Schiit Kraken - 5 Channel Surround Amp

[formdissolve]

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Made in USA

www.schiit.com

Interesting seeing single-ended connections.. guess they want to use the same form factor as Aegir. 30w for 5 channel??

Power Output:


2 channels, 8 Ohms: 30W RMS per channel

2 channels, 4 Ohms: 50W RMS per channel

5 channels, 8 ohms: 20W RMS per channel

5 channels, 4 ohms: 30W RMS per channel



Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, +/-0.03db, 3Hz-250KHz, +/-3dB



THD: <0.008%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 100W RMS into 8 ohms

IMD: <0.009%, CCIR, at 100W RMS into 8 ohms



SNR: >118dB, A-weighted, referenced to full output



Damping Factor: >100 into 8 ohms, 20-20kHz



Gain: 10 (20dB)



Input Sensitivity: AKA Rated Output (Vrms)/Rated Gain. Or, 14.3V/10. You do the math.



Input Impedance: 22k ohms SE



Crosstalk: >85dB, 20-20kHz



Inputs: RCA jacks x 5



12V trigger: yes



Topology: current feedback, fully complementary, all 2SC/2SA BJT, no capacitors in the signal path



Oversight: microprocessor-controlled monitoring and management of critical operational points, with with relay shut-down for overcurrent, thermal, and other faults



Power Supply: 600VA toroidal transformer with 66,000uF filter capacitance, plus boosted, regulated supply to input, voltage gain and driver stages, plus separate, isolated and regulated rails for microprocessor management



Power Consumption: 300W maximum



Size: 9” x 13” x 3.875”



Weight: 22 lbs

 

[AaronJ]

This amp is literally intended only for people who use the Schiit Syn, many of whom leave their wallets open for Jason Stoddard. Nothing particularly interesting about it.

 

[quattro98]

I'd consider that, but 20 W RMS seems like a lot. Maybe 20 W peak and I'd be more interested. I don't want to get into trouble. I do fear my system is lacking in delicacy as is.

Per Schiit:

Kraken delivers 100W total into 8 ohms, all channels driven. Doesn’t sound like a lot? Well, consider that Kraken can also deliver peaks of 20 amps per channel, to control the most intense loads. 100W from Kraken is more than enough for lease-breaking home theater levels, while also delivering the ultimate detail and delicacy for high-end stereo.

 

[formdissolve]

I guess you could get two for Atmos if you had efficient speakers..

Has anyone here every used a Syn from them?

 

[Matias]

SINAD 84 good but very low power for 1000 usd...

For 1275 usd I would get the Buckeye 6 channel NC252MP based amp with 250 watts @ 4 ohms.

Buckeye Amps

Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!

www.buckeyeamp.com

 

[J.M. Noble]

SINAD 84 good but very low power for 1000 usd...

For 1275 usd I would get the Buckeye 6 channel NC252MP based amp with 250 watts @ 4 ohms.

If you have sensitive speakers and/or you're fine with average listening levels in the low/mid 80dB range (i.e. pretty loud) with fairly average sensitivity speakers, then 20-30W/channel is plenty. I'm happy with 12W/channel into 86dB spec'd speakers.

It's also worth pointing out that the THD+N of the Kraken is similar to or maybe a little better than the Buckeye at lower power levels. Headline power and THD+N specs aren't the only considerations.

If I was thinking about going back to multi-channel, I would want to try this with a Syn preamp.

 

[formdissolve]

If you have sensitive speakers and/or you're fine with average listening levels in the low/mid 80dB range (i.e. pretty loud) with fairly average sensitivity speakers, then 20-30W/channel is plenty. I'm happy with 12W/channel into 86dB spec'd speakers.

It's also worth pointing out that the THD+N of the Kraken is similar to or maybe a little better than the Buckeye at lower power levels. Headline power and THD+N specs aren't the only considerations.

If I was thinking about going back to multi-channel, I would want to try this with a Syn preamp.

Agreed on the power, but I'm not convinced on the Syn, since it's not actually 5.1 surround. It's basically like the old Dolby Pro Logic where it takes a stereo source and creates synthetic surround except in the analogue realm.