Leo's Blog

I am often asked for recommendations on speaker cables, XLR cables, RCA cables, and so on. Hence I created this blog post with my most frequent recommendations below. RCA Cables Most commonly an RCA cable with male connectors on both ends is used. Here are some options: https://amzn.to/3Qj3LjS — 3...

This blog post describes the changes to Rev 2.5 of the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra, which also includes the DMC model. Rev 2.5 of the amplifier has a built-in RCA to XLR converter. The amplifier can now be used with both RCA and XLR sources. The below image shows the rear panel of the rev 2.5...

Please watch the video below to see how to accomplish digital room correction (DRC) in your setup with the PecanPi Streamer or the PecanPi+ Streamer. https://www.youtube.com/embed/EfUzOstTPCs Please note this DRC will not apply to the SPDIF input, I will do another video on how to apply DRC to the...

Version 2.0 of the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra is all about power. Orchard Audio had a custom power supply developed to specifically work with our Starkrimson Ultra gallium nitride (GaN) amplifier modules. These new SMPS1K2 -SKU power supplies are developed and manufactured...

Both DACs use Orchard Audio’s proprietary filtering topology and class AB headphone output buffers. Both DACs also have S/PDIF inputs and utilize an ultra-low jitter clock to effectively eliminate jitter.The major difference between the two boards is the DAC chip that is utilized (see more on this...

The 2023 Florida Audio Expo was my first “real” show. It was a great experience for me on multiple fronts. Setup The below image shows the setup of the Orchard Audio room. There were two systems:1. PecanPi Streamer –> Starkrimson Stereo Ultra –> Soundfield...

A Rev 1.0 Starkrimson Stereo Ultra ($2900 configuration) amplifier is currently touring the US. Everybody is welcome to join in.Update:As of 04/01/2023, the tour amplifier is Rev 1.0 Starkrimson Stereo Ultra dual mono with capacitor upgrade ($3500 configuration). How does it work? You...

I am proud to announce that we will present at the 2022 Speakerfest in Phoenix, AZ. Orchard Audio will have three (3) audio demo setups at the event.Setup 1:Floor standing speakers (ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UFR52), driven by the Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra amplifier with the PecanPi® Streamer as...

Many people talk about speaker placement, and I agree this is very important. However, amplifier placement is also important. Why? It affects the damping factor at the speaker’s terminals. Why is damping factor important? The damping factor of an amplifier tells you how well it can control the...