500W (4ohm) GaN Class D Modules - Starkrimson Ultra

[orchardaudio]

The purpose of this thread is to gauge interest in these modules, please see the link below for full info.

Full info here.
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/ven...4ohm-gan-class-modules-starkrimson-ultra.html

 

[Matias]

Could you build a demo amp and ship for Amir to measure? Would nice to see and good for promoting the modules too.

 

[orchardaudio]

Could you build a demo amp and ship for Amir to measure? Would nice to see and good for promoting the modules too.

I can do that, if he has availability.

I will also post all my own measurements. I have an APX-525.

 

[orchardaudio]

Update 12/29/2020:
The layout is finished...

I had to make the board 4.85 by 3.75 inches to add some additional circuity, due to feedback that I received for the other board.
Added LED to indicate over current
Added LED to indicate overvoltage
Added LED to indicate that board is powered up

Still need to do final checks before manufacturing the boards. However, the layout is at a good point to start getting quotes. So please let me know if you would be interested in getting one or two of these.

The board will need the following power supplies:
+/-36 to 42.5V for power stages
+9 to +15V for Driver (referenced to -36V)
+/- 12 to 22V for analog sections

A single Hypex / SMPS1200A100 provides all of the required power supplies. and can power two modules to make a stereo system.

In simulations, this amplifier achieves over 98.5% efficiency at 500W.

 

[gene_stl]

what is it about your module that makes it worth $700??
Sorry, I didn't read the ad for the 2X module correctly.

 

[orchardaudio]

what is it about your module that makes it worth $700??

I don't know where you got $700 from. I am estimating about $500 per module.

I do not sell these by the thousands, so my manufacturing costs are high. Also, I use high-quality parts for example each board uses 4 x OPA2211AIDDA, those 4 op-amps alone are $44.

Besides parts and manufacturing (I do not manufacture in china), I also have to cover testing, website fees, stocking, shipping, and a slew of other miscellaneous items.

The modules use the latest state of the art GaN transistors coupled with my proprietary modulator to achieve very high-performance levels. If you look at the GaN audio amp market I think my modules are a bargain compared to Technics, Merrill Audio, AGD, etc.

 

[orchardaudio]

On another forum, I was asked to do a comparison between my Starkrimson module and the ICE 500ASP. ICE has its test results published here:
https://icepower.dk/download/2402/

Here is 8-ohm comparison at 100Hz, 1kHz, and 6.67kHz. The ICE data is taken direction our of their published specs. I expect the new Starkrimson Ultra (250W/500W) modules to be at least as good.

 

[dmac6419]

On another forum, I was asked to do a comparison between my Starkrimson module and the ICE 500ASP. ICE has its test results published here:
https://icepower.dk/download/2402/

Here is 8-ohm comparison at 100Hz, 1kHz, and 6.67kHz. The ICE data is taken direction our of their published specs. I expect the new Starkrimson Ultra (250W/500W) modules to be at least as good.

View attachment 103116

View attachment 103117

You're going to selling the board w/o a case am i correct ala Starkrimson® Amp Module

 

[orchardaudio]

You're going to selling the board w/o a case am i correct ala Starkrimson® Amp Module

At first yes. I am planning to develop a chassis for a stereo amp and also sell a plug and play product later this year.

To make it clear:
My current 150W Starkrimson Modules and 150W monoblock amps are already available.

The new more powerful modules and amplifiers will be called/labeled "Starkrimson Ultra."

 

[dmac6419]

At first yes. I am planning to develop a chassis for a stereo amp and also sell a plug and play product later this year.

To make it clear:
My current 150W Starkrimson Modules and 150W monoblock amps are already available.

The new more powerful modules and amplifiers will be called/labeled "Starkrimson Ultra."

Thank you

 

[orchardaudio]

Update 01/02/2021
Some specifications are finalized:
Gain (balanced input): 19.3dB
Gain (single-ended input): 25.3dB
Power output into 8Ω/4Ω: 250W/500W
Input Impedance balanced/single-ended: 44k/22k

 

[Matias]

Could you please also post the 4 ohms 1 kHz power x THD+N graph? Thanks.

 

[orchardaudio]

Could you please also post the 4 ohms 1 kHz power x THD+N graph? Thanks.

You have already requested this in another thread, it is posted there.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...c-hifi-monoblock-class-d-amp.7750/post-533259

I do not have any measurements yet for the new Starkrimson Ultra modules. I will post those once I actually have something to measure.

 

[Matias]

Yes, I meant for the new one too. Tks

 

[orchardaudio]

Final pricing is as follows:
2 x Starkrimson Ultra assembled and tested board --> $849.95 USD
2 x Starkrimson Ultra bare board w/BOM --> $99.95 USD (NDA Required)

To place your orders go here:
https://orchardaudio.com/shop/ols/products/strk-ltr-mdl

The discounted pricing will end on January 31st.

Delivery will take place in March/April 2021.

If you have any questions please contact me through this link:
https://orchardaudio.com/contact-us

If you would like to see the preliminary BOM I have that available now, you will just need to sign NDA.

 

[orchardaudio]

The completed modules require no soldering. All connections are on terminal blocks/headers.

J1, J2, J3 are all for different power supplies.
X1, X3 – Amplifier output
J6 – balanced input
J4 – Single-ended input

 

[orchardaudio]

Update 01/10/2021:
Updated specifications list:

• Gain (balanced input): 19.3dB
• Gain (single-ended input): 25.3dB
• Power output into 8Ω/4Ω: 250W/500W
• Input Impedance balanced/single-ended: 44k/22k
• Sensitivity (balanced input): 5Vin for 250W into 8Ω
• Sensitivity (single-ended input): 2.5Vin for 250W into 8Ω
• Size: 4.85" (123.2mm) x 3.75" (95.3mm) x 1.45" (36.8mm)
  • 6 x 4-40 mounting holes
• Required Power Supplies for Module
  • +/-36V (+/-30 to 42.5V) - Amplifier Power Rails
  • +15V (9 to 16V) - Mosfet Driver Supply - Referenced to -36V rail - 100mA minimum
  • +/-12V (+/-10 to 22V) - Analog Supplies - 100mA per supply minimum.

 

[ivarsmu]

Leo,
a couple of questions about those new 500w modules.
1) There is an bundle option for 1 or 2 Hypex SMPS1200A100, isn't 1 enough for stereo amp?
2) Also , if bundled with Hypex, there is need for additional +15V and +/-12V suplies?
Thank You,
Ivars M.

 

[orchardaudio]

1) There is an bundle option for 1 or 2 Hypex SMPS1200A100, isn't 1 enough for stereo amp?
2) Also , if bundled with Hypex, there is need for additional +15V and +/-12V suplies?

1. One power power supply is enough for stereo amp. The reason you can bundle 2 is if you want to make monoblocks.

2. The hypex power supplies provides all of the voltages. No need for any other supplies.

 

[orchardaudio]

@ivarsmu

See here on how to wire both monoblock and stereo configurations using a single Hypex supply:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15WSmoonjk5Gu6yQutwwNLtkNgqelcvpL/view?usp=sharing