Thank you for supporting the channel.
Current audio equipment list:
• Cambridge AXR-100 Receiver: amzn.to/49Nq4Ft
• Cambridge MXN10: amzn.to/44sBhdL
• Cambridge EVO150: amzn.to/3UTJowI
• Schiit Bi-Frost Multi-Bit DAC with Unison USB
• Schiit Lokius EQ.: amzn.to/3Qhuu0x
• Schiit Mani Phono Pre-Amp: amzn.to/3JyyCVW
• Geshelli Labs JNOG2 SOCKETED [J2S] DAC (on loan from Geshelli Labs)
• Elac Debut 2.0 F-62 Speakers: amzn.to/3Jy6eUc
• Elac Debut Reference 62 (DBR62) speakers: amzn.to/3VyQzcu
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: amzn.to/4aMuZrt. Upgraded with the Audio Technica AT540ML: amzn.to/4diAyzy
• Android Tablet, 10.1 Inch Android 12 Tablet, 6GB RAM 64GB ROM: amzn.to/3KswX50
• iFi AC iPurifier: amzn.to/3UWb4ko
• All line level cables are from World’s Best Cable. I primarily use Mogami 2964 Wire and Amphenol ACPL connectors: amzn.to/3JWCDE9
• My main streaming source is a small format PC: amzn.to/3yhCoAI
• I also use a remote-controlled line level switcher so I can run all my source components through the Schiit Lokius: amzn.to/3w8IZwL
My desktop gear:
• Nitsch modified Schiit Magni “Piety” headphone amp: nitschsound.com/products/magn...
• Loxjie D30 DAC/Headphone Amp: No longer available new
• Ayima A07 amp: amzn.to/3V969LQ
• Sennheiser Mass-Drop HD6XX headphones: amzn.to/3wVNvz7
• Sony MDR-V6 Headphones: (current version) amzn.to/4aJMTdB
Email: oldguyhifi@gmail.com
Tidal Playlists:
• The Fahrenheit Project by Ultimae Records (ambient electronic music): tidal.com/browse/playlist/69c...
• Electronica for Audiophile: tidal.com/browse/playlist/e29...
• My Classical playlist: tidal.com/browse/playlist/8e5...
• Baroque Weekend: tidal.com/browse/playlist/cfe...
• DJ Ed, a collection of music that is all over the place. tidal.com/browse/playlist/f89...
Spotify:
• Classical Weekend: open.spotify.com/playlist/648...
• 80’s Patio Mix: open.spotify.com/playlist/4RU...
Qobuz playlist:
• "Audiophile Electronica": open.qobuz.com/playlist/20718243
• "Vivaldi": open.qobuz.com/playlist/15233981
Thanks to Leo Ayzenshtat of Orchard Audio for loaning me this amp for review. Not only is the Starkrimson Ultra (500W) DMC 2.5 the best Class D amp I have ever heard, it is one of the best amps I have ever heard full stop. It is remarkable in its clarity and power. It has no sonic sins. It is 100% faithful to the source. At $3999.00 plus $250.00 for the single ended to balanced option, this is, IMHO, a terrific value considering its performance. If you are looking for separates in this price range (or even 3X or 4X this price) you need to give this unit serious consideration.
Please note the amp you have is revision 2.5. The current rev 2.0 still ships with the rca to xlr converter separately. 2.5 will be released in the near future.
@@OrchardAudio Sorry about that, It was referred to on James' discord as the 2.0. I will fix it in the description now/ Thx.
Won't power 20.7s 😮
So what? Who would pair a $4K amp with $30K speakers. What is your point?
Great video review, Ed!! I own and have used the original Starkrimson Stereo Ultra V1 (w/dual SMPS, 28.2k uF per channel, and Leo's balanced RCA to XLR adapter) these past 2 years. Completely Agree with all of your V2.5 sonic observations as to my ears, the V1 offers very similar performance prowess!!! 😉
Have the V2 arriving tomorrow (the 2nd) to make my own sonic observations and impressions in my system! With the new "Micro Audio SMPS" and "50% more uF capacitance", expecting a step-up in my dedicated 2-channel music room's audio nirvana! Ted 😇
Wow! What a design. I'd have to put an acrylic top on it. It's better looking on the inside than the outside. Thanks, Ed!
Thank you my friend. It made to Brauns sing and the Monitor Audios, holy Sh@t they were absolute magic. Amazing. Thx for the loan.
Great run down... The first time I heard that amp, I looked at Kelly and said "Holy crap, this thing is as fast as a Ninja!" - Not only one of the best Class D amps I have experienced, but one of the best amps I have heard regardless of class.. Cheers
Agreed. Thx.
Another great video! I like the way you explain things, very understandable.
Thank you. I appreciate it. Thanks for tuning in and commenting.
Probably the best video I’ve seen regarding the differences and relative merits of amplification topologies. And as usual, very nicely delivered.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much.
Great review and explanations. Great job sir!!!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Ed!!! Holy smokes dude. Seriously excellent review! The way you talk about the technical in more layman's terms and talk about the sound; great stuff. You're so personable and strike a really great balance when describing things. Your sound description is spot on and aligns with my take on this amp as well. No you know why i love and keep it as my reference amp.
Again super well done
Wow, thanks! That is so nice of you to say. I do appreciate it.
I've had this amplifier for a while now, and I agree completely. This is an end-game amp for me. If I want to color the sound, I will do that with the preamp or DAC. Very highly recommended!
Thanks for tuning in and sharing. I am jealous.
This is THE BEST review the Ultra Amp Bro. All the other reviews including mine are crap.
Love your channel, man !
I appreciate that! That is high praise coming from you. Thank you so much.
@@OldGuyHifiYou are most welcome my friend.
Back to the High End, eh Ed? But hey, there's no "Cheap" in your moniker, like some other friend of ours! Great that you're makin' alota contacts with other vendors 'n' manufacturers 'n' receiving product for your thorough reviews, which BTW, I greatly enjoy - gotta luv 'em... you Da Man, man. Iggy
Iggy, My friend thank you so much. I am trying to cover as many levels of Hifi as possible.
I’m a ultra-firm believer in the ultra dynamic range, full tri-amplification stereo audio proves, and I plan to get two of these units for full bore bass, and midrange duties. However highs will be delivered by tube as I simply adore their smooth delivery. Perhaps Doshi, VTL, Conrad-Johnson, Hell! If I hit mega-million$ (all three) And thank you, very much for this amazing experience you’ve had with Leo’s brilliant audio work of art!
You are very welcome. Keep me posted on your amp journey. Thx.
Take my money! You do a fantastic job giving all the reasons, subjective and technical why a piece of equipment sounds like it does. It's a good thing I did not meet you while you had your stores when I was in college because I would probably still be working at the highway department with no money left for education.
Thanks Chris. I would have gone easy on you. ;-)
Thank you very much for your time and effort. I am glad you found the amp to be completely transparent, that's exactly what it was designed for.
Leo, Thank you so much for letting have the opportunity to listen and review your amp. I am gratful.
Probably the Best Class D build I have seen to date. However still strictly Class A/B for sound.
Awesome review.
Thank you. It was fun.
This is a very good review! Excellently well done.
Thank you kindly!
Great video Ed! I love your description and graphic of notch distortion. I haven't seen a graphic like that in decades. I also enjoyed your description of how Class D works. The late great Roger Russell of McIntosh said that you need some resistance in your speaker wire to increase damping factor. Damping factor is important and often overlooked.
Yes, Mike you are correct. A lot of inexpensive amps, Class A/B or D can be chip based and therefore low current and low damping. Thanks so much for returning and commenting.
Nice review OG. I am a big fan of Orchard as well and I learned from your insights. I liked the part where you said I just became a Class D fan and then it hits what you said.
YES!! My brain is in turmoil. Class D!! I was always a Class A/B guy. Can't fight progress. Yes. I became a Class D convert but, for only 2 products so far, the Starkirmson and the EVO150. We will see about the others. Thanks for tuning in and commenting.
Ed! I’m so happy to see how much fun you’re having, you can definitely tell even without you actually saying it 😊
I picked up a pair of def tech bp10s and they need more power than anything I have so I’m almost ready to pull the trigger on a new amp. I’m pretty sure I’m going with an emotiva xpa3, that’ll be way more than I need for quite a while and I can use it for the front 3 on my surround setup whenever I can get that back together. This OA amp though, after seeing a few reviews I really hope my wants and my budget will meet in the near future. Thanks for another great review Ed!
Thank you my friend. I love those BP10s. One of my favs.
I already have bp8s so I couldn’t pass up bp10s for $200. When I got them home I tried all my amps and assumed the speakers were just broken but I decided to steal my son’s emotiva ta1 and then I realized how much potential they have, and how one of the woofers was blown too. I also have a def tech center channel with the same size woofers so I was able to swap them out and was even more impressed, can’t wait to step up to my own big boy amp 😂
First time to your channel. Excellent review. Liked and subscribed. I ordered my Starkrimson monobloc premiums last month so am looking forward to listening to them.
You might be interested to know, there’s a tube amp and speaker manufacturer about 150 miles to you called Decware. They’re very well regarded and worth a listen / visit if you get the opportunity. Opportunity to do a review perhaps? All the best to you.
I am very aware of Decware. I met Steve several years ago. My channel my not yet be big enough to merit consideration to review his gear. I would love to. Maybe. I will reach out and see. Thank you for the idea, your view, and your comment. I hope you enjoy the amps.
The Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra DMC 2.0 Amp is the best amplifier I have ever had.
You are a lucky man Mr. Crane. I dearly wish I could keep this one. Really impressive product. Thanks for the view and comment. I am jealous.
@@OldGuyHifi I have gone through several iterations: stereo, dual mono, Leo upgraded the power supplies for me as the Hypex ones were unstable, and then I had the max caps added. Each time it just sounded better.
Great explanation of low transistor linearity during the switch off. I did not know that
Hey my friend!. Thank you. It is amazing the kind of junk rolling around in head. Sometimes something interesting blurts out. Hope you are well.
@@OldGuyHifi I'm good! Keep blurting! We're all trying to learn
Tube pre on the OA is magical.. :)
The OA is ruthless. I found some issues with the Freya's sound. The review will be out next week.
Good review and digestable tech info for the I know enough tech to be dangerous viewer. Your review points of fast and "what you give it is what get out" is in line with other reviews. I am a Maggie guy so always looking for amps that pair nice with them as they are a bit unique. GAN class D is interesting as they are 2 ohm stable and can provide curent without heat, massive size, and can cost less than big class AB amps especially when stepping up for low noise floor.
The channel My Own Devices reviewed his Orchard with Maggie 1.6s giving it a thumbs up. However, I was not finding much confirmation of the paring in searches. Thank you for testing the pairing. Peachtree GAN amps with Maggies had mixed reviews which maybe their preamp, power supply, and/or dac or some just prefer Class AB. I'd love to see you review a Peachtree GAN amp on the channel if you get the chance.
As an Oregon trail era Gen Xer, I get the anti streaming stance. I have a Bluesound Vault with local storage for ripped CDs. I like owning media, the artist can't be kicked off or decide to leave my platform. They can't replace their tracks with remastered versions. I don't have a monthly fee. I do stream radio stations on TunedIn which are often over the air somewhere.
2 CDs for the stream not on the usual hits list:
Elise LeGrow "Playing Chess" the "Who Do you Love?" cover is great.
Katie Melua "The House" with tracks "I'd love to kill you" and "Tiny Aliens" being fun to see how a system plays them
Lamar, I also have an extensive collection of FLAC & DSF files on a HD. I agree with you about all this remastered BS that the labels and artist do. I call those albums "the search for more money edition." I would love to review Peachtree and any other gear. I think once I get to 5K subs it might help. Thanks for the music recommendations, I will them in the rotation now. Thanks so much for watching and commenting and hopefully subscribing.
I have many customs with LRS/LRS+ and 1.7 speakers. All very happy.
It’s interesting how you mentioned how Hollywood sound tracks are not classical music. I was listening to some soundtracks and I thought that those choral vocals didn’t sound right. I was wondering why it sounded so low quality and/or artificial. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and expertise! I noticed how using higher end equipment is having an effect on my musical tastes. It’s hard to enjoy the sound of clipping microphones. lol
I agree. Thanks for your view.
Thanks for your work. I am really enjoying your channel and am learning a lot. This video did leave me with a question for you. What are the advantages of a fully balanced design? I've heard that it's historically been used in pro-audio to support good connectors and long cable runs but haven't really heard advantages for home audio.
Great question. As you stated long cable runs and noise rejection are part of the balance design. Inside an amp there are circuits that can introduce noise on the signal path and balanced lines use two signal conductors and a separate ground, which allows the receiving end to detect and reject any noise that has been induced into the cable. This results in a much lower noise noise floor compared to single ended connections. Balanced connections are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), which can degrade audio quality in unbalanced setups. It also provides, typically, 4 volts of signal level which contributes to noise rejection. A Class D amp switch at a very high speeds and generates a ton of high frequency noise (radiated and inducted,) that even though it can be, and is, filtered out, can still have some impact on the noise floor and a balanced topology helps reduce that greatly. I hope that answers your query. Thank you so much for watching and asking that question. Sorry for the PHD dissertation.
@@OldGuyHifi Thanks for the reply and no apology please, I was looking for a technical explanation and I got one!
Impressive amp for sure.
I appreciate that they put the money inside not on the box. I know looks are important but I'd rather have components that matter inside than a pretty faceplate upfront. Plus, if they had done, it would probably be closer to $5k.
And as it is just an amp, it can be easy to hide it from view if that bothers you.
Don't really have a playlist per se, but I have one track I use a lot to test speakers. It's Seefeel - Plainsong [Sine Bubble Embossed Dub] from 1993. It's a poorly recorded track, lots of noise, (but it's part of its charm) it starts very low and very low volume. It's a track that require you to crank the volume up (and then gradually turn it down as the track volume increase).
It will give your woofers a work out (might even help get dust out of old speakers hehe). When the track evolves, it's the twitter that is put to contribution.
It's ambient/ experimental with a beat as it is a remix. If it's something you like, I highly encourage you to explore their first album Quique
Unfortunately, for most of the options on streaming, they have cleaned the track of the noise and you can also get some artifacts at time (on Spotify). The UA-cam version is decent enough.
Bruno, I agree with you on cosmetics. Thanks for the track recommendation. I will add it to the list. I appreciate you comment & view. Thx.
Personally I think that oversized laser engraved logo on the front looks a bit amateurish and detracts from the looks, especially for a $4,000 amp.
I am sure Leo will do a plain front if you want. I know they do it in silver. It sounds so remarkable that I didn't even care about the looks. I understand your opinion. Thanks for sharing it and for your view. I do appreciate it.
@@OldGuyHifi
Thanks, and I do have a tendency to prefer silver in hifi gear. I'll admit those rear connections are impressive.
Couldn't agree more, it looks like cheap tacky Chinese crap
@@crazyprayingmantis5596
Jeez, I wouldn't say that. I just think the logo could be revised to a simpler design, or at least made a lot smaller.
@@chrislj2890
Let's just agree it's ugly
The man’s a brilliant innovator, FULL STOP!
And I
s i n c e r e l y h o p e
he becomes landslide Giga-rich through volume alone, keeping The Starkrimson at $4250 w/ that fabulous option! High-End Audio, as a luxury driven vice, has turned GALACTICALLY VULGAR these days, and this industry finds itself in dire need of true, forthright, honorable, NON-greedy-xssed prodigal innovators….. we have that in this man, I very seriously hope.
I couldn't agree with you more Scott. He is a great engineer and a good guy. Thanks for coming back to my channel. I appreciate it very much.
I would love to compare this ganfet class d to. the mosfet class d amps (three of which I own, one hypex from NAD, a purifi from March Audio, and a Buckeye purifi three channel I have for my AV system). I suspect that the preamplification/dac source makes a big difference. There are far more advantages to class d.
My EVO150 is a Hypex Ncore amp. I do think believe GaNFETs can switch faster and at a higher frequency tahn MOSFETs. I must say I do very much like the EVO and have side by side compared it to the Orchard Audio unit. The OA am is better it almost all regards. It is completely neutral to the source. But the EVO is a better package and solution for my needs. Yes the equipment ahead of the amp does make a big difference. Thanks for the questions.
Hello, have you knowledge of the LSA Warp 1 power amp? Does it avoid class D sound issues?
I have no experience with that unit but, my guess is probably not. The reason is it uses the TI 3255 amp chip that is found in a great many low cost amps from Fosi, Aiyima and SMSL. It is a good chip but, not on the order of a Hypex NCore or Ice Power amps found in comparably priced units Like the NAD C700 I just reviewed or the Cambridge EVO75. I hope this helps. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
It sounds like you enjoyed this machine immensely. I'm not a streamer so I don't do playlists, but some of my go-to songs are "Ten Years Gone" by Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughan's version of "Little Wing", and lately, since we've moved recently and my equipment is in a much larger room, I've discovered that the staging of "Yellow Submarine" by the Beatles is epic.
Those are for sure great tunes. I do like SRV very much. He did an album called "In Session" with Albert King that is awesome. Thank s for the suggestions.
SRV little wing, I heard that for the first time in 1995ish on a +/- $100k setup, changed the direction of my audio journey, no more Cerwin Vega bs, I knew I needed to get a little more serious, not much, I’ll never be able to spend that much but it was a tipping point, as well as one of the best songs, or version of, ever!
Can you give us your opinion of whatever Class D amps you have or have heard?
Great question. I have heard: PS Audio Sprout (yuk), PS Audio S300, NAD C700, NAD 3020, NAD M10, Buchardt I150, Cambridge EVO 150, and a bunch of inexpensive "Fun-Fi" amps like Fosi etc. Most of them had that Class D sheen/glare. The Orchard Audio and the EVO150 are the best I have heard so far. The PS Audio and the Buchardt is the best of the rest. So much depends on partnering gear and the room it is hard to make a blanket conclusion. Great question. Thank you.
I've got a great song for testing bass extension: Bass Mekanik - Slo-Rolla (Lo & Slo Remix)
I will add it to the play list. Another good one is Ageispolis from Aphex Twin.
@@OldGuyHifi Just put it on. Good track
Betteridge's law of headlines applies to thie video.
Is that comment a demonstration of your cleverness?
Can this amplifier be the elusive chic magnet?
Yes, absolutely. But you have to have it in the trunk of your Lambo.
@@OldGuyHifi 😂 Ed, you and Kevin at Skylabs put out the best audio gear videos.
Thank you. We did have a ton fun when we did the discussion video. He is awesome.
Great, now if I can onky come up with four grand.
I think I am going to grab my wife, get a 32 Ford and rob banks all through the Midwest. Wait. That's been done before. Darn. I guess the kids don't eat for a couple of months. That will be good for them.
@@OldGuyHifi Well, they should make a few sacrifices for dad every once in awhile.
@@webman1956 Right? RIGHT?
There is a $2650 version of this amplifier with a single power supply and no caps, it is still a fantastic amplifier and will get you many of the same qualities that the DMC has.
@@OrchardAudio I`m kind of like the cheap audio man with the hifi spending and besides, the wife would have a S fit if I spent that much on audio equipment since I already have the Sony STR-DH190 in the living room. Love your content and channel!
I did like the video, but there are a lot of amplifiers in the world.
Yes. If I get the opportunity I will review them all! I have heard and owned some stupid expensive Krells, Thresholds, CJs and Levison amps. This will hold its own against most of those as far as neutrality. It is also very powerful for its size. It may be the future. A lot of "high end" companies are going class D these days. I would say a very good tube pre on the Starkirmson would be enjoyable. Thanks for watching & commenting.