Starkrimson® Ultra Amplifier Modules -- 250/500W into 8/4ohm

[orchardaudio]

Isn't he grounding the output of the boards during his tests?

Though he was having some issues with his setup and was not able to get the amp to put out more than 8W. This is now resolved (something to do with the function generator he was using) he will be posting another video with module putting out more power.

 

[David_M]

now I asked him a question and he answered:
"Thanks for the great question! No, I only tied them to the 8 0hm load an differential probes to the scope"

Thanks... I wasn't aware he was using differential probes. I must have skipped that part of his review.

 

[orchardaudio]

Part 2...

 

[orchardaudio]

Pre-production Starkrimson Streamer Ultra unit with rail capacitor upgrade.

View attachment 159115

Capacitors slightly improve THD performance adobe 30W, it is 1.8dB difference at 100W.

 

[David_M]

Curious ... what is the bandwidth of this measurement?

 

[orchardaudio]

Curious ... what is the bandwidth of this measurement?

22.4 KHz.

 

[naphta]

@orchardaudio

I am starting to build my modules now. I planned to use the recommended Hypex power supply. But it seems that the psu is not available in the EU at the moment. Is there anything you can recommend to substitute the Hypex Module.

As I am building two small mono-blocks I need two PSUs.

I found this: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/smps...de-power-supply-module-2000w-36v-p-13662.html

But it is 2000w which seems kind of an overkill. Alternativly maybe this

SMPS600RxE | Connex Electronic

connexelectronic.com

Is there any other Power supply you would recommend

 

[orchardaudio]

@orchardaudio

I am starting to build my modules now. I planned to use the recommended Hypex power supply. But it seems that the psu is not available in the EU at the moment. Is there anything you can recommend to substitute the Hypex Module.

As I am building two small mono-blocks I need two PSUs.

I found this: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/smps...de-power-supply-module-2000w-36v-p-13662.html

But it is 2000w which seems kind of an overkill. Alternativly maybe this

SMPS600RxE | Connex Electronic

connexelectronic.com

Is there any other Power supply you would recommend

Look at @MicroAudio
www.micro-audio.com

 

[Zabloc]

Look at @MicroAudio
www.micro-audio.com

model SMPS1K-PFCR2

SMPS1K-PFCR2 – MicroAudio

micro-audio.com

 

[orchardaudio]

The Starkrimson Stereo Ultra is now available in dual mono configuration.

This image represents what a finished product looks like:

This image is of a prototype unit just show the dual power supplies and capacitor upgrade.

More info:

https://orchardaudio.com/shop/ols/products/strkrmsn-str-ltr

 

[DonH56]

Curious, did you experiment with physical module placement with respect to noise coupling among channels and power supply modules? If so, does it matter?

 

[orchardaudio]

For those that my be interested my article in Compound Semiconductor:

Compound Semiconductor Issue 2 2022

This is the latest issue of the compound semiconductor magazine.

issuu.com

 

[orchardaudio]

The next version of this module will need only +/-40V power supplies to operate. This will make it very easy for those of you that like transformer --> rectifier --> large cap, type of power supply.

Also this upcoming version will have a 12V trigger input.

They will be available in about 8 weeks. Pricing remains the same.

 

[orchardaudio]

I have had a lot of requests for a full kit (everything you need to build a finished amp), this is now available for purchase here:

Starkrimson Ultra Amplifier Module

A single-channel, ultra-high performance, fully-balanced, analog-input amplifier module capable of 500W and utilizing the latest in GaN tech.

orchardaudio.com

 

[orchardaudio]

A big thank you to @SIY

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dLd9QUK2uSOtCFfTcrix76zSrSVNI9c6/view?usp=sharing

“Both in use and on the bench, the Ultra was an exemplar of modern audio power amplifier technology, and could easily be an endgame for upgraders.”
and
“Lots of superbly distortion-free power in a tiny, cool, and customizable package or prepackaged in an unobtrusive stereo amp. How can you go wrong?”

 

[orchardaudio]

The next version of this module will need only +/-40V power supplies to operate. This will make it very easy for those of you that like transformer --> rectifier --> large cap, type of power supply.

Also this upcoming version will have a 12V trigger input.

They will be available in about 8 weeks. Pricing remains the same.

Any orders placed on the website going forward will get the Rev 3.0 module which only needs the +/-40V (+/-30 to +/-43.4V) supplies and have a 12V trigger input.

Starkrimson Ultra Amplifier Module

A single-channel, ultra-high performance, fully-balanced, analog-input amplifier module capable of 500W and utilizing the latest in GaN tech.

orchardaudio.com

 

[restorer-john]

Some rather nice pears I happened to photograph on my powertool bag...

 

[orchardaudio]

Just finished measuring end to end efficiency of the Rev 3.0 modules.

I am very happy with the result. The power stage efficiency is even higher as all the ancillary functions takes about 660mW.

 

[orchardaudio]

Rev 3.0 Module Images

 

[David_M]

Nice ... do you have efficiency data for rev 2.0 modules and compare both on the same graph?

Also, are power/distortion specs still the same? What did you do to increase module efficiency, if it's not a trade secret? Optimize the PWM switching speed?