Starkrimson Ultra Amplifier
03-05-2022
The Starkrimson Ultra Amplifier, is a monster delivering only the music. Does the Starkrimson live up to the name Ultra? Read on to find out. In this review, we take a tour of the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra power amplifier.
Build
A center button with an inset blue led turns the amp on.
With the Starkrimson Ultra, we will start will the physical build. Size: 45cm (17.72") x 36cm (14.17") x 11cm (4.33") - w/o binding posts. And for weight: 6.5kg (14.33lbs). The chassis is made from aluminum, including rigid side rails to provide strength. The Starkrimson is available in silver or black starting at $2,449.95.
Power is rather unique as gallium nitride modules. This type of Class D amplifier results in an ultra-clean amp. Providing fast transients, a dark background, and a neutral platform.
This model includes the 37,600uF capacitor upgrade. ($400 addition)
Connections are located on the left side of the rear of the chassis.
Specifications of the amp are as follow:
Fully balanced from input to output (w/ differential input)
Differential (XLR) or single-ended (RCA) inputs
Extremely low noise and distortion
Power output 250/500W into 8/4Ω
To learn more about the amplifier section visit the product page.
https://orchardaudio.com/starkrimson-ultra-module#d407372d-c273-4e0b-b4bd-2538ef94342a
Upgrades available include:
Custom Front Panel
The panel can be made silver (brushed aluminum) and/or without any logos/text
Can be made to be rack-mountable
Upgraded Power Rail Capacitance
Improves amplifier transient response and distortion at power levels above 50W
Helps when driving difficult loads (hard to drive speakers)
Dual Mono Upgrade
Two true Monoblock amps inside a single enclosure. Each amplifier module gets its power supply. This provides for the highest level of performance while also eliminating any crosstalk between the channels.
Evaluation
For evaluation of the Starkrimson Ultra, I used two sets of speakers, the SVS Prime Towers and the Tekton Lore Reference. Both sets of speakers, while different, showcase the abilities of the amplifier.
First, we will start with the SVS Prime Towers, this speaker has a more relaxed tuning. What does this mean? The Primes are not as detailed as the Tektons, thus material regardless of quality tends to sound fantastic.
Upon first listening to the track, Bali Run, from Fourplay's 30th anniversary self-titled album Fourplay. A running keyboard line begins at the start of the track immediately followed by cymbals and a drum track. With this bass and guitar following, each instrument is recorded excellent. Unfortunately, with the SVS, the abundant micro detail with the keyboard is outweighed by the bass in the song.
Microdetails continue to be something that the SVS miss, from the quiet footsteps in Dire Straits’ Private Investigations on- Love Over Gold, which you can hear but not in detail. I was perplexed in thinking, was this the amp? Source? Preamp? And so on.
After frustration and listening to the same tracks over again intensely on the Tekton Lore References I came to an immediate conclusion, it was not the amp or gear; it was the speakers.
Let’s start with the previous track, Private Investigations. Now you can hear a person using a xylophone throughout the song, footsteps at around 3:46, as well as other minute percussion instruments.
While the Tektons do not reach as low as the SVS’, they do not have “bass bloat” either or have a more natural open sound. Dare I say sound live.
Bella-Blues for Salvador by Santana is an excellent example of the details the Starkrimson can exemplify through speed and clarity. We start with the Latin percussion section, too immense to list in detail. Chimes ring true, Santana’s guitar notes enveloping you the more he plays, and most of all, you can hear Santana when Santana sings.
For the rest of this review, I will use the Tekton Lore Reference.
Throughout the listening session with the Starkrimson, I realized how “fast” this amp was. No matter what I listened to, whether it be Jazz, Classical, Folk, Rock, R&B, and so on the amp never missed a beat. And while doing so, it ran silent, as well as cool to the touch, both of which I highly value in an amp.
William Tell and other Overtures by Erich Kunzel is quite a challenging album, showing off the strengths and weaknesses of speakers. As there are many starts and stops, time changes, as well, and recognizable pieces of music. Not only was the Starkrimson able to deliver, but it was also able to deliver in spades.
Recommendation
The Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra Amplifier is quite a beast but is not perfect. I only have a few recommendations that would make it perfect in my opinion.
First, move the output terminals for the speakers so they are close to symmetrical. This would make for a more convenient connection on the left channel.
Next, and a major one, add for the ability of either XLR or RCA. Yes, this may be an added expense to the amplifier, but would also add for convenience.
Conclusion
Who is this Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra for? The Ultra is for the person who wants a clean, powerful, quiet amp that lives up to the name. Starting at $2,450 the Starkrimson is not the least expensive amp on the market, but you are paying for a good measuring and powerful amp. If you are looking for a true Audiophile Powerhouse, the Starkrimson Ultra is it!
Gear Used
M1 Mac Mini
2021 Roon Nucleus Plus
SVS Prime Towers
Tekton Reference Towers
SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer
iPad (6th Generation)
Music Played
Fourplay- Fourplay (30th Anniversary Edition)
https://open.qobuz.com/album/qk7dlp2m4h1nc
Dire Straits- Love Over Gold
https://open.qobuz.com/album/0603497080564
Erich Kunzel- William Tell & Other Favorite Overtures