Усилители мощности моно — Orchard Audio STARKRIMSON 25 MONO PREMIUM

The Starkrimson 25 Mono Premium is a Class D monoblock power amplifier from Orchard Audio of Succasunna, New Jersey, whose head designer is Leo Ayzenshtat. It was announced on 21 May 2025 at an introductory price of USD 1,099.95 per monoblock, with a regular price of USD 1,249.95, and the current price is USD 1,399.95 each or USD 2,500 per pair. It replaces the earlier Starkrimson Mono Premium, and owners of that model were offered a discounted upgrade. The first production run sold out.

Key specs that matter

The output stage uses GaN transistors, which Orchard calls GaNM, switching at 1.1 MHz. Output is 150 W into 8 ohm and 200 W into 4 ohm, and the amplifier can drive 2 ohm loads. Gain is set by an internal jumper to 21.5 dB or 16.8 dB. The damping factor is above 600 at 1 kHz. The only input is balanced XLR, and an RCA-to-XLR converter and a Rolling Input Buffer upgrade at USD 250 are optional. The universal power supply accepts 90 to 264 V AC. Each unit measures 269 x 155 x 79 mm including the binding posts and weighs 2.5 kg, in a plain black chassis with an etched logo. The warranty runs for three years, with a 30-day trial.

Engineering and use context

GaN transistors switch faster and with lower losses than silicon devices, which allows a higher switching frequency. Raising it from the 800 kHz of the previous model to the current frequency pushes the switching products further beyond audible frequencies, so the output filter affects the top octave less. Orchard reports higher bandwidth and less phase shift at 20 kHz. The filter parts have been improved, and the modulator and feedback circuits updated. The damping factor rose from above 550 to above 600, which corresponds to a very low output impedance, so the amplifier holds its frequency response regardless of the speaker's impedance curve. Balanced operation runs through the whole circuit, from input connector to output terminals. The low gain setting reduces noise and is meant for preamplifiers that deliver a lot of voltage, whereas the higher one helps sources with modest output. The universal mains input means the same unit works on any supply voltage worldwide.

Pairing

A balanced preamplifier drives the monoblocks directly, and the small size lets them sit next to the speakers so the speaker cables stay short. A stereo system uses two units, one per channel, and its low-impedance capability covers speakers with deep impedance dips.

Alternatives

The Orchard Audio Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium is the larger monoblock with 250 W into 8 ohm and 500 W into 4 ohm.