Starke Sound has introduced the Fiera multichannel amplifiers, built for enthusiasts seeking higher fidelity from their surround and immersive systems for both film soundtrack and music reproduction in their homes.
The Fiera4 ($1499 MSRP) is a second-generation, 4-channel, Class D amp using the architecture and proprietary technology found in previous Starke designs and can be bridged for 2- or 3-channel operation. Users can upgrade the sound from their audio/video receivers with the Fiera4 driving left, center, and right speakers, add height channels for an immersive rig, or power a 2-channel audiophile music system.
The Fiera8 ($1999 MSRP) is a pure 8-channel, Class D amplifier for home theaters. Both models employ Starke Sound’s new, proprietary, 1-kilowatt SAPS switch-mode power supplies and NS600 amplifier modules to deliver 260 watts RMS per channel into 4 ohms with very smooth sound quality.
The SAPS was designed to deliver 100 percent of the required power at all times, without brownouts or high idling losses even when your power mains fluctuate up and down. It has “battery-quality” flat and quiet DC power rails, separate module boards (no shared ground plane) to minimize noise, and a large aluminum shield to contain what little stray EMI radiation is produced.
The NS60 Class D amplifier module has a high switching frequency (600 kHz) to improve naturalness, treble extension, and detail, and its gain of 21.5 dB was chosen because it falls between professional and consumer levels. No adapter board is required to switch between balanced and unbalanced operation; this is done in the amp module, where signals are better buffered and post-switch traces are kept short. The Fiera4’s unique input functionality allows user to choose between 2-, 3-, and 4-channel operation, bridging with speakers always connected to positive and negative binding posts.
Specifications (Fiera4):
- Output Power: 260 watts RMS at 4 ohms (1% THD, per channel), 130 watts RMS at 8 ohms (1% THD, per channel), 450 watts RMS at 2 ohms (BTL mode)
- Gain: 21.5 dB
- Channel Quantity: 4 channels
- Amplifier Type: Class D
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz–20 kHz –1.2 dB
- Max Output Current Per Channel: 16.5A/33A(Bridge)
- SNR: >110 dB, “A” weighted at 4-ohm, 260 watts
- Input Terminals: 4-Channel RCA Input; 4-Channel XLR Input
- Output Terminals: 4 pairs beryllium copper binding post, custom made by Starke Sound
- Dimensions: 5” H x 17.7” W x 13.4 (w/foot)
- Weight: 19 pounds
The Fiera4 is available now. Sales of the Fiera8 will begin in August 2022.
For more information, visit www.starkesound.com.