Building Your Own (Easy) DIY HiFi Amplifier and Saving Thousands With Latest Technology!?
Orchard Audio Starkrimson is a High-End DIY KIT Audiophile Amplifier Using The Latest GaNFet Technology. It is regarded as one of the BEST HiFi Amplifiers under $3000.
Revival Audio Atalante 4: revivalaudio.fr/atalante-4/
Orchard Audio Starkrimson: orchardaudio.com/iyagi?nocache=1
Amplifiers in this Video:
Burson Monoblocks: www.bursonaudio.com/shop/time...
Video review: • WHAT?! Crazy Design - ...
AXXES Forte 1: audiogroupdenmark.com/product...
AGD Tempo: agdproduction.com/product/agd...
AGD Audion Monoblocks: agdproduction.com/product/aud...
Video review: • BEST HiFi Amplifier Of...
Speakers in this Video:
Buchardt S400 MKII: buchardtaudio.com/collections...
Video review: • NEW Buchardt Speakers ...
Borresen X2: audiogroupdenmark.com/product...
Video review: • Everyone is going to w...
Pre-Amplifiers in this Video:
Aric Audio Motherlode XL: aricaudio.com/products.php?pr...
ANK L5 Mentor: ankaudiokits.com/product/pre-...
PS Audio BHK Signature: www.psaudio.com/products/bhk-...
Support on Patreon: / jayiyagi
follow on Instagram: / jays_iyagi
follow on Facebook: / jayiyagiofficial
Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: • Jay's Soundstage! reviews
Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7...
acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/
acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ
amzn.to/3chBuFZ
other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1
amzn.to/30bsUCH
my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
0:00 DIY KIT:GaNFet Amplifier!
0:51 AD
1:19 Inside the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Amplifier
3:20 Sound Review:Orchard Audio Starkrimon Amplifier!
5:18 Amplifier Comparison:Burson Monoblocks VS Orchard Audio Starkrimson
7:37 Amplifier Comparison: AXXES Forte 1 VS Orchard Audio Starkrimson
9:17 Amplifier Comparison: AGD Tempo VS Orchard Audio Starkrimson
10:41 Amplifier Comparison: AGD Audio Audion VS Orchard Audio Starkrimson
12:21 Is Orchard Audio Starkrimson Worth The Price?
13:12 Tube Pre-Amplifiers With Class D Amp?
14:50 Best Pre-Amplifiers For Orchard Audio Starkrimson
23:10 Problem and Solution For Orchard Audio Starkrimson
#Hifi #audiophile #diy
*Hey Guys! Thanks for stopping by. Please use the time stamp below to skip to parts you are most interested in!* 0:00 DIY KIT:GaNFet Amplifier! 0:51 AD 1:19 Inside the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Amplifier 3:20 Sound Review:Orchard Audio Starkrimon Amplifier! 5:18 Amplifier Comparison:Burson Monoblocks VS Orchard Audio Starkrimson 7:37 Amplifier Comparison: AXXES Forte 1 VS Orchard Audio Starkrimson 9:17 Amplifier Comparison: AGD Tempo VS Orchard Audio Starkrimson 10:41 Amplifier Comparison: AGD Audio Audion VS Orchard Audio Starkrimson 12:21 Is Orchard Audio Starkrimson Worth The Price? 13:12 Tube Pre-Amplifiers With Class D Amp? 14:50 Best Pre-Amplifiers For Orchard Audio Starkrimson 23:10 Problem and Solution For Orchard Audio Starkrimson Revival Audio Atalante 4: revivalaudio.fr/atalante-4/ Orchard Audio Starkrimson: orchardaudio.com/iyagi?nocache=1 Amplifiers in this Video: Burson Monoblocks: www.bursonaudio.com/shop/timekeeper-grand-tourer/ Video review: kzhead.info/sun/mbt-gNaAnaaOo2w/bejne.htmlsi=wVILn3LMhxtPaTRO AXXES Forte 1: audiogroupdenmark.com/product/axxess-amplifier-forte/ AGD Tempo: agdproduction.com/product/agd-tempo/ AGD Audion Monoblocks: agdproduction.com/product/audion/ Video review: kzhead.info/sun/ZZqbfNp7eJ2ie6M/bejne.htmlsi=ezMDQG1sJ25i2Tio Speakers in this Video: Buchardt S400 MKII: buchardtaudio.com/collections/passive-speakers/products/s400-mkii Video review: kzhead.info/sun/g66LcrF7eGV8rYE/bejne.htmlsi=Af2GeiW3YFZUdeor Borresen X2: audiogroupdenmark.com/product/boerresen-x2/ Video review: kzhead.info/sun/aLCbl8l_bJ-fiHA/bejne.htmlsi=nqk8w9yYU2SnIs1L Pre-Amplifiers in this Video: Aric Audio Motherlode XL: aricaudio.com/products.php?product=MLXL ANK L5 Mentor: ankaudiokits.com/product/pre-amp-l5-mentor/ PS Audio BHK Signature: www.psaudio.com/products/bhk-signature-preamplifier Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: kzhead.info/channel/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0.html Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
I ordered and built this amplifier last year. I originally went the route of the single power supply but added the capacitor upgrade. After assembling the amplifier and getting some time with it, I was very pleased. It sounded pretty much as Jay described to me. But I was curious about adding that second power supply and capacitor bank and what kind of impact that would have on the sound of the amplifier. So early this year I called Leo, and ordered the additional goodies to do the dual mono upgrade. The upgrade was pretty quick to install. The chassis is the most time consuming part of the original build. What did I get by converting from a single power supply to the dual mono setup. What I noticed was a little bit more width and depth to the soundstage. Instruments are a little more dimensional and there is an ease in the way music comes, just smoother. But these are small, not night and day differences in my system. Very enjoyable to listen to. The amp doesn’t draw attention to itself. The way I like it.
Regarding chassis vibration, some manufacturers have used dyna mat Which is used in the automotive industry to dampen car panels. It is extremely effective.
I have lined my CD transport with Dynamat - it really works.
Excellent video… I love comparisons, and you describe the differences very effectively. Keep them coming like this!
I think this one of the most spot on reviews you have done. I agree with pretty much everything you said about this amp. Well done
Thanks for the video. I always get more out of a review when products are compared to one another
Very detailed, thorough review Jay. Thanks.
Hello Jay and thank you for the great amp comparisons! In 2022, auditioned the original V1 Starkrimson with 18.8K uF of additional capacitance per channel and a single power supply. I became enamored with the sonic signature, power and finesse that the Orchard Audio amp offered, thus purchased Leo's top-of-the-line Starkrimson amp "at that time". Has dual power supplies + additional 28.2K uF of capacitance per channel! WOW, what a revelation in dynamics, transients, speed, tonality and overall extreme balance in the full bandwidth presentation. Soundstage width, depth and height now Easily Surpasses my small humble dedicated 90sf music room boundaries, with precise musician placement, air, imaging and excellent attack/decay details…Overall system and room Totally Disappears!! Jay, the unit you tested, even though it has the latest V2 power supply, is an "entry-level" Starkrimson GaNFET amp...no "dual mono" supplies and No "additional" capacitance per channel...these additions will make a Huge Upgrade in overall sonics! Today, Leo offers the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra DMC V2 with updated Dual Micro Audio SMPS1K2 -SKU multi-voltage power supplies and additional 43,600 uF of capacitance per channel. I may have to test-drive that new unit and hear for myself the blown-away upgrade fidelity sonic impacts!!! 🤪
I had the original and have gone though three upgrades to the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra DMC V2 with updated Micro Audio SMPS1K2 -SKU multi-voltage power supplies and additional 43,600 uF of capacitance per channel. Each upgrade was an improvement. It is an increadable amp. This is the amp Jay should be using in the comparison.
@@bilguana11so good to hear. I just ordered these upgrades minus the capacitors which will probably be my Christmas upgrade. Can't wait to put it together and hear it for myself with my GR Research NX Studios!
Very nice review man!
Paired a Starkrimson Ultra with a Freya+, denafrips ares II and a pair of LRS - been very happy with this setup and a great match budget-wise.
Last thing you could consider doing is spend $250 on a crossover upgrade for those Maggie's. GR Research just uploaded one. Go check 'em out! 😉
Wish I had started this crazy hobby now, would have saved me mucho dinero lol!
Thank you very much for your time and effort.
Great review Jay. I’ve been looking at Orchard’s offerings for pairing with Magnepans. Thanks for all your experimentation and insight.
Its a very good combination. I have numerous customers with 1.7i, and LRS/LRS+
Appreciate this one. Gives me an idea to try DIY w the ANK and Amp
I recently built a Hypex Nilai500DIY 250W stereo power amplifier kit. Fun build and sounds incredible.
Love these review of the DIY kits. Thanks Jay.
Please note the amplifers can also be purchased as fully assembled ready to use units as well.
Hi. Thanks for your experience. I have the dial mono's and am considering the ank basic preamplifier or the tubes4hifi sp14 which runs on 6sn7's. I like the GaN bass sound and mid-range. It's all pretty good. Just looking to add that swirl of 3d and a slightly softer tone. Was also considering the Miller st-70 you showed. Decisions decisions. Thanks again for the review.
Went to open house today in nj.Heard the starkrimson, sounded better than the monoblocks.Enjoyed meeting Leo, needless to say I will be buying the amp, it sounded THAT GOOD.
Thanks for your support and stopping by.
This one was a bit confusing. All those "howevers". You describe how much you like a given combination and then you ruin it with "however" coming up with so many caveats that it's not clear what you really liked or not, or what combo was superior to another. A review need structure .
Excellent video, I love the fact you’re diving into preamps and pairings. Do you think this would pair well with really revealing speakers like thiel?
Mmm. I’d prefer warmer speakers for the Starkrimson
You mean “more warmer”. Just kidding
Very great review! 👏👏👏 I agree with the vibration problem, it happens with almost all reasonably priced amplifiers but it has an easy and CHEAP solution. And yes, good class D is better with a good preamp (tube or not) than only DAC output.
I have had the original stereo ultra and I now have the dmc dual mono 2.0 design and I love these to death. To me they really let the speakers shine. Preamp them with tubes and holy shit….heaven
Hey Jay, I listen to music at low volume levels and I use efficient bookshelf speakers. Would your opinion of the starkrimson be as relevant at low volume levels vs higher volumes? Or do the differences narrow at lower volumes? Thanks for your review!
Yes both good at low and high volumes in my opinion
@jayiyagi Does your Mentor have the triple c-core output transformers or the quad c-cores? I am not sure what version you were provided, I do know that I noticed a big difference with the Mentor and DAC 5.1 when we made the switch to the Quad c-core hib laminate transformers. Nice in depth review by the way.
I love it , thank you
Wow, thanks for that thorough comparison, very informative. It’s very interesting to find how two DIY components sound so well together, the ANK and the Orchard (add the CSS 1TDX and that’s DIY high end!). Sorry to ask about another comparison 🙃. Can you say anything about how does the amp compare to your NAD C298? I have the NAD and have been considering the DIY Starkrimson for a system in another room. Thanks again.
No problem at all. I also like NAD C298 for different reasons and it was part of my reference desktop set up for a while with KEF LS50 Meta speakers. While NAD C298 is no slouch in its measured performance, transparency and complete lack of coloration (in my opinion) that is a perfect fit for a "work" set-up on my desk, I would say the Starkrimon is what I'd reach for if I was going to "enjoy" music in my stereo entertainment room for the following reasons: 1. I found it to have more bass extension and amount 2. more fuller sounding midrange 3. not necessarily more detail but more digestible level of high frequency sparkle and edge
Thanks!
How do you compare this with something like the Hypex Nilai?
Thank you 4 doing this Jay. I find myself getting more interested in DIY. Question 4 u. Have u thought about bring batteries into the question?
I love that you review DIY kits. Would you consider reviewing the Akitika amp or preamp? Great products that offer huge bang for buck!
Great Comparison and Review! ...Thanks!👏
Hows the headphone amp section on the forte?
Nice to see some Aric audio gear getting some love! My pre-amp and amplifier are both Aric and love them both. Definitely invest in some better tubes than stock if they are still stock - like any tube amp/pre-amp really. Aric is lovely to deal with and super helpful!
Once I swapped tubes to better ones, everything I liked about the amps just got a whole step better. Fabulous.
Thanks!
Appreciated!
How would you compare this amplifier to the Vincent SV-237mk ii? I'm asking, because they are both similarly priced and both try to achieve the same thing - great low end with silky mids/highs?
Great question. The Vincent SV-237mk ii was my product of the year for 2022 for a reason. It is an incredible value in my books with tone control that actually helps with "preference in the amount of bass and treble" I however do not think that they are trying to achieve the exact same thing as the Starkrimson's sound doesn't scream silky mids and highs when paired with solid state pre-amplifiers. Rather, it screams "neutrality with good amount of edge and separation in details of the midrange and highs" I do agree the bass is quite phenomenal on both but I'd have to give the slight edge to the Starkrimson in terms of speed, attack and decay. When you pair the Starkrimson to a tube pre-amp, the similarities between the two starts to happen. I would say that the Starkrimson with a quality tube pre will give you a wider and deeper soundstage with more spatial cues/sparkle while still being silky and refined. The Vincent SV-237mk ii, with its silky, sweet and warm mids and highs is an integrated amplifier that will get you fairly close to that performance/musicality but not quite fully.
@@Jayiyagi Thank you very much for the response, it was quite informative! Just a last question if I may: what cheaper tube or solid preamp would you recommend, something with the same price as the Starkrimson or lower than $2K? I was wondering whether I could benefit from the amp in a cheaper setup, although I understand the amp punches above its price point.
How would this compare to the denafrips thallo since that amplifier also only accepts ebu connectors? Sound wise also?
2 year old video and I'm being goofy but here is the review of the Thallo/Hades: kzhead.info/sun/eZumj9KKrXdnaqM/bejne.htmlsi=kRnMXhqKA6Z9nnGY I stand by everything I said minus how I pronounced "Hades" lol Sound Wise, Hades + Thallo is similar to the Starkrimson. But Starkrimson has more extension and bass amount than even that combination (which is still no joke). The Hades + Thallo is smoother and more rounded edges in the midrange and high frequency details than the Starkrimson + Solid state pre-amps I've tried (such as the ps audio gold stellar pre, denafrip athena, hades, internal pre of the gold stellar dac, etc.
Nice. DIY! Cheers.
Did you get a chance to test the Starkrimson with PecanPi Streamer/DAC ?
0:35 isn't peak power square root 2 of RMS? or they are non-sinusoidal?
For a sine wave peak power is 2 x RMS.
Great video Jay, I've been watching the Orchard amps. I like the kit options. The PS Audio BHK 250 is on closeout for $4200, do u think it competes well with these new GaN class D amps? Not counting size/weight, just the sound
What streamer and DAC were you using with the ANK preamp?
3:28
now we're talking. The content I need :))))
The singer feels like you could reach out and grab her, "your right there........ I'm a fan," Ha ha, love how you always incorporate some "psycho" in your psychoacoustic analysis. 😂
Been listening for 10 min. How can you compare amplifiers without mentioning continuous power, dynamic headroom, slew rate, and damping factor?
Maybe your best episode yet
I would be very interested to hear if anyone ever compared the Starkrimson with the Peachtree Audio Gan 400? I was looking for a little more power for my Magnepan LRS. I considered the Orchard Audio but online as you added up the options the price keeps getting higher and then after converting to Canadian dollars the Gan 400 turned out to be the better value. I did end up buying the Peachtree Gan 400 and I must say it has no problems driving my LRS and that is with no preamp just direct from my DAC. Would the Starkrimson have been a better choice? Not sure but I have no complaints about the sound with the Gan 400. I saw someone mentioned driving LRS+ with a PS Audio BHK 250, there was a thread I think on Audio Asylum where someone used the BHK 250 for his LRS and they were constantly shutting the amp down.
I compared the Ultra with the Gan 400. The Gan 400 ran out of gas, and doesn't compare to the overall presentation of the Ultra. Dead quit background, imaging and tone
Interesting. They really could do with sorting the casing out, maybe consider getting the Chinese to do a deal on a solid alloy case.
Hey Jay can you please check out the Kali Audio IN-8. Love to hear your thoughts
HUM.... You DO know Orchard Audio makes brand new Premium monoblocks... I heard them in their show room. I bought 2 after a long demo. I put my money where my mouth is.
Aric Audio preamp and Starkrimson Ultra owner here.
Though not in the same price category, my Parasound P6 has a similar issue with its case, or more specifically, the thin gauge steel cover. It vibrates and has an audible hum/ringing. I discovered this by pausing music at the exact moment I thought I was hearing it, and sure enough the sound continued with the music paused and trailed off. The only way I could fix it without purchasing any acoustical matting material was to just remove the cover and run it open. Since the P6 is on the center shelf of my rack there's no danger of me, or anyone else, accidentally putting their hand inside.
Should be quite cheap to get a small bit of material. Plus you'll get less dust build up having the cover on ;p
Great video Jay. Keep up the good work.
Absolutely putting something on an audio component will change the sound; even something on the speakers - that’ll change the sound also! Sometimes good sometimes bad. Even the material used; metal, rubber, etc. even the area where your place it.
A great comparison video, Jay! ❤❤
permission from Indonesia following the benefits you share
Jay! When are you going to review Odyssey Audio gear??
not much of a savings on diy but good to have an option. would like for these comps to be blind.
This vs a hegel h190?
Hi am avid viewer to your channel , do you think the buchard 400mk2 better meta r3 . Regards mark
Dear Jay; please do check the Orchard with Backert Labs Rhythm 1.4 linestage tube preamplifier. It’s a 12$K preamplifier 😮 but I think it deserves your full attention. Maybe you should review it separately.
what is that in vertical position with noctua fAN INSIDE
Burson audio monoblock amplifiers; I guess you can find them on their website
Compared with two fosi audio za3?
fosi probably weaker?
Well, there are diy or pre assembled class D for 1/3 the price and perform little better. Apollon Hypex NCx500 or Audiophonics Purify for example. 3E Audio oder Topping get very close for much less money.
But how big are their kickbacks to influencers?
Fun stuff
So it essentially performs like one channel of a hafler 500 amplifier but at 10 times the cost.
interesting, is enough for the 1.7i Maggies?
Yes. I have many pleased customers with the 1.7s, LRS, and LRS+. Perfect combination.
Oh yes it is
Hi, Jay. Jay here!! Your comments about placing something on top of the amp improving the sound reminded me of the classic, "VPI Magic Brick". Some people called it snake oil, but I thought it improved things. Also, ive seen a couple other reviews of the Starkrimson, and it seems to be very highly regarded. Any thoughts about it powering the Magnepan LRS+?
it should be able to power the LRS+ no problem
I have multiple customers using this amp with different Maggie's, all very happy. Also see Tom Martin's review of this amp with the LRS+
I do wonder what the 'Parts Cost' is?
The % savings from this diy kit is strangely less than Dynaco when they were around.
Silicone can switch in 10 nanoseconds....how will being faster have ANY effect at audio frequencies?.
For class D amp chinese ones would win them easily by price and quailty.
Maybe I am missing something but I went to their website and didn’t see any DIY kits.
They are there, did you go to the DIY section?
3:14 thats a cap, I have a Pioneer sa7800 :D
Curious if you're familiar w Buckeye Amps? Seems to be similar....
i like the new hypex kit better, two times 600watts and 1500euro
Out of reach for Canadians😢
You talk pretty fast Jay. I had to check my KZhead playback speed thinking i was at 1.25x 😉
Is that good or bad? Haha
@@Jayiyagi it’s good i just use normal speed. I can watch Thomas at 1.5x speed 😉
@@Jayiyagiheaps of people seem to watch talking videos at faster speeds so I guess it'll mess with them wondering why it's now even faster ;p To me doesn't seem out of the ordinary however
It would help to know what tkind of music you are listening to. If you are listening to electronic music then much of what you are saying isn't applicable to jazz or small accoustic music group or a large orchestral performance.
easy is a relative term. some people will think you are einstein if u do this. :)
Kits used to be a cheap audio route... 2 grand ain't cheap at all
For me Class D is best for subwoofers only. Do they sell Class A/B amps?
that may have been true in the past but I don't think it applies anymore.
@@Jayiyagi It still applies. Especially if you're an audiophile.
@Jayiyagi how does this compare to the Hypex (Nilai?) Class D (/diy) amplifiers ? I remember you saying in a previous review that Hypex class D wasnt to your taste. Im wondering what changed...or if these are infact quite different?
@@bristolwoodburners81 Yeap. Hypex module based class D amps I've tried so far have not been my taste. What changed is that these GaNFet amps I've tried so far (orchard and agd) seem to sound better to me with more grunt, dynamics, nuance, and detail I'd expect from well designed bulky/heavy class A and class AB designs, WITHOUT the dry feeling of the upper midrange and glassy/splashy-ness of the highs that I experience with Hypex
@@almoreno3299why.
Starkrimson vs Thallo
Its still $2000 which is $4000NZD. Come back when you can make one for $500.
Very expensive
Many people do diy amplifier.....
ill just stick with my lab grupen amps
Sic is better! I make Sic class D amplifiers and are far better than gan :)
Sugar
Hmm, class D...
no it's still shite , they still suffer from poor distortion artifacts in high frequencies , and total distortion is higher than the best class A / AB design , and doesn't stand a cat in hell's chance even against a pair of ATC's cheapest active loudspeakers the ATC SCM19a active loudspeakers . you must think we all born yesterday , trying to give your approval to this piece of shite audio product .
Sounds like you were born yesterday tbh Most modern amplifiers have distortion levels below what you'll be able to hear
90% off the shelf components nothing special you could build a comparable system for about $300. I’m probably the most expensive part of any of that would be the aluminium case too many silly keyword you always know when you’ve been sold a dummy when they use all the keywords to get the sale done nothing special keep on walking
Wow - DIY and it's _still_ 2K? I guess inflation has definitely reared it's head...
Ah I forgot to mention but one of the downside with GaNfet is that its more expensive right now but hopefully prices will come down as it gets more popular? Hopefully
@@Jayiyagi Great job as always in the review; I'm just transitioning into 'vintage' status, so the inflationary stuff is really standing out to me these days...lol. Thanks Jay
Yeah .... No. I've tried several Gan designs in my system. ALL were junk sounding compared to my Class AB amplification. I wouldn't pay $100 for one, after my listening experiences!
Please list all the GAN designs you've used in your system.
2k$? LMAO...300$ for "RCA to XLR converter"? What a hell. Just get some di-box and some life guys. I am sure this converter have nothing inside, maybe just transformer.
if you're going to say something is "warmer" or "fuller," you don't need to also use the word "more" in front of those words (more warmer, more fuller). Class dismissed
But but…. Its more …. Warmer
So ... harsh = adjective harsher = comparative adjective more harsher? ... no bueno more harsh But; it's more ... Warmer is wicked well played.
Rude
Leave Jay alone, no matter how well intended....you are being "more" disrespectful then others correcting anyone's grammar
@@superdougie10No. The guys doing reviews for the public. He can take the feedback and adjust appropriately. Brevity is an underrated skill for these sort of things.
You liked class D amp NAD C298 a lot. Which one do you like more and why?
I have the same question.
My preference is with GaNfet so far… I found the NAD C298 to be great but a lil bass light in comparison and a bit thinner mids and highs
@@Jayiyagi Thank you, I was expecting same.
I wonder if the DENAFRIPS HESTIA 12TH PREAMP would sound good with the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra?🤔
$350 will be worth it🤔
Great Comparison and Review! ...Thanks!👏