Last week one of the channels developed obvious distortion in my trusty Adcom GFA 5500 power amp. I’ve had my eye on the GAN power amps made by Orchard Audio for sometime so I took the opportunity and placed a order for one of their Starkrimson Ultra 2.5 amps last Tuesday and received delivery last Friday. Immediately I was taken aback by the difference in sonic signature of this compared to what I was accustomed to with the Adcom. The Starkrimson has a clarity and transparency about it that was exactly what I expected based on the excellent reviews its gathered since its introduction. But, in contrast, it was the almost stark and lean bass character that initially had me wondering if had made the correct choice. Over a couple of days living with it I’ve come to appreciate its neutral bass character more. I’ve discovered that I actually enjoy the lack if coloration in the amp while adding a bit elsewhere in the system with teaks that can add a bit of warmth and texture at the DAC and phono stage level. I’ve had good results with isolation feet adjustments and even playing with judicious use of paper weights. I think I can end up with more control over the final result that way. I know many choose to add warmed with amplifier designs, using tubes for example, but they often come with compromises elsewhere such as more limited power, lower damping factors and higher distortion. Lastly, Orchard Audio has delivered a amp that, I think, is fully competitive with its tube amplifier counterparts in the realm of soundstage and depth that are generally considered to be tube amp strengths.
I’ve been using a Stakrimson dual 2 for 4 months, couldn’t be happier with the amp. It hasn’t been turned off since I installed it. Drives my Watkins WE 1s without any problems, they are hard to drive.
Are you running it 24-7 for break in reasons? I haven’t noticed any changes over time with mine.
Ooh, you’ve got Watkins speakers? I’ve always wanted to hear a pair of the Gen IVs.
I just leave thr unit on, they draw very little current at idle, plus I don’t have to turn them on and always warmed up.
I also have a pair of Gen 4s I use in my second system. I’m good friends with Bill Watkins jr, great fellow to do business with. It helps I live close by to his shop and by the way they sound great. If you call him I sure he can send you a pair with the option of returning them if you aren’t satisfied.