Orchard Audio Upgrades Their Top Starkrimson Ultra Stereo Amps With an Active RCA Input Option
Succasunna, New Jersey: Orchard Audio’s 500W Starkrimson Ultra stereo amplifiers just received a big upgrade.
Revision 2.5 builds upon revision 2.0 by adding a built-in active RCA-to-XLR converter. This means the amplifiers can now be used with both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) sources. With this upgrade even when using the single-ended source the signal to the amplifier is fully balanced.
The gain of the amplifier remains at 19 dB when used with the XLR input. However, when used with the RCA input, the gain increases to 27 dB.
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Leo Ayzenshtat, Orchard Audio’s owner and lead designer, says “This has been a highly requested feature by customers and I am happy to offer this upgrade along with the additional functionality/flexibility it provides to customers. We are always cost-engineering every possible detail in our products to deliver ultra-high levels of performance for the lowest possible price. For some people, the savings on not needing new audiophile cables can be the difference between making a purchase and not and our goal is to get as many audiophiles owning and loving our gear.”
The active RCA to XLR converter is also available as a separate product for $300. All products may be purchased directly from Orchard Audio’s website.
There are three ways to get from RCA (unbalanced) to XLR (balanced):
- Use an RCA to XLR adapter
- With an RCA to XLR adapter, you break the balanced input on the amplifier because 1/2 of the XLR input is shorted to the RCA’s shield. Depending on the design of the balanced input this can have multiple undesirable effects.
- Use a transformer-based RCA to XLR Converter
- A transformer-based converter can work well as long as it is properly matched to both the RCA and XLR side impedances. However, even if it is properly matched the transformer creates AC coupling which causes bass phase shift.
- Use an active converter
- With a DC-coupled active converter, like this one, all the issues associated with the first two approaches are eliminated.
About Orchard Audio, LLC
At Orchard Audio, we believe that listening should be an experience. With a range of expertly designed, high-performance DACs, streamers, and amplifiers, we’re helping you elevate the sound in your home theater, listening room, or recording studio. As passionate music lovers, we know how important your music is to you -- that’s why each of our products is handcrafted in the U.S. with you in mind.
