New Class D amplifiers

After auditioning Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra for 8 days, I had been listening to Line Magnetic 508 and Rogue Cronus Magnum II fitted with vintage tubes.

8 days is too short to reach clear conclusionl without doing cable rolling or comparsion with other refutable class D amp like Atmashphere or Audion.


But Starkrimson clearly has no serious fault at all.

It sounds very transparent with lot of details.

Soundstage is wide and deep enough ( not the best but close to it).



Starkrimson works nice with both Lansche 4.1 and Vaugn Cabernett II.

Thus it is a nice value for sure.

I recommend you try it by being in the line for tour.

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/orchard-audio-starkrimson-stereo-ultra-amp-tour.1148415/

Thomas

@mglik In greater detail, how would you compare the Atmasphere and AGD amps?  I assume they’re both near SOTA, but would be very interesting to hear your impressions of the differences between the two for anyone who may be on the fence between these two awesome amps.  Thanks for any thoughts. 

I have also recently switched to AGD Audions after years of running an Atman-Sphere S30 Mk3 OTL. I love the sound of the S30 OTL amp but was getting frustrated at valve availability, adjustments and energy consumption.

The AGD Audions have been a terrific addition to my system. They are silent when idle (important as my speakers are 107dB/W) and require no warm-up period. The sound is even more transparent with wonderful imaging extending well beyond the speakers and further back. Instruments are easier to pick out from a complex mix.

The bass is very tuneful with overall a slightly ‘lighter’ feel to it than with the OTL amp. I’m able to tweak this as my speakers (Avantgarde Duo) allow me to adjust bass crossover/gain. I’ve also found that my REL S812 sub seems to go even deeper and ‘faster’.

I’me really impressed and think you’re on the right track with either the AGD Audions or the Atma-Sphere Class D amps.

If you are interested in an integrated solution for your Heritage setup, Aavik has amazing synergy with Danish loudspeakers. They are not cheap but sound amazing. 

I am in the process of upgrading all of my Dynaudios to either Børresen or Raidho and am going to be pairing them with an Aavik setup. (I am only upgrading due to not being able to source the Evidence Masters).

Also, your Heritage sound much better than my Contours. I actually thought about doing the Heritage route, but my room is fairly large.

I am envious of your Heritage setup - Enjoy whichever path you choose.

@jbuhl 

According to this review the M700s do not have IcePower modules