I know this is a subject as old as time, whether module/make or chip/discrete is better in the long run, but I'm asking it in a certain context. Recently I happened upon an article about a comparison of the purifi 1ET400 and the orchard audio starkrimson (https://audioxpress.com/article/fre...d-audio-bosc-and-purifi-audio-eigentakt-eval1). One thing that stuck out to me was the stark contrast in design philosophy. The purifi has clearly had a lot of research put into it with a much more complex design, but the starkrimson held its own just fine. I was wondering if I could get some thoughts on it from the community. From a design perspective, I'm very curious about how they were able to come to the same conclusion, but with very different methodologies.
...oh hey you're here lol.
Well for starters, you make some really cool stuff! Moving on. I just got into DIY audio a little while ago and have been working on a passion project involving building a set of speakers from the ground up. Amp, DSP, enclosure, etc (not making my own drivers). I was originally going to try using a TPA3255 as a center piece, but the longer I worked on trying to figure out how to simulate it (I don't have test equipment of my own at the moment) the more I realized how difficult it was to design with something that has so many things about it obfuscated. It's actually the reason I'm probably going to go with ESS over AKM when making the DSP. I think the combo you use for your pecan pi is really cool, but when they don't release the full spec sheet it's kind of hard to work with (ironic because ESS used to be the ones not so forthcoming on their spec sheets).
That said, do you have any thoughts on the design differences?
I have found designing with the AKM chips pretty straightforward, however, the AK4191 does require programming which I also had to do but it was not very complicated just writing some registers. However how difficult any of this stuff is will depend on your level of experience with it.
I am not sure what you mean that AKM does not release the full datasheet, they do, and it is available on their website, granted you have to fill out a form to get them.
I am not sure what you mean that AKM does not release the full datasheet, they do, and it is available on their website, granted you have to fill out a form to get them.
says you need a business email to get it 🙁
This looks really cool thanks for the link! My only gripe with sharc is just how many extra hoops you need to jump through in terms of development. I've started looking at the ADAU1467 for that reason. But this would definitely take a lot of the guess work out.
EDIT: I also notice that they're not very forthcoming on prices. Do they only sell directly to customers or are they on parts websites like digikey?
They do sell directly to customers. If you want a technical contact for them I can provide it to you PM me.
Sent!
Actually the OP was about the class D amp. What do you think of the purifi amp compared to yours? Any thoughts?
I can't speak directly to the comparison of Starkrimson vs. Purifi because I've never heard a Purifi amp. The features that drew me to the Starkrimson amps are: Fully differential design, wide bandwidth (especially for Class D), no phase shift at high frequencies within the audio band (common Class D issue), DC coupled, modest use of feedback, and high damping factor. Bonus feature: I am amazed how cool they remain. I hope this info helps, and am sorry for the slow response. I was traveling for the holidays.