
Incorporates GaN transistors for faster response, reduced distortion, and cleaner sound compared to traditional silicon or tube technologies.
Features a redesigned signal architecture and 1.1 MHz switching frequency for improved audio precision and handling of intricate signals.
Fully balanced design with adjustable gain and support for demanding loads, delivering up to 200 watts into a 4-ohm load.
Orchard Audio has unveiled its latest creation, the Starkrimson 25 Mono Premium, a monophonic Class D power amplifier powered by advanced GaN transistors. This device represents a major step forward from the well-regarded Starkrimson Mono, pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering. Unlike much of the audio landscape still rooted in traditional silicon or tube technologies, Orchard Audio embraces Gallium Nitride (GaN)—a cutting-edge semiconductor technology that eclipses silicon in numerous critical aspects. GaN transistors facilitate faster electron mobility, resulting in quicker response times, reduced distortion, superior thermal stability, and overall cleaner sound with lower noise.
At its core, the Starkrimson 25 Mono Premium features a completely redesigned signal architecture and an enhanced GaN circuit. The amplifier has been designed to prioritize both musical precision and robust power output, making it suitable for demanding audio setups. Operating with a switching frequency pushed to an impressive 1.1 MHz, the amplifier demonstrates a remarkable ability to handle intricate audio signals, a feature that reflects the importance of speed and responsiveness in high-performance audio. Its damping factor exceeds an impressive 600, ensuring reliable control over a wide range of loudspeakers, including challenging loads.
The refined design also includes an upgraded output filter and a more efficient modulator, keeping harmonic and intermodulation distortion firmly in check. This improvement allows the Starkrimson 25 Mono Premium to maintain linearity across the frequency spectrum, addressing one of the historic limitations of older Class D amplifiers, particularly in the high-frequency range. This balance between power and clarity makes the amplifier an attractive choice for discerning audiophiles and those who demand precision-driven playback.
From a technical standpoint, the Starkrimson 25 Mono Premium is fully balanced from input to output, significantly reducing noise and distortion. It offers 150 watts of power into an 8-ohm load and 200 watts into 4 ohms, with stable operation even for 2-ohm loads. Users can tailor the amplifier’s gain between 21.5 dB and 16.8 dB using jumper settings, offering flexibility to accommodate unique system configurations. Furthermore, the device supports a universal AC input range of 90 to 264 volts, ensuring compatibility with global electrical standards.
Measuring just 28 x 15 cm, the Starkrimson 25 Mono Premium packs its powerful technology into a compact and efficient chassis. Orchard Audio has announced a special introductory price of $1,099.95 per monoblock, with a regular retail price set at $1,249.95. This amplifier exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to audio design by merging next-generation semiconductor technology with practical engineering, making it a compelling option for anyone looking to elevate their listening experience.

* HiBy Digital introduces the limited-edition "YUME" IEMs in collaboration with Hatsune Miku, exclusive to Japan with only 300 units available.

* Canton Smart Libero are compact smart speakers measuring 110 × 150 × 80 mm and weighing 700 grams.

* The Stax SR-009D is a revitalized version of the iconic SR-009 headphones, incorporating modern updates while retaining its signature features.

* WiiM introduces the Sound Lite, a budget-friendly smart speaker aimed at audiophiles seeking high-quality audio at an accessible price point.