Orchard Audio Starkrimson GaN class D vs Buckeye Hypex NCx500

[Mike4700h]

Sonically, what are the differences between the $4600 Orchard Audio class D as compared to the $1500 Buckeye NCx500? The Orchard product boasts fancy transistors, mosfets, separate power supplies, Gallium Nitride magic ,and a bunch of other stuff I don't understand. In a double blind A/B....would there be recognizable sonic differences between these 2 amps? My ignorance, and preconceived bias says there should be.....

GaN class D

 

[Grotti]

As long as they are used within their power limits and measure transparent there would be no recognisable sound signature.

 

[Mike4700h]

As long as they are used within their power limits and measure transparent there would be no recognisable sound signature.

I'm relieved to hear that....I just purchased the Buckeye NCx500.

 

[slm0x]

Haven't heard the Orchard product.

I was going to purchase 2 of the Purifi 1ET9040BA (most powerful Purifi product) from Buckeye. Dylan, at Buckeye, talked me into the Ncorex NCx500 stereo amp for $995, saving me over $1000. Dylan said I'd be thrilled with it. He is CORRECT. This NCx500 is incredible.

I'm a class A and class A/B guy. I've got the Buckeye setup in my office, driving some $2,500 bookshelf speakers. It's sitting right next to a high-end tube amp (the Buckeye is far more pleasing to listen to). Currently I've got a McIntosh MC207 at home in my large 2 channel (and theater) setup. I own Parasound Halo, Parasound classic, several Adcoms, one large Acurus amp, some older PS Audio, and many other assorted power amps (along with listening to many other high-end amplifiers, Marantz, Classe, Mark Levinson, Pioneer SX-1980 (which may be my very favorite), many McIntosh products, Krell, Plinius, etc).

I'm not saying that the Buckeye is better than all of these units...but I wouldn't say they are better either. I love my big Mac MC207 at home. So smooth. I can listen for hours and not get ear fatigue. The Buckeye is just as good...I mean that.

I've heard a lot of class D trash over the years. The NCx500 is so FAR from old Class D. This little $1000 Buckeye is as good as my $9K Mac amp...it's that good. I'm sure the GaN amp is great. I GUARANTEE you'll be more than pleased with the Buckeye at $1000. I really am amazed by this technology.

 

[slm0x]

I'm relieved to hear that....I just purchased the Buckeye NCx500.

You'll be thrilled...I guarantee it.

 

[Mike4700h]

Awesome...thanks!

 

[Mike4700h]

Received my Buckeye Hypex NCx 500-3 and am very impressed! My neighbor has the Mcintosh MA9500 driving 803's and we could not hear any difference when substituting the Buckeye in for the Mac......even when playing at levels that were extreme. The visual difference between the two amps made this observation amazing. A "WTF" moment! My "bling bias" is so strong I still find myself doubting my senses

 

[Mort]

My "bling bias" is so strong I still find myself doubting my senses

Enjoy it while it lasts. Over time your "Bling bias" will morph into confident sonic satisfaction and leave a few more monies in your wallet.

 

[Mike4700h]

How long will that take...love those big blue meters

 

[Kal Rubinson]

How long will that take...love those big blue meters

Add some meters: https://doukaudio.com/collections/vu-meter

 

[jhaider]

In a double blind A/B....would there be recognizable sonic differences between these 2 amps? My ignorance, and preconceived bias says there should be.....

GaN class D

Maybe. Is the Orchard amp load invariant like Hypex? I.e., does its FR vary with the impedance of the driven load?

If so, there may be audible differences.

If not, doubtful at best.

 

[goryu]

Maybe. Is the Orchard amp load invariant like Hypex? I.e., does its FR vary with the impedance of the driven load?

If so, there may be audible differences.

If not, doubtful at best.

I believe the Orchard amp has post filter feedback and a correspondingly flat response with load.

 

[NTK]

I believe the Orchard amp has post filter feedback and a correspondingly flat response with load.

Per @SIY's review in AudioXpress, Orchard does have PFFB for their GaN amps (below is Fig 1 of the review).

Fresh From the Bench: A Tale of Two Class-D Amplifiers Orchard Audio Starkrimson and Purifi Audio Eigentakt EVAL1

Stuart Yaniger examines new amplifier solutions from two disrupting audio companies. Purifi Audio from Denmark, founded by Bruno Putzeys, Lars Risbo, and Peter Lyngdorf, together with a remarkable engineering team; and Orchard Audio, with a product developed from the creativity and...

audioxpress.com