Orchard Audio Class D Amp
pearsall001
Posts: 5,221
I've been thinking about letting my current boat anchor of an amp (Parasound A21+) go & moving on to a highly regarded Class D amp...the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra DMC 2.5 amp.
Does anyone here have any experience with any of their products, in particular their amps.
Does anyone here have any experience with any of their products, in particular their amps.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
Post edited by pearsall001 on
Comments
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I think I'm moving on from Orchard Audio, the Ultra 2.5 amp I was considering only comes with a 1yr warranty. You have to move up to their more expensive mono blocks to get a 3yr warranty. Just doesn't sit right with me.
I've been looking at the Wyred for Sound SX-1000R mono blocks... they come with a nice 5yr warranty.
Still kinda just kicking things around for now. There are a bunch on Class D amp companies in the marketplace now. They really have come a long way."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Don't sell the A21+ before you thoroughly vette the Class D amp. I've read they've improved, but I never cared for older class D amp's.....I mean I hated them for serious audiophile listening. So dry and sterile and lifeless.
Maybe the new ones are as good as some of the better audiophile amps, but I'd sure do a through 6 month listening test.
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul! -
Don't worry Brock they still sound that way- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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Don't sell the A21+ before you thoroughly vette the Class D amp. I've read they've improved, but I never cared for older class D amp's.....I mean I hated them for serious audiophile listening. So dry and sterile and lifeless.
Maybe the new ones are as good as some of the better audiophile amps, but I'd sure do a through 6 month listening test.
H9
Yes indeed you definitely need to have one in your system for some time before committing to pulling the trigger. But those old attributes of being dry, sterile & lifeless are long gone.
The technology advancements in Class D have been tremendous to say the least. Definitely here to stay."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Don't worry Brock they still sound that way
If you want to add life and color to your playback chain, it is much easier to do that in the preamp or source. Just saying. The amp shouldn't add anything other than perfectly controlled voltage and current. -
pearsall001 wrote: »There are a bunch on Class D amp companies in the marketplace now. They really have come a long way.
FWIW you already tried one of the most highly regarded implementations of modern Class D when you compared my Boxem amp that uses the Purifi Eigentakt modules to your A21+.
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pearsall001 wrote: »There are a bunch on Class D amp companies in the marketplace now. They really have come a long way.
FWIW you already tried one of the most highly regarded implementations of modern Class D when you compared my Boxem amp that uses the Purifi Eigentakt modules to your A21+.
Ah yes I remember it well. The Boxem was an excellent sounding amp. In fact I've been back on their website checking out their up to date lineup. It was an eye opener comparing it to the A21+ for sure.
There were definite +/- during the time I spent with the Boxem.
At that time my system fit my needs nicely for both musicality & space constraints.
Things have changed over time & now being retired & looking to downsize I am now shifting gears on items that are just too darn large & heavy. To the point of being unmanageable.
With that being the case a Class D amp will fit the bill nicely.
I haven't ruled out smaller, lighter A/B amps either. Case in point the Van Alstine 250 mono blocks.
I'm not in a rush but things will be changing.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Are you still running the JBL HDI-1600s?
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Yes indeed! They really tickle my fancy. Smooth, articulate, dynamic. They check all the boxes that I need checked. Paired with the REL S812 sub for 2 channel & the same S812 along with the REL HT 1205 for HT I couldn't be happier.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Nice. I still haven't cracked the seal on the pair I bought back in June.
Too much gear not enough time, I guess. -
Holy cow!!! You must be one busy man!
I almost opted to trade them in for the HDI 3600 floorstander but I'm more of a monitor paired with a good sub (or two) kind of guy & decided against it. Wise choice on my part.
Hopefully you'll get around to getting your ears on them pretty soon."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Not that busy really, it just seems like there's always something more pressing that takes priority. Also I just have physically too much stuff and therefore it's not easy to cycle through gear and hook up/put away different pieces. It's dumb, really. My apartment is too small.
Also part of the problem is that the Revival Audio Atalante 3 speakers sound so good that I'm finding it really hard to work up the motivation to unhook them and hook up another pair! -
I hear ya! Once you get something special in your system it's a tough one to let go & try something new."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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pearsall001 wrote: »I haven't ruled out smaller, lighter A/B amps either. Case in point the Van Alstine 250 mono blocks.
I'm not in a rush but things will be changing.
Pass Labs XA25.
https://futureaudiophile.com/pass-labs-xa-25-audiophile-power-amplifier-reviewed/
https://www.stereophile.com/content/pass-laboratories-xa25-power-amplifier
https://hifiknights.com/reviews/amplifiers/pass-labs-xa-25/
https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/the-pass-labs-xa25-stereo-amplifier-listening-impressions-and-chatting-with-nelson-pass/
https://tonepublications2.com/project/the-pass-labs-xa25-power-amplifier/
https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/259356-pass-labs-xa25-power-amp/
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/pass-labs-xp-12-preamplifier-and-xa25-amplifier-1/
Just some over the Holiday reading.
It was a game changer for me. Everything I read about it is true.
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul! -
For smaller/lighter, the Benchmark AHB2 should not be overlooked. They only have XLR inputs, though, so need to keep that in mind. If purchased directly from Benchmark, there is a 30-day risk free trial.
These amps are known to be very transparent and detailed, and I can attest to that."This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
pearsall001 wrote: »I haven't ruled out smaller, lighter A/B amps either. Case in point the Van Alstine 250 mono blocks.
I'm not in a rush but things will be changing.
Pass Labs XA25.
https://futureaudiophile.com/pass-labs-xa-25-audiophile-power-amplifier-reviewed/
https://www.stereophile.com/content/pass-laboratories-xa25-power-amplifier
https://hifiknights.com/reviews/amplifiers/pass-labs-xa-25/
https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/the-pass-labs-xa25-stereo-amplifier-listening-impressions-and-chatting-with-nelson-pass/
https://tonepublications2.com/project/the-pass-labs-xa25-power-amplifier/
https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/259356-pass-labs-xa25-power-amp/
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/pass-labs-xp-12-preamplifier-and-xa25-amplifier-1/
Just some over the Holiday reading.
It was a game changer for me. Everything I read about it is true.
H9
Thanks for the information. I will definitely give them all a read.
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 🦃
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
For smaller/lighter, the Benchmark AHB2 should not be overlooked. They only have XLR inputs, though, so need to keep that in mind. If purchased directly from Benchmark, there is a 30-day risk free trial.
These amps are known to be very transparent and detailed, and I can attest to that.
Definitely also on my radar.
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 🦃
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Are you running a single AHB2 or a mono pair?"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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I only have one. I considered getting a second one to run as a pair of mono, but when I researched it, there didn't seem to be any measurable advantage.pearsall001 wrote: »Are you running a single AHB2 or a mono pair?
Full disclosure: my current daily driver is a First Watt Aleph J DIY clone, but I do still have an AHB2 in the stable. The Aleph J clone is lighter than some of its Pass Labs cousins, but it's not smaller; there's a good bit of breathing room inside the chassis."This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
Interesting...what speakers are you running & what size is your listening room.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Speakers are JM Lab Mezzo Utopia, with highly modified external crossovers by our very own VR3...about 92dB efficiency. I also have a single SVS powered sub. The room is really a large living space of about 20X30, so not a true listening room, but this setup can definitely fill the space with sound, if desired.
The lower wattage, pure Class A sound has worked well for me and my needs, but the AHB2 is certainly no slouch."This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
That's a pretty good size room. I'm sure those JM Labs with upgraded XO's sound fantastic! I've read up on the Benchmark AHB2 & it's a very interesting design & has received many glowing reviews. Further research is needed.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
I ordered a AHB2 amp direct from Benchmark today. Expected delivery this Tuesday, 30 day in home trial period. This will be a fun comparison to the A21+. Let's see (hear) how it goes."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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pearsall001 wrote: »I ordered a AHB2 amp direct from Benchmark today. Expected delivery this Tuesday, 30 day in home trial period. This will be a fun comparison to the A21+. Let's see (hear) how it goes.
Might not sound too bad with a tube preamp. -
pearsall001 wrote: »I ordered a AHB2 amp direct from Benchmark today. Expected delivery this Tuesday, 30 day in home trial period. This will be a fun comparison to the A21+. Let's see (hear) how it goes.
Might not sound too bad with a tube preamp.
No tube pre at present... Parasound JC2 BP SS pre & old school NewOnTech DAC 07. It should be interesting."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Shipping update...the amp will be delivered tomorrow (Sat). Instead of Tues. That was unexpected but I'll take it.
And as it turns out the wife will be away for the weekend visiting her mom.
Let the play time begin!! Lol!
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
pearsall001 wrote: »pearsall001 wrote: »I ordered a AHB2 amp direct from Benchmark today. Expected delivery this Tuesday, 30 day in home trial period. This will be a fun comparison to the A21+. Let's see (hear) how it goes.
Might not sound too bad with a tube preamp.
No tube pre at present... Parasound JC2 BP SS pre & old school NewOnTech DAC 07. It should be interesting.
I wasn't super impressed with the Parasound Pre I had. I'm going to guess you will love the AHB2 at first but will eventually flip it and keep the A21+
Also you REALLY need to invest in a tube pre. Difference between the new corvette and a Lear Jet. Just my opinion though so don't beat me up.
Gustard X26 Pro DAC
Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)
There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus -
pearsall001 wrote: »pearsall001 wrote: »I ordered a AHB2 amp direct from Benchmark today. Expected delivery this Tuesday, 30 day in home trial period. This will be a fun comparison to the A21+. Let's see (hear) how it goes.
Might not sound too bad with a tube preamp.
No tube pre at present... Parasound JC2 BP SS pre & old school NewOnTech DAC 07. It should be interesting.
I wasn't super impressed with the Parasound Pre I had. I'm going to guess you will love the AHB2 at first but will eventually flip it and keep the A21+
Also you REALLY need to invest in a tube pre. Difference between the new corvette and a Lear Jet. Just my opinion though so don't beat me up.
I'm very pleased with the JC2 BP pre, sounds excellent to my ears. I did consider a tube pre but opted for the ModWrigh Analog Bridge instead for my "tube" fix. Awesome piece of gear that fits the bill nicely.
I have 30 days to give theAHB2 a thorough workout. If I don't like it compared to the A21+ then back it goes. No restocking fee either. Just return shipping.
I'm looking forward to the comparison.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Sometimes 30 days isn't enough time for a proper evaluation. I've been swapping gear in and out of my office rig for months......and finally found what I was looking for. None of the gear was overtly terrible, but these days I am looking for certain traits in both my rigs.
Granted I was swapping pre's, amps, dacs and cables. But that was more to see what the synergy was with various combinations.
The major traits are transparency, sound stage, black background you can hear a pin drop, clarity and fullness at lower listening levels. coherency and complete lack of fatigue for long listening sessions.
H9
"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul! -
Hey Brock,
I can see why your eval time would have taken so long that's a lot of gear & cables you were swapping out to find that sweet spot.
Luckily for me it's only the amp that I will be evaluating. And being retired & the crazy weather we're having I have nothing but time on my hands.
I'm sure I will be able to put it thru it's paces in both HT & 2 channel within the 30 day in home trial period. If it's not a good fit then back it goes. No restocking fee just return shipping.
Let's see how it goes.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
