This is great news for hifi speaker builders and speaker brands in the United States, which currently are struggling with the increased prices of electronics as a result of the Trump tariffs imposed on imported goods. Since 2017, Orchard Audio has been designing and manufacturing high-performance audio equipment that blends advanced technology with meticulous craftsmanship and engineering. The resulting line of top-quality amplifiers, DACs, and streamers, some of which have been objectively reviewed by audioXpress, have proven to be consistently of very high quality and are getting increasing recognition.
Not surprisingly, other boutique hifi manufacturers in North America have been gladly partnering with Leo Ayzenshtat during audio shows. Speaker manufacturers have learned to recognize the virtues of Orchard Audio's "class-D" amplifiers that use GaN FETs (GaN transistors) instead of MOSFETs (silicon transistors) and provide not only stable power from 16 ohms down to 1 ohm, and sound closer to a tube amp or a class-A amp while being relatively affordable.
It's only natural that these compact units— which Orchard Audio also makes available in separate modules for DIY kits— could also be built into power loudspeakers in an active configuration. A plate amplifier is essentially a self-contained power amp module, typically mounted directly onto the rear panel of a loudspeaker enclosure. It integrates the amplification circuitry, input connections, and a DSP with crossover controls into a single, compact unit.
For the potential consumer, it means fewer boxes in a fully optimized, plug-and-play configuration. For speaker designers, it means shorter signal paths and a more direct connection between source and transducer (driver). By embedding the amp into the speaker cabinet, designers can optimize the amp-speaker synergy, especially in low-frequency reproduction where damping factor and driver control are critical.
According to Leo Ayzenshtat, the first such effort will soon be unveiled and will be engineered to meet the demands of high-fidelity enthusiasts and professional audio environments alike. The solution will offer four independent channels of amplification for complex multi-driver configurations, with 1200 watts of total output power, ensuring dynamic headroom and low distortion. The amplifier module is designed as a complete solution, with integrated power supply and DSP for tuning and crossover management. A modular architecture will allow for future firmware updates and customization, giving users long-term flexibility and performance enhancements.
After receiving images of the plate amplifier, audioXpress reached out to Orchard Audio for more details, and we learned that the first system to be soon demonstrated will use the existing Starkrimson Ultra modules, alongside a 1200W power supply from Micro-Audio and a Hypex DSP3-213 module. Leo Ayzenshtat anticipates that the final production version will use two Starkrimson Ultra modules and two of the latest Starkrimson 25 modules, with the same 1200W power supply from Micro-Audio (manufactured in Hungary and EU marked). The plate amplifier will also use the Hypex DSP3-224 DSP module.
"The 1212C is a bold step toward redefining what cardioid loudspeakers can achieve in both studio and live environments," says Leo Ayzenshtat. "By embedding our most advanced plate amplifier directly into the cabinet, we’re giving users unprecedented control and clarity — without the complexity."
This presentation with Soundfield will take place in the Orchard Audio room (107) during the T.H.E. New York International Audio Show, October 24-26, at The Hilton Hasbrouck Heights/Meadowlands, NJ. (T.H.E. Enterprises acquired the NYC audio show from Chester Group in 2024.)
www.orchardaudio.com
