What are your thoughts/opinions on the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium

I had the Ultra DMC 2.0 in my system as part of Orchard’s Steve Hoffman Forums amp tour; my understanding is that the Ultra Monos are the identical amp modules with separate cases/power supplies. I found their amp to be a fantastic overall performer - transparent mids and highs, lightning-fast transients, extended highs and great control of bass. It’s very neutral tonally but has plenty of weight and a palpable sense of attack and decay. Overall I was really impressed, it will be on my short list for my next system upgrade. If you haven’t found it already check out the Steve Hoffman amp tour thread.

@jasonbourne71 

You’ve done a direct comparison? Or…

I recently acquired the starkrimsom monoblocks V1 with upgraded 300w power supply used. I had the AGD Audions V2 in my system as reference. The orchard audio made me sell the AGD audions. I did a shootout between these amps on a number I speakers like magnepan LRS+, Harbeth 40.3, 30.3, zU Audio Soul 6, b&w 805d3 etc and found the starkrimsom to be better than the AGDs given everything else the same. They do need a good preamp and I paired them with the benchmark LA4 preamp  I am talking to Leo to but the ultra premium monoblocks with the LPs upgrade.

I recently bought the Ultra DMC 2.0 which, as mrmojo said, is basically the same as the ultra monos. I did a direct comparison with the Hifi Rose 180 integrated GaN amp and I didn't notice much of a difference. The mids were slightly better on the Hifi Rose. I've kept both and use them in different rooms but the differences are negligible. I use the starkrimson in a room where the components aren't really on view/display where I needed them to be closer to the speakers, and the Hifi Rose is in a room where it also does double duty as a conversation piece for guests due to its striking (some might say polarizing) look.

At Axpona earlier this year I listened to the Starkrimson stereo amp.  It was connected to an Orchard Audio PecanPi Plus.  The combo sounded clear with excellent separation and depth. I listened to a lot of systems that day, and the clarity of the Orchard Audio setup just resonated with me.

I own both an Orchard Audio PecanPi and a PecanPi Plus streamer and they both sound great.  The owner, Leo, provides great customer support and designs great sounding cost effective gear.  If you can live with the minimalist design parameters, Orchard Audio gear provides great value. I will be buying some of his amps soon.