Peachtree was my first intro to Class D. In 2012, I bought a Nova 125. I was so shocked at how well it drove my Magnepan 3.6r speakers, that I made a video about it. (I usually don't do that...I watch vids, but don't really make many.) Peachtree ended up using it in their dealer newletter for that month. It was pretty funny. Good people, great audio products. Have been using Class D amps ever since.
@@JonathanDerda The first email I sent, I cited your product page for the Nova 125 and subtly expressed that I thought it must be bullshit that it could drive "any speaker" and that it was "stable into 2 ohms". That was so hard for me to believe. But you wrote back, sent me a couple of links to testimonies of people who were driving big Maggies with it, and the rest is history. I ordered one, had it in my system for years, and it's still in operation today, last I knew. Just a great piece of gear.
Thomas... You are doing an absolutely amazing job.... Keep the format that you have.... You talk about not only the gear itself but also you bring your friends into the equation and you talk about synergy which is so important too. You are tied for my favorite TH-cam audio reviewer 😉👍
I always had receivers and surround sound when I started my HiFi journey years ago. I worked at an electronics retailer and even when I left I had friends in the industry. I had some nice Denon, Onkyo and Yamaha gear. I briefly owned a monster Adcom amp that I used in my home theater. Years later, the Peachtree Nova was the first dedicated 2-channel product I purchase. I was blown away by how much better it sounded with music. I went on to upgrade to the Nova125 and then Nova220. Even had their portable headphone amp/dac at one point. All of their products have sounded great. I don’t have one now but I’m a fan and recommend them to anyone looking for a great sounding simple hifi product.
Thank you Thomas - I am a huge Peachtree fan. My wife and I just built our second system and decided on a peachtree combo after our dealer demo. We got the amp500 and a Nova 150 as a pre amp, now I want to try the gant and the predac. We paired the set with a JBL L100 that we also bought after demoing. We are so happy, Peachtree provides great value. We also tried the L100 with 3k (each) Naim Pre and power amps - we liked Peachtree better.
Cool stuff. I got the original Peachtree Nova in 2010 when I finished my PhD (short story long, when I was a kid my dad made us kids a deal: Get PhD and he would buy us a Rolex - I haven't worn a watch in forever, so he amended the deal and bought me my first "real" stereo). I still have it. Just brilliant with the Class A/B and the Tube stage. Since my dad got it for me, it'll stay in my system somehow forever, but it really is a fantastic piece of equipment that looks brilliant.
Another great video Thomas! I like that you keep hammering home three important audio truths: 1. It's all about Synergy. 2. Good measurements and good sound do not always go together. 3. Hernia free gear is a bonus :)
For me it was the cost reduction in class D. I had been looking for real power (250 wpc plus) Traditionally to get over 100 watts from any of the class A A/B manufacturers the cost rapidly runs into 6 or 7 thousands 3 years ago I experimented with class D power amp with 600 wpc using B&O ice power boards which I believe are now seen as old and not state of the art. It cost £800 and sounds absolutely stunning via a tube preamp. Sadly as the snobbery about class A versus class D recedes companies appear to be replacing tradition A A/B with class D but are still charging the old prices.
I'm glad you did this review. I have 3 Peachtree components: an older Nova 65 with pre-buffer tube, the PreDAC and Nova 300 integrated. I guess you'd say I'm a fan of Peachtree. Well, yes, that would be accurate, but mainly because I feel I get good value for money and that they provide clean detailed sound in a compact unit. For certain, these units need to get some hours on them before giving their best. Right out of the box will lead to more critique than later. Of course the PeeDAC is newer and has a much more sophisticated DAC than the older Nova. One interesting thing is I had an early Nova 300 and sent it back because it seemed too detailed and bright. Later, I wanted that sound and got one again a couple years later. It has a totally different sound signature! Way more bass and more mild in the highs, but still well detailed. So it was opposite of what I wanted, but became what I wanted. Oddly, it pairs excellently with my Klipsch Cornwalls (not expected at all given its horns and a class D amps). I use the PreDAC paired with an Emotiva dual differential amp (twin amps per channel and use the XLR cables). This sounds fantastic, especially for streaming. That combo is used on my Altec Lansing Voice of the Theater A7 which are massive, true horn loaded speakers (which I significantly modified for home use). Again, this combo run counter to conventional thinking regarding horn speakers and not using class D amps (the Emotiva is a class "H", using D at higher outputs). The PreDAC has a lot to do with refinement in the top end and upper mid band, so that it will pair well with super high efficiency horns. And finally, I use the older Nova 65 on a pair of Polk Lsim 707. It really brings out details that my class A/B amps were missing and can drive those large towers with relative ease to quite loud output without ever getting hot. The engineering team at Peachtree has done a great job with their products. I will still rotate class A/B amps in the mix, but am amazed with how good and efficient that class D game has become. I wanted to try the Brooklyn pre/amp combo, but never got around to it. As I have become move accustom to listening to class D, I find it preferable to class A/B, something I would not have said three or four years ago. Thanks for another great review!
It's nice to see a company sticking with their chassis design, like Peachtree has done since 2007. I saw their products a few times but never had the pleasure to listen to them. Great review Thomas!
I use a pair of Peachtree Amp-500's on huge Infinity speakers, with 480 Neodymium magnets, in the midrange & all Neo tweeters. The Peachtree's are the best amps I've used on this system in the 22 years of ownership. Can't wait to try the GaN version of their amps. Thomas, along with the audiopheliac, can truly be trusted.
Great to see you making the comparison between the vintage and new VTL pre amplifiers. I have two vintage preamplifiers that I still use every day and love in two different systems. One is a Nakamichi 610 pre-amplifier in my office system which is neutral and accurate running through a class D power amplifier ,SMSL DAC and JBL L100 Century speakers. My favourite by a long mile is my VacuumState FVP 5a preamplifier that I have also owned since the early 1980’s but I have had it upgraded and modded to the latest spec that now gives that newer sound with darker background, deep and wide sound stage with greater instrument separation. This main system that it’s in consists of: VacuumState FVP 5a pre amp, JLTi Custom Analogue “Beyond Triode” power amplifier with Elsinore Mk5 speakers, Oppo 105 modded JLTi blu-ray player/DAC/streamer and a Goldring Lenco GL 75 with Syrnx pu3 arm and Nakamichi MC1000 reference pickup that was custom upgraded by the Garrett brothers before they died. The FVP 5a preamplifier has the upgraded and killer photo stage that’s just amazing and this is my end game preamplifier. Partly because I’m retired and starting to loose my hearing and just cannot afford to spend money on gear anymore. Thanks for the review, very entertaining and enjoyable.
I use NAD C388 integrated with Dynaudio DM 3/4 and it's a good match as the speaker need power to sing.The clarity and control of the speker is far better than with an A/B at least in my experience .Matching the right speaker with an amp is essential .
Thanks for this very interesting review Thomas, I am curious to hear it with our Sibelius loudspeakers… my experience with class D has been very varied and your summary seems to make me think it might work!
Hopefully I will get a chance to try them together. I have to send back the unit soon but will try to hold on until I get to try it on the Sibelius speakers.
It’s so nice to hear designers aiming to reduce the need for application of negative feedback. Yes, it is a long-standing tool in our toolbox, but consider it a last resort signal error correction and control method. It should not be a crutch to prop up sub-par designs.
The better efficiencies allow for increased Audio bandwidth without the “out-of-band” noise that is typical of legacy Class D amplifiers. The much faster switching times, the lack of ‘overshoots’ and ‘ringing’, along with the much reduced “Dead-Band” timing of the eGaN FET Output Stage allows for unmatched linearity across the entire Modulation range. With the significant reduction in “ON” resistance and Gate capacitance of the eGaN FET, the amplifiers provide unmatched Output Impedance and THD/IMD, resulting in the need for very low feedback - further reducing any issues caused by complex Output Speaker loads and Back-EMF from the transducers. This means you get a greater depth of field, blacker blacks and greater transparency than standard ICE or Hypex Class D type amps.
Thankfully for audiophiles....Peachtree is getting some recognition! I have the Nova300. Got it for $1799. Everything you describe.....is the Nova300....for less than half the price!;)
I have the nova 300 driving my magnepan 2.7 3way Maggie’s I purchased them in 1994 (new) I wouldn’t listen to any other speakers for music but I do use my jbl L-100 for my surround sound blu-ray setup the nova 300 makes the Maggie’s sound their best for sure
My first expensive purchase in audio was a peachtree nova 220se I still have it today. It’s in a second sound room. My main system is McIntosh mc452 c2600 Wilson Sophia 3 and project rpm5 carbon turntable yet I still enjoy my peachtree with B&w cm6 s2 for the money nothing compares. So peachtree audio is a no brainer
I really like my nova 300 as a all in one. Eventually going to get a separate phone-amp so I can use the home theater bypass. Phono amps are so tricky! It will prolly take me a year just to learn and decide what I want!
Throw the SVS soundbase in a steel husk and up the price two grand. “Feeling heavy” is right up there near the “knock test” for audio filos. I can’t tell difference at under 75% screaming volume between it and emotiva’s budget AB. Good luck on that amp of yours, though.
nice video about a amp typology i like. and i did not except the sound comparison to sound so different, for in my system the Peachtree sounded wider and more immersive. and all my amps are icepower, hypex ncore and puriri topology, gan is next for me i think :)
IMHHO 100% AGREE ABOUT SYNERGY AND NOT BREAKING UP A COUPLE 🤗😉 WHICH IS WHY I AM VERY HAPPY 🤗 PEACHTREE SENT IT TO YOU ..BECAUSE YOU ARE GOING TO DO YOUR BEST TO DESCRIBE THINGS FOR US AND IT ALSO HELP MANUFACTURERS REACH THEIR TARGET AUDIENCE 🤗 A WIN / WIN FOR ALL 😍😍😍
Hmm... looks like there’s an dealership up in the Portland area. I go up there fairly often, so I’ll put this on my future upgrade list. Thanks for the review
Thomas, Thanks for the great reviews and especially this review on the Peachtree GaN400 amplifier. It seems like quite a few GaN-based amplifiers are hitting the market. Also, I'm looking forward to your impressions on the Cambridge Audio 851W amplifier as you've indicated. I had one in the past, but sadly sold it. To me, the sound it produced was very good. Now, the 851W amplifiers are in short supply in the used market and selling for about $300 more than I sold mine for a few years back.
Great to see class d pushing the limits, and growing new versions. I don’t personally love the styling of peachtree stuff and feel the price tag is really high but hey lots of gear out there for everyone.
Yeah they're definitely not passing on the reduced cost to their customers are they ? 😁 In the UK this amp is around £3500. My tube preamp icepower classD power amp and DSD 512 tube based DAC cost new £1400 👍👍
I wish TH-cam had non compressed audio so I could hear more but nevertheless the 2nd demo reminds me of my Electrostatic STAX headphones somehow. The treble seems detailed and effortless without being piercing. If I ever see this amp I will definitely ask for a demo.
I had tested a Peachtree Grand Integrated X-1 Stereo Integrated Amplifier in my system years ago. It was very quick, produced a ton of power and really controlled the woofers. After running it for about four months I sold it. In the end I thought it was a bit too clinical and not "warm" enough for my tastes.
I can 2nd this, every class d I hear gives lots of power but none of the flavor. The instruments never sound right. It's ok enough for movies but piano and guitar and string instruments just don't sound good with class d. And my speakers never even use 2% of class d amps powers.
I guess it's subjective. For 35 years I've had class A class A/B amps from several well known companies. I now use class D power amp via a tube preamp with some 1960s valves. It sounds magical and for me now I could never go back to those stingy amp manufacturers that top out around 70/ 80 watts with the suggestion you focus on the 20% of the speaker market that contains the high sensitivity types. Each to their own though
@@V1ralB1ack It's a Nord 2 which is built around Bang and Olufsen AS1200 "icepower" boards cost £900 with 2 year guarantee. ( So it's the cheapest of the cheap and has no fancy opamps or Input buffers) I use a Chinese Xiang Sheng tube preamp which cost 300£ airfreighted to U.K. and I've put some 1960s General electric and Mullard Valves in it. It utterly destroys any amplification I've had before. ( Arcam, Rega, Denon, Simaudio and Nait) My speakers are Ruark Acoustic Templars II 8ohms 86db sensitivity.
@@sbwlearning1372 I love that you didn't build your system based off price. I bet based off what I know and read that your system is fast, does vocals very good maybe with a touch of warmth and very very good seperation.
Hey T. When I saw the weight I immediately thought of how you'd appreciate that. And then the chuckle of the week: the health benefits! No doubt peaches are good for your health! Lol. Other than that the only comment on the brand is that I'm reminded of Tekton founder Eric Alexander mentioning that Peachtree is a brand worth considering... Probably a great combo the two. Okay Thomas, until next time, stay hernia free ... with Peachtree. 🍑
I always learn stuff from your videos. Seems like class D is ultimately going to redefine the price / value point for all but the very high end. I should be pleased about that but somehow find it a little off putting that stuff that is light and maybe powered by a switch mode power supply can sound that good. Do not know why I react this way. I happily marvel at how much better every microwave oven is. They only last 5 yrs but the next one is always lighter and works better so I'm happy to throw them in a land fill. Meanwhile I'll hold on to my old fashioned tube amps that weigh a ton and waste electricity.
Awesome review Thomas. Thank you! During the entire video reviewing the Peachtree PreDAC/GaN400, you got all of the beautiful words describing the sonic sound performance of this combo but the 3 dimension (3D) sound were not described/mentioned. Isn't it not having any tube characteristics? Could you please clarify? Thanks in advance.
@baycchief3785 it has been a while so I take what I say with a grain of salt. It would not have the extended reverb creating space like a full tube amp.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you sir. Certain aspect of room treatment might help IMO. I thought the "Reverb" was meant to include the sound depth/width or in the meaning of sound decay being reflected if it's wasn't produced by the gears but can be treated with the listening space. Thanks again Thomas!
"Don't buy blind". Great quote there Thomas. How do you think it'll be with the Model 5 and Freya+? My concern is the aluminum tweeter, but having a tube pre paired with it, with different tubes may help?
If you want to experience Class D at its best you should check out the AGD Productions amps. They also use Gallium Nitride in their power amps, and have done for some time. You'll realise that not all Gallium Nitride is equal and they have exclusitivity on their supply of it. They're way more expensive than the Peachtree, but you will hear why..You would never know you were listening to a Class D amp,either by their sound or their looks. Their matching Andante preamp is is great too with a built in R2R dac..Highly recommended. 👍
I'm not entirely sure yet, if i'm just stumbling upon a set of coincidences or not, but the 5 or 6 reviews ive heard so far of Class D amps that employ the "GaN" transistor technology, unaminously get far better reviews compared to all the reviews ive hesrd of Class D amps that instead employ Mosfets for their power-amp's switching technology. GaN... (Gallium Nitrogen or Nitride in this solid form, according to the periodic table) just could be the best path forward in Class D sound. I found i heard the standard test track sounding more "open" for want of a better description, especially her voice from the Peachtree GaN amp. It's a very good looker to, if that matters to some, not to me tho, it's just a very nice bonus if it sounds excellent & also looks very good with it.
I think the topic of Class D via GaN FET is not currently being reviewed/spoken much on TH-cam. I wonder what it would be like to compare this low end cost vs. the AGD GaN Fet especially the Dark Knight that cost way much higher using a SS and a tube preamp. That would be a very interesting comparison with the future of Class D amp utilizing GaN Fet tech.
I would guess good chance it can work because it is quite neutral and Focal Kanta2 is not really bass shy.It has just enough bass for it to be a possible good match. Sopra 2 I would bet more money on.
Hey Thomas, I’ve been holding back on asking this, but here it goes. I am completely redoing my system. I currently have the Aria 936 & the Sonus Faber Venere 2.0 speakers. I got a great deal on trading them in & I’m going to replace them with the Sopra No. 1 which my dealer informed would take about 8 weeks to get in, so I have time. I have already sold my amps & am curious what you think about the synergy of using this peach tree stack with the Sopra 1’s. I noticed you didn’t have your Sopra 2’s in the room so you probably didn’t try it out with them. I don’t have any Peach tree dealers within 8 hrs of me, though what I have close by is Macintosh, Michi, Parasound & Rotel dealers. Thanks again for the video & peeking my interest about the peach tree brand.
Well there is a 30 days trial period so give it a try. I think it would match better with Sopra than Aria because Sopra is heavy with the bass while Aria is light and fast.
Hey Thomas, Great Video and very good information. I notice your friends over at Audio Excellence talked about the Peachtree paired with Magnepan. Since I am heading toward the Magnepan LRS + I would like your view on adding the GaN400+ Pre DAC to these speakers. YES, each of these pieces are relatively inexpensive compared to some other well-know brands. But it's still $$$$ and I didn't win the Powerball last Saturday. So? What do you think? I won't have other combos side by side, but will the Class D Peachtree be lacking some body? Some soul? Thanks! {I like to listen to good music 3-3.5hrs at a time.}
I thought exactly like your friend: how would this Peachtree GaN400 amp sound with a good tube preamp? After all: the Peachtree's own pre/DAC here, even though decent, is unremarkable.
Thomas, did you manage to get de Cambridge Audio 851w amp to sound good or not..? Knowing what you know (that was really a good question and fun) Great review as usual..!!
Great video. Would this be a good match to SF Olympica 1s? Would you recommend another preamp like the schiit freya? Did you try this combo? There just happened to be a Gan400 on Audiogon today I was eyeing!
Hi Thomas Enjoyed the review I am considering adding this combo to power my new Revel be226 powered by a Yamaha Aventage a6a are you familar with these? Tom
@@ThomasAndStereo I've been extremely happy with my M33, especially the all in one solution. From a performance perspective I don't feel like I am missing anything from separates (at least comparing to other D class amps). Great work as always, enjoy your channel!
I love that the pre dac has loop out. However I won’t put it on my list because it has no balance control. I struggle to understand how they could include such a helpful feature as loop out yet omit such a basic feature as balance control. How about those of us that either need to sit off centre or have an off sided hearing deficit.
Loved this review bro! Kind of a murder mystery as it winded and turned around each corner. You seemed extra happy & enthusiastic as well. I have heard from others that the Peachtree 🍑 integrated has more body and clean “meat on the bone” 🍖 in the lower frequencies. I guess the separate preamp cleaned that up a bit… I wonder how much? Great review!
Thanks, ideally I would match it with speakers with a bit of warmth BUT I would still give it a try if it is neutral because my silverline Sonata speaker is pretty neutral, that is why I use those speakers to evaluate different gear.
Peachtree’s corporate HQ is about 5 miles from me. I’ve considered popping in from time to time and chatting with them but Covid protocols are putting a damper on that. I was seriously considering their amp500 until the GaN400 was released. The GaN400 is about twice the price of the amp500 and I have a hard time believing it’s twice the sound quality (subjective, I know). The amp500 is also more powerful. I wish Peachtree would have sent you both amps but I know they’re trying to push new product so that’s understandable. Your comparison of the Classe vs the Peachtree was very revealing (even by YT audio standards). The Classe soundstage came across as recessed compared to the Peachtree combo. How much of that is down to the preamp in the chain is unknown without using the same preamp to compare the amps so, if you were willing to do that (I agree with system synergy by the way) it would be very helpful.
I remember the Orchard was more dynamic while this one is more 'musical' in the sense it is not as bright and clear. Pacing might be better with this Orchard and smoother. Have to really AB test to know forsure.
with the peach tree - the song sounds the way it's supposed to sound - its richer - has better pace - less shouty - the classe sounds good in its own right - but when you hear the peachtree your floored - how much more feeling there is with that song
I have a Peachtree Nova 300 and a Wilsenton R8. Love them both and never tire of comparing them. I've tried 4 sets of speakers with my Peachtree Nova 300 and now with my newest acquisition - Tekton Electron SE's - I am once again impressed by the power and depth of Peachtree. This new Peachtree offering is causing some anxiety as I wrestle with its place on my list of must haves.
ALSO - you mentioned that Peachtree is made in US.....mine was made in Canada, and shipped to me from the US....even though I bought it from a Canadian Retailer.
Hi M Hart. I've been traveling on similar audio gear paths. I also have a pair of Electron SEs and did have both the Nova 300 and a Wilsenton R8. Sold them both - though never heard the Nova with the Tektons. I presently have a low-powered 300b amp (Elekit TU-8600) and I'm really enjoying the paring with the Electrons. One discovery: even though my Electrons are made with the 4 Ohm design, I've found that the Elekit sounds much better when set for the 8 Ohm outputs. I imagine the R8 will sound better using the 8ohm taps as well, though I never tried this. See what you think.
@@joshuaschneck thanks Joshua, I will give the 8 Ohm taps a try. still have lots of exploring to do with the R8 - such as tube rolling and perhaps introducing a pre-amp. I'm so impressed with the sound I'm getting out of these amps that I'm inclined to keep them and work on synergy with the other components. What are you using for a DAC?
@@mhart9279 I'm using a Denafrips Ares II DAC that is very good (lots of positive reviews of this DAC on the web). Will probably upgrade some day to one of their higher-priced DACs. For tube rolling on the R8, I much preferred the sound with EL34s, but if you really like more slam in the bass, the KT88s are probably more to your liking.
I sent the GaN400 back because of the loud electric pop noise heard from the speakers when turning it on/off. IMO, the Nova500 has better value than this combo or the Amp500 if you already own a Pre-Amp.
@@ThomasAndStereo I know it’s been two years since you’ve done this review, but I would strongly recommend you hear a nova500. That’s what I use in my hi-fi system, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Not only that, but it has a loop output for my black ice audio Foz SSX the sound stage expander.
I used to drive ML Ascent with Crown class D and now using DSP crossover powered studio monitor. I can say it is all about your speaker placement. Play a song with male female vocal and reposition bit by bit. Sometime it is the triangle relationship, sometime it is the toe in angle. There is a lot of dip and peak in treble that cannot be fixed just by components, unless you wanna touch EQ.
You know, there has been so much development in electronics that it seems to me speakers have been lacking. Sure, there are many options, but comparatively you can find 50 electronics fairly quickly compared to, unless you're looking for bookshelf, very limited selections of loudspeakers.
Thanks Thomas. The benefits of GaN fets is not realized audio devices, let me explain. GaN switching frequency speed gains enable circuits like SMPS (switch mode power supplies) to run with higher efficiencies but we are already getting very high efficiencies with non GaN fet class D amps. You can not hear that difference and anyone telling you that does not understand the dynamics of circuit typologies. GaN fets will make a difference in renewable energy devices like inverters and charging, also electric cars. The benefits are simply not hearable in audio but unfortunately GaN's have become the new class D buzz word and people with little understanding of science and electronics automatically think that since they are faster devices they make amps sound better which is not true. GaN's afford smaller foot prints with less heat sinking, that has no bearing on sound. What it does is make amps cheaper to build which is just a saving for manufacturers. Honest manufacturers will pass that on to you, dishonest ones won't but it has no sound benefit. Peachtree focusing on sound and not specs is exactly what I'm talking about - GaN's give you better specs - not better sound. So if specs don't give you better sound than what's the benefit of the better specs manufacturers claim GaN's have in audio devices? In my view class D sounds best when mated to tube preamps, my own system runs that configuration and I find the sound detailed yet warm without fatigue. I've said this before but it's worth repeating - once you build a quality class D amp its sound is entirely dependent on the preamplification you drive it with. Don't be fooled, the Peachtree might sound terrific to you but its sound is more in the preamp than the amp and not at all dependent on the GaN's. This is more audio hype from manufacturers pulling the wool over naïve eyes and I'm willing to debate Peachtree or any other manufacturer on the subject. You found yourself that building an amp on specs alone does not ensure a great sounding amp. Distortion for example is not an indicator of great sound, I think the Pass amps prove that yet manufacturers continually give us ridiculously low distortion specs as an answer to better sound. Caveat emptor.
Couldn't agree more. I'm using tube preamp into 600wpc class D power amp. It sounds magical and is the best audio experience I've had in 35 years of HiFi. There's a lot of snobbery and people say some astonishing things about how poor class D is. My power amp was a quarter of the price of my previous integrated but has 4 times the power and sounds far far superior. As the snobbery recedes I bet the manufacturers will replace their innards with class D but charge hi end class A , class A/B prices.
@@bilguana11 Yes him again, the electronic engineer who actually designs this stuff. If you can refute what I said the floor is yours. "Oh no, him again" is nothing more than an opinion without substance.
@@mosfet500 I have had 8-9 Class D amps and they do all sound different, four with my current pre-amp. And by far the best sounding one is the Orchard Starkrimson Stereo Ultra, which uses Gans. And don't tell me again that I have tin hearing.
@@bilguana11 I never said you have "tin hearing", I said your information is not scientific, it's anecdotal - we have no idea how good or bad your hearing is. Because you think it sounds better to you does not mean that it sounds better because it has GaNs! Did you hear the same exact amplifier in a double blind A/B test with and without GaN's? No. People do this all the time, they make unsupported unscientific assumptions. Audio equipment has to meet all the criteria of electronics and science that any test instrument does.
@@ThomasAndStereo I am using the 851e preamp which has been a bit temperamental. Had to send it for repair but couldnt get spare parts, I think that may be why it was dropped from the range. I don't find it bright but I am using it with some wharfedale diamond 9.6 which are a warm rolled off presentation. I have some monitor bronze bookshelves I should do a comparison with them. Coming from a marantz avr it's my first step into decent 2 channel, detail and imaging was a huge performance jump for me.
I had the 851n and 851w a few years back. Great sound. I moved on to a much more expensive separates but honestly speaking could live happily with the Cambridge. What a great company
Peachtree was my first intro to Class D. In 2012, I bought a Nova 125. I was so shocked at how well it drove my Magnepan 3.6r speakers, that I made a video about it. (I usually don't do that...I watch vids, but don't really make many.) Peachtree ended up using it in their dealer newletter for that month. It was pretty funny. Good people, great audio products. Have been using Class D amps ever since.
Nice, link us that video!
@@ThomasAndStereo Sure! Can't believe it's been almost a decade! th-cam.com/video/soHjuO12mmM/w-d-xo.html
I remember your email AJ and wish I still had a copy of it.
@@JonathanDerda Hey Jon! I just checked...it's still in my sent folder LOL.
@@JonathanDerda The first email I sent, I cited your product page for the Nova 125 and subtly expressed that I thought it must be bullshit that it could drive "any speaker" and that it was "stable into 2 ohms". That was so hard for me to believe. But you wrote back, sent me a couple of links to testimonies of people who were driving big Maggies with it, and the rest is history. I ordered one, had it in my system for years, and it's still in operation today, last I knew. Just a great piece of gear.
Thomas... You are doing an absolutely amazing job.... Keep the format that you have.... You talk about not only the gear itself but also you bring your friends into the equation and you talk about synergy which is so important too. You are tied for my favorite TH-cam audio reviewer 😉👍
Love Peachtree audio products, their designs. Their service was absolutely amazing, kind and thorough.
A great video, again!! 🎉
I always had receivers and surround sound when I started my HiFi journey years ago. I worked at an electronics retailer and even when I left I had friends in the industry. I had some nice Denon, Onkyo and Yamaha gear. I briefly owned a monster Adcom amp that I used in my home theater. Years later, the Peachtree Nova was the first dedicated 2-channel product I purchase. I was blown away by how much better it sounded with music. I went on to upgrade to the Nova125 and then Nova220. Even had their portable headphone amp/dac at one point. All of their products have sounded great. I don’t have one now but I’m a fan and recommend them to anyone looking for a great sounding simple hifi product.
Thank you Thomas - I am a huge Peachtree fan. My wife and I just built our second system and decided on a peachtree combo after our dealer demo. We got the amp500 and a Nova 150 as a pre amp, now I want to try the gant and the predac. We paired the set with a JBL L100 that we also bought after demoing. We are so happy, Peachtree provides great value. We also tried the L100 with 3k (each) Naim Pre and power amps - we liked Peachtree better.
Thanks Richard for sharing.
Cool stuff. I got the original Peachtree Nova in 2010 when I finished my PhD (short story long, when I was a kid my dad made us kids a deal: Get PhD and he would buy us a Rolex - I haven't worn a watch in forever, so he amended the deal and bought me my first "real" stereo). I still have it. Just brilliant with the Class A/B and the Tube stage. Since my dad got it for me, it'll stay in my system somehow forever, but it really is a fantastic piece of equipment that looks brilliant.
Great content Thomas. I love the comparisons with a well established high end Class A, and have a experienced guy share the differences!
Another great video Thomas! I like that you keep hammering home three important audio truths: 1. It's all about Synergy. 2. Good measurements and good sound do not always go together. 3. Hernia free gear is a bonus :)
For me it was the cost reduction in class D. I had been looking for real power (250 wpc plus)
Traditionally to get over 100 watts from any of the class A A/B manufacturers the cost rapidly runs into 6 or 7 thousands
3 years ago I experimented with class D power amp with 600 wpc using B&O ice power boards which I believe are now seen as old and not state of the art.
It cost £800 and sounds absolutely stunning via a tube preamp.
Sadly as the snobbery about class A versus class D recedes companies appear to be replacing tradition A A/B with class D but are still charging the old prices.
I'm glad you did this review. I have 3 Peachtree components: an older Nova 65 with pre-buffer tube, the PreDAC and Nova 300 integrated. I guess you'd say I'm a fan of Peachtree. Well, yes, that would be accurate, but mainly because I feel I get good value for money and that they provide clean detailed sound in a compact unit. For certain, these units need to get some hours on them before giving their best. Right out of the box will lead to more critique than later. Of course the PeeDAC is newer and has a much more sophisticated DAC than the older Nova. One interesting thing is I had an early Nova 300 and sent it back because it seemed too detailed and bright. Later, I wanted that sound and got one again a couple years later. It has a totally different sound signature! Way more bass and more mild in the highs, but still well detailed. So it was opposite of what I wanted, but became what I wanted. Oddly, it pairs excellently with my Klipsch Cornwalls (not expected at all given its horns and a class D amps). I use the PreDAC paired with an Emotiva dual differential amp (twin amps per channel and use the XLR cables). This sounds fantastic, especially for streaming. That combo is used on my Altec Lansing Voice of the Theater A7 which are massive, true horn loaded speakers (which I significantly modified for home use). Again, this combo run counter to conventional thinking regarding horn speakers and not using class D amps (the Emotiva is a class "H", using D at higher outputs). The PreDAC has a lot to do with refinement in the top end and upper mid band, so that it will pair well with super high efficiency horns. And finally, I use the older Nova 65 on a pair of Polk Lsim 707. It really brings out details that my class A/B amps were missing and can drive those large towers with relative ease to quite loud output without ever getting hot. The engineering team at Peachtree has done a great job with their products. I will still rotate class A/B amps in the mix, but am amazed with how good and efficient that class D game has become. I wanted to try the Brooklyn pre/amp combo, but never got around to it. As I have become move accustom to listening to class D, I find it preferable to class A/B, something I would not have said three or four years ago. Thanks for another great review!
Hey, thanks for dropping by again. Love your experiences and thanks for sharing. Yeah, I can understand what you mean really enjoying Class D.
It's nice to see a company sticking with their chassis design, like Peachtree has done since 2007. I saw their products a few times but never had the pleasure to listen to them. Great review Thomas!
Thanks for another great review Professor.
I use a pair of Peachtree Amp-500's on huge Infinity speakers, with 480 Neodymium magnets, in the midrange & all Neo tweeters. The Peachtree's are the best amps I've used on this system in the 22 years of ownership. Can't wait to try the GaN version of their amps. Thomas,
along with the audiopheliac, can truly be trusted.
Great to see you making the comparison between the vintage and new VTL pre amplifiers. I have two vintage preamplifiers that I still use every day and love in two different systems. One is a Nakamichi 610 pre-amplifier in my office system which is neutral and accurate running through a class D power amplifier ,SMSL DAC and JBL L100 Century speakers. My favourite by a long mile is my VacuumState FVP 5a preamplifier that I have also owned since the early 1980’s but I have had it upgraded and modded to the latest spec that now gives that newer sound with darker background, deep and wide sound stage with greater instrument separation.
This main system that it’s in consists of: VacuumState FVP 5a pre amp, JLTi Custom Analogue “Beyond Triode” power amplifier with Elsinore Mk5 speakers, Oppo 105 modded JLTi blu-ray player/DAC/streamer and a Goldring Lenco GL 75 with Syrnx pu3 arm and Nakamichi MC1000 reference pickup that was custom upgraded by the Garrett brothers before they died.
The FVP 5a preamplifier has the upgraded and killer photo stage that’s just amazing and this is my end game preamplifier. Partly because I’m retired and starting to loose my hearing and just cannot afford to spend money on gear anymore. Thanks for the review, very entertaining and enjoyable.
I use NAD C388 integrated with Dynaudio DM 3/4 and it's a good match as the speaker need power to sing.The clarity and control of the speker is far better than with an A/B at least in my experience .Matching the right speaker with an amp is essential .
Well, the peachtree combo was much, much better than the CLASSE combo - looks like a really good product.
Thanks for this very interesting review Thomas, I am curious to hear it with our Sibelius loudspeakers… my experience with class D has been very varied and your summary seems to make me think it might work!
Hopefully I will get a chance to try them together. I have to send back the unit soon but will try to hold on until I get to try it on the Sibelius speakers.
@@ThomasAndStereo that might be interesting. But I appreciate you’re very busy. Best from Belgium
Great review! It would be a no brainer if it had those blue meters like the McIntosh!
So many options, so little time. Great review as usual!
Thanks for watching!
It’s so nice to hear designers aiming to reduce the need for application of negative feedback. Yes, it is a long-standing tool in our toolbox, but consider it a last resort signal error correction and control method. It should not be a crutch to prop up sub-par designs.
Hi Thomas! Man that is some great looking gear. Love that minimalist aesthetic design.
I love the comment in which he said nor did they give me this after the review…I wish
The better efficiencies allow for increased Audio bandwidth without the “out-of-band” noise that is typical of legacy Class D amplifiers. The much faster switching times, the lack of ‘overshoots’ and ‘ringing’, along with the much reduced “Dead-Band” timing of the eGaN FET Output Stage allows for unmatched linearity across the entire Modulation range. With the significant reduction in “ON” resistance and Gate capacitance of the eGaN FET, the amplifiers provide unmatched Output Impedance and THD/IMD, resulting in the need for very low feedback - further reducing any issues caused by complex Output Speaker loads and Back-EMF from the transducers. This means you get a greater depth of field, blacker blacks and greater transparency than standard ICE or Hypex Class D type amps.
Great technical insights. I wonder how many Class AB amps this Peachtree has surpassed as well...
Thankfully for audiophiles....Peachtree is getting some recognition! I have the Nova300. Got it for $1799. Everything you describe.....is the Nova300....for less than half the price!;)
I have the nova 300 driving my magnepan 2.7 3way Maggie’s I purchased them in 1994 (new) I wouldn’t listen to any other speakers for music but I do use my jbl L-100 for my surround sound blu-ray setup the nova 300 makes the Maggie’s sound their best for sure
My first expensive purchase in audio was a peachtree nova 220se I still have it today. It’s in a second sound room. My main system is McIntosh mc452 c2600 Wilson Sophia 3 and project rpm5 carbon turntable yet I still enjoy my peachtree with B&w cm6 s2 for the money nothing compares. So peachtree audio is a no brainer
It is so much fun to Listen to you. I‘ve learned so much. 👍🇩🇪🇩🇪
I really like my nova 300 as a all in one. Eventually going to get a separate phone-amp so I can use the home theater bypass.
Phono amps are so tricky! It will prolly take me a year just to learn and decide what I want!
Throw the SVS soundbase in a steel husk and up the price two grand. “Feeling heavy” is right up there near the “knock test” for audio filos.
I can’t tell difference at under 75% screaming volume between it and emotiva’s budget AB.
Good luck on that amp of yours, though.
Lovely review Thomas 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Funny that the power button on the preamplifier is a bit crooked.
But great review.
Grtz Phil
I am new to your reviews, and I love them! Many thanks, and keep up the good work.
Welcome aboard!
nice video about a amp typology i like.
and i did not except the sound comparison to sound so different, for in my system the Peachtree sounded wider and more immersive.
and all my amps are icepower, hypex ncore and puriri topology, gan is next for me i think :)
🤗👏👏👏 100% WITH YOU THOMAS…HOW IT SOUNDS ❤️
IMHHO 100% AGREE ABOUT SYNERGY AND NOT BREAKING UP A COUPLE 🤗😉
WHICH IS WHY I AM VERY HAPPY 🤗 PEACHTREE SENT IT TO YOU ..BECAUSE YOU ARE GOING TO DO YOUR BEST TO DESCRIBE THINGS FOR US AND IT ALSO HELP MANUFACTURERS REACH THEIR TARGET AUDIENCE 🤗 A WIN / WIN FOR ALL 😍😍😍
Hmm... looks like there’s an dealership up in the Portland area. I go up there fairly often, so I’ll put this on my future upgrade list. Thanks for the review
Thomas, Thanks for the great reviews and especially this review on the Peachtree GaN400 amplifier. It seems like quite a few GaN-based amplifiers are hitting the market. Also, I'm looking forward to your impressions on the Cambridge Audio 851W amplifier as you've indicated. I had one in the past, but sadly sold it. To me, the sound it produced was very good. Now, the 851W amplifiers are in short supply in the used market and selling for about $300 more than I sold mine for a few years back.
Oh I got a good deal on mine. Very unique sound.
Thanks for another great video !!!
Great review as usual Master at your craft.
Great review Thomas. Interesting comparison with those PL amps.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great review. Please do tell us how the GaN 400 plays with tube preamps, especially relating to tone articulation and soundstage.
I never tried it but I should. Maybe I will do it for the VTL preamp review.
Great to see class d pushing the limits, and growing new versions. I don’t personally love the styling of peachtree stuff and feel the price tag is really high but hey lots of gear out there for everyone.
Yeah they're definitely not passing on the reduced cost to their customers are they ? 😁
In the UK this amp is around £3500.
My tube preamp icepower classD power amp and DSD 512 tube based DAC cost new £1400 👍👍
I wish TH-cam had non compressed audio so I could hear more but nevertheless the 2nd demo reminds me of my Electrostatic STAX headphones somehow. The treble seems detailed and effortless without being piercing. If I ever see this amp I will definitely ask for a demo.
I had tested a Peachtree Grand Integrated X-1 Stereo Integrated Amplifier in my system years ago. It was very quick, produced a ton of power and really controlled the woofers. After running it for about four months I sold it. In the end I thought it was a bit too clinical and not "warm" enough for my tastes.
I can 2nd this, every class d I hear gives lots of power but none of the flavor. The instruments never sound right. It's ok enough for movies but piano and guitar and string instruments just don't sound good with class d. And my speakers never even use 2% of class d amps powers.
I guess it's subjective. For 35 years I've had class A class A/B amps from several well known companies. I now use class D power amp via a tube preamp with some 1960s valves.
It sounds magical and for me now I could never go back to those stingy amp manufacturers that top out around 70/ 80 watts with the suggestion you focus on the 20% of the speaker market that contains the high sensitivity types.
Each to their own though
@@sbwlearning1372 May I ask what class d power amp you use? I'm sure there is at least one that must sound lowkey really good.
@@V1ralB1ack It's a Nord 2 which is built around Bang and Olufsen AS1200 "icepower" boards cost £900 with 2 year guarantee. ( So it's the cheapest of the cheap and has no fancy opamps or Input buffers)
I use a Chinese Xiang Sheng tube preamp which cost 300£ airfreighted to U.K. and I've put some 1960s General electric and Mullard Valves in it.
It utterly destroys any amplification I've had before.
( Arcam, Rega, Denon, Simaudio and Nait)
My speakers are Ruark Acoustic Templars II 8ohms 86db sensitivity.
@@sbwlearning1372 I love that you didn't build your system based off price. I bet based off what I know and read that your system is fast, does vocals very good maybe with a touch of warmth and very very good seperation.
Thanks for the review. No point in listening at dealer - need to bring it home and listen on trial basis if possible.
Nice review thank you
Hey T. When I saw the weight I immediately thought of how you'd appreciate that. And then the chuckle of the week: the health benefits! No doubt peaches are good for your health! Lol. Other than that the only comment on the brand is that I'm reminded of Tekton founder Eric Alexander mentioning that Peachtree is a brand worth considering... Probably a great combo the two. Okay Thomas, until next time, stay hernia free ... with Peachtree. 🍑
Thomas, your review is awesome. How would I know if these will match say B&W 702 Series 3? What should I look for in an amp for such speakers?
I always learn stuff from your videos. Seems like class D is ultimately going to redefine the price / value point for all but the very high end. I should be pleased about that but somehow find it a little off putting that stuff that is light and maybe powered by a switch mode power supply can sound that good. Do not know why I react this way. I happily marvel at how much better every microwave oven is. They only last 5 yrs but the next one is always lighter and works better so I'm happy to throw them in a land fill. Meanwhile I'll hold on to my old fashioned tube amps that weigh a ton and waste electricity.
Good and fair review. 👍👍🙏
Thanks Thomas ! If i bought class d it would be Peachtree ! 2.5 ohms drive power hell yeah !
P.s i used the tape loop on the doge with my Sansui SE9 ohhh baby can i dial each song in ! But thats just it Thomas its to much tunning !
Awesome review Thomas. Thank you! During the entire video reviewing the Peachtree PreDAC/GaN400, you got all of the beautiful words describing the sonic sound performance of this combo but the 3 dimension (3D) sound were not described/mentioned. Isn't it not having any tube characteristics? Could you please clarify? Thanks in advance.
@baycchief3785 it has been a while so I take what I say with a grain of salt. It would not have the extended reverb creating space like a full tube amp.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you sir. Certain aspect of room treatment might help IMO. I thought the "Reverb" was meant to include the sound depth/width or in the meaning of sound decay being reflected if it's wasn't produced by the gears but can be treated with the listening space. Thanks again Thomas!
Hmm $4500 USD is considered "reasonable"...you learn something new every day!
"you can add a microwave in the chain for all I care" So funny Thomas :) 😆
"Don't buy blind". Great quote there Thomas.
How do you think it'll be with the Model 5 and Freya+? My concern is the aluminum tweeter, but having a tube pre paired with it, with different tubes may help?
If you want to experience Class D at its best you should check out the AGD Productions amps. They also use Gallium Nitride in their power amps, and have done for some time. You'll realise that not all Gallium Nitride is equal and they have exclusitivity on their supply of it. They're way more expensive than the Peachtree, but you will hear why..You would never know you were listening to a Class D amp,either by their sound or their looks. Their matching Andante preamp is is great too with a built in R2R dac..Highly recommended. 👍
Nice, thx for the info.
Is it 10% better than the peachtree Gan 400? They have much lower power..
very hip deco inspired design,perhaps the faster transistors make the difference.
I'm not entirely sure yet, if i'm just stumbling upon a set of coincidences or not, but the 5 or 6 reviews ive heard so far of Class D amps that employ the "GaN" transistor technology, unaminously get far better reviews compared to all the reviews ive hesrd of Class D amps that instead employ Mosfets for their power-amp's switching technology. GaN... (Gallium Nitrogen or Nitride in this solid form, according to the periodic table) just could be the best path forward in Class D sound. I found i heard the standard test track sounding more "open" for want of a better description, especially her voice from the Peachtree GaN amp. It's a very good looker to, if that matters to some, not to me tho, it's just a very nice bonus if it sounds excellent & also looks very good with it.
Love the dad jokes, you had me rollin’ with the microwave in the signal path comment 😆
I think the topic of Class D via GaN FET is not currently being reviewed/spoken much on TH-cam. I wonder what it would be like to compare this low end cost vs. the AGD GaN Fet especially the Dark Knight that cost way much higher using a SS and a tube preamp. That would be a very interesting comparison with the future of Class D amp utilizing GaN Fet tech.
How do you think the amp would pair with Focal Kanta2 speakers? Too much of a good thing? The Focal’s can be very revealing.
I would guess good chance it can work because it is quite neutral and Focal Kanta2 is not really bass shy.It has just enough bass for it to be a possible good match. Sopra 2 I would bet more money on.
You need to hear the lastest integrated Mola mola Kula with Tambaqui dac installed ... it is Sex in a box
Great looking components.
Thomas,
I enjoy your videos very much.
Mr. Pete----->
aging hippie
i salute 🍑 🌳 for at lease moving their production plant out of China and into Canada.
I did not know they moved their production to Canada but with the 30% US tarrif, I can understand.
does anyone know what amplifier stands mr.jazz uses for his pass lab monoblock amps?
Hey Thomas, I’ve been holding back on asking this, but here it goes. I am completely redoing my system. I currently have the Aria 936 & the Sonus Faber Venere 2.0 speakers. I got a great deal on trading them in & I’m going to replace them with the Sopra No. 1 which my dealer informed would take about 8 weeks to get in, so I have time. I have already sold my amps & am curious what you think about the synergy of using this peach tree stack with the Sopra 1’s. I noticed you didn’t have your Sopra 2’s in the room so you probably didn’t try it out with them. I don’t have any Peach tree dealers within 8 hrs of me, though what I have close by is Macintosh, Michi, Parasound & Rotel dealers. Thanks again for the video & peeking my interest about the peach tree brand.
Well there is a 30 days trial period so give it a try. I think it would match better with Sopra than Aria because Sopra is heavy with the bass while Aria is light and fast.
Thomas, first of all love your channel and reviews. Wondering why you have not reviewed any of the naim equipment?
I would love to but I don't think Naim embrace the youtube platform.
Hey Thomas, Great Video and very good information. I notice your friends over at Audio Excellence talked about the Peachtree paired with Magnepan. Since I am heading toward the Magnepan LRS + I would like your view on adding the GaN400+ Pre DAC to these speakers. YES, each of these pieces are relatively inexpensive compared to some other well-know brands. But it's still $$$$ and I didn't win the Powerball last Saturday. So? What do you think? I won't have other combos side by side, but will the Class D Peachtree be lacking some body? Some soul? Thanks! {I like to listen to good music 3-3.5hrs at a time.}
I thought exactly like your friend: how would this Peachtree GaN400 amp sound with a good tube preamp? After all: the Peachtree's own pre/DAC here, even though decent, is unremarkable.
Thomas, did you manage to get de Cambridge Audio 851w amp to sound good or not..? Knowing what you know (that was really a good question and fun)
Great review as usual..!!
Great video. Would this be a good match to SF Olympica 1s? Would you recommend another preamp like the schiit freya? Did you try this combo? There just happened to be a Gan400 on Audiogon today I was eyeing!
Sorry, never heard the Olympica so I don't know its sound signature.
Nice review. Nice that you still have the Lumin Amp.👍 What speaker is on your OLED? Kind of looks like a B&W.
I have to give the lumin back in the next few weeks. Yup B&W 800 series.
Hi Thomas Enjoyed the review I am considering adding this combo to power my new Revel be226 powered by a Yamaha Aventage a6a are you familar with these? Tom
Sorry, no I am not.
Interesting product. That said, what would separates like this offer over say a NAD M33?
Probably pacing , rhythm and darker background. Only way to know is AB test it.
@@ThomasAndStereo I've been extremely happy with my M33, especially the all in one solution. From a performance perspective I don't feel like I am missing anything from separates (at least comparing to other D class amps). Great work as always, enjoy your channel!
Thomas! How did this synergize with your Totem Sky Towers (I have those too!) Plz please plz answer lol! Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Sadly, my Sky are at Mr Kanta place and I don't think I am getting them back anytime soon, he loves them.
I love that the pre dac has loop out. However I won’t put it on my list because it has no balance control. I struggle to understand how they could include such a helpful feature as loop out yet omit such a basic feature as balance control. How about those of us that either need to sit off centre or have an off sided hearing deficit.
Loved this review bro! Kind of a murder mystery as it winded and turned around each corner. You seemed extra happy & enthusiastic as well. I have heard from others that the Peachtree 🍑 integrated has more body and clean “meat on the bone”
🍖 in the lower frequencies. I guess the separate preamp cleaned that up a bit… I wonder how much? Great review!
Thomas, in terms of class D, which one do you recommend more between this Peachtree or the VTV Purifi with the tube buffer?
The purifi has more body in the mids but this peachtree is more precise and cleaner.
Class D is soon to be the new norm.
Want to have a tube amplifier for headphone, please kindly give me some advices, thx.
Sorry, I don't use headphones.
Good review Thomas. Would this combo suit speakers that are also neutral, or would that be too much. Thanks.
Thanks, ideally I would match it with speakers with a bit of warmth BUT I would still give it a try if it is neutral because my silverline Sonata speaker is pretty neutral, that is why I use those speakers to evaluate different gear.
Peachtree’s corporate HQ is about 5 miles from me. I’ve considered popping in from time to time and chatting with them but Covid protocols are putting a damper on that. I was seriously considering their amp500 until the GaN400 was released. The GaN400 is about twice the price of the amp500 and I have a hard time believing it’s twice the sound quality (subjective, I know). The amp500 is also more powerful. I wish Peachtree would have sent you both amps but I know they’re trying to push new product so that’s understandable.
Your comparison of the Classe vs the Peachtree was very revealing (even by YT audio standards). The Classe soundstage came across as recessed compared to the Peachtree combo. How much of that is down to the preamp in the chain is unknown without using the same preamp to compare the amps so, if you were willing to do that (I agree with system synergy by the way) it would be very helpful.
I might use both amp with the VTL tube amp to see.
@@ThomasAndStereo That would be much appreciated if you have the time!
Hi Thomas, Where did you get the white block diffusers from ? Thxs
Vicoustic diffuser, they are sold at stores.
@@ThomasAndStereo thxs, I like them.
How does the Peachtree compare with Orchard Audio’s GaN amps you reviewed?
I remember the Orchard was more dynamic while this one is more 'musical' in the sense it is not as bright and clear. Pacing might be better with this Orchard and smoother. Have to really AB test to know forsure.
@@ThomasAndStereo the Ultra model Orchard makes might be a better comparison.
with the peach tree - the song sounds the way it's supposed to sound - its richer - has better pace - less shouty - the classe sounds good in its own right - but when you hear the peachtree your floored - how much more feeling there is with that song
i forgot to mention - i heard the difference thru my 20-year-old computer speakers which may have cost $30 at the time
How do you think their new Gan1 will compare?
Very interesting
Glad you think so!
I have a Peachtree Nova 300 and a Wilsenton R8. Love them both and never tire of comparing them. I've tried 4 sets of speakers with my Peachtree Nova 300 and now with my newest acquisition - Tekton Electron SE's - I am once again impressed by the power and depth of Peachtree.
This new Peachtree offering is causing some anxiety as I wrestle with its place on my list of must haves.
ALSO - you mentioned that Peachtree is made in US.....mine was made in Canada, and shipped to me from the US....even though I bought it from a Canadian Retailer.
Hi M Hart. I've been traveling on similar audio gear paths. I also have a pair of Electron SEs and did have both the Nova 300 and a Wilsenton R8. Sold them both - though never heard the Nova with the Tektons. I presently have a low-powered 300b amp (Elekit TU-8600) and I'm really enjoying the paring with the Electrons. One discovery: even though my Electrons are made with the 4 Ohm design, I've found that the Elekit sounds much better when set for the 8 Ohm outputs. I imagine the R8 will sound better using the 8ohm taps as well, though I never tried this. See what you think.
@@joshuaschneck thanks Joshua, I will give the 8 Ohm taps a try.
still have lots of exploring to do with the R8 - such as tube rolling and perhaps introducing a pre-amp. I'm so impressed with the sound I'm getting out of these amps that I'm inclined to keep them and work on synergy with the other components.
What are you using for a DAC?
@@mhart9279 I'm using a Denafrips Ares II DAC that is very good (lots of positive reviews of this DAC on the web). Will probably upgrade some day to one of their higher-priced DACs. For tube rolling on the R8, I much preferred the sound with EL34s, but if you really like more slam in the bass, the KT88s are probably more to your liking.
I sent the GaN400 back because of the loud electric pop noise heard from the speakers when turning it on/off. IMO, the Nova500 has better value than this combo or the Amp500 if you already own a Pre-Amp.
On my amp, the electric pop noise is really faint but I still mentioned it. I have not heard the NOVA500 yet, maybe I should ask them to send me one.
@@ThomasAndStereo please do!:)
@@ThomasAndStereo I know it’s been two years since you’ve done this review, but I would strongly recommend you hear a nova500. That’s what I use in my hi-fi system, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Not only that, but it has a loop output for my black ice audio Foz SSX the sound stage expander.
Tomas: I am designing my own amp
Also Tomas: I really don’t care about the technology…
How did you feed the peachtree pre? With your Exasound or via digital in?
I use it's built in dac so USB from my computer to it.
Let me know when you find a Class D amp with a great midrange. Not neutral or analytical but shounds like a human singing.
I used to drive ML Ascent with Crown class D and now using DSP crossover powered studio monitor. I can say it is all about your speaker placement. Play a song with male female vocal and reposition bit by bit. Sometime it is the triangle relationship, sometime it is the toe in angle. There is a lot of dip and peak in treble that cannot be fixed just by components, unless you wanna touch EQ.
You know, there has been so much development in electronics that it seems to me speakers have been lacking. Sure, there are many options, but comparatively you can find 50 electronics fairly quickly compared to, unless you're looking for bookshelf, very limited selections of loudspeakers.
IMO loudspeaker technology tends to move forwards every time ATC updates their range, but that only occurs once every 10-15 years. :D
Thanks Thomas.
The benefits of GaN fets is not realized audio devices, let me explain. GaN switching frequency speed gains enable circuits like SMPS (switch mode power supplies) to run with higher efficiencies but we are already getting very high efficiencies with non GaN fet class D amps. You can not hear that difference and anyone telling you that does not understand the dynamics of circuit typologies. GaN fets will make a difference in renewable energy devices like inverters and charging, also electric cars. The benefits are simply not hearable in audio but unfortunately GaN's have become the new class D buzz word and people with little understanding of science and electronics automatically think that since they are faster devices they make amps sound better which is not true. GaN's afford smaller foot prints with less heat sinking, that has no bearing on sound. What it does is make amps cheaper to build which is just a saving for manufacturers. Honest manufacturers will pass that on to you, dishonest ones won't but it has no sound benefit.
Peachtree focusing on sound and not specs is exactly what I'm talking about - GaN's give you better specs - not better sound. So if specs don't give you better sound than what's the benefit of the better specs manufacturers claim GaN's have in audio devices?
In my view class D sounds best when mated to tube preamps, my own system runs that configuration and I find the sound detailed yet warm without fatigue. I've said this before but it's worth repeating - once you build a quality class D amp its sound is entirely dependent on the preamplification you drive it with. Don't be fooled, the Peachtree might sound terrific to you but its sound is more in the preamp than the amp and not at all dependent on the GaN's. This is more audio hype from manufacturers pulling the wool over naïve eyes and I'm willing to debate Peachtree or any other manufacturer on the subject.
You found yourself that building an amp on specs alone does not ensure a great sounding amp. Distortion for example is not an indicator of great sound, I think the Pass amps prove that yet manufacturers continually give us ridiculously low distortion specs as an answer to better sound.
Caveat emptor.
Couldn't agree more. I'm using tube preamp into 600wpc class D power amp.
It sounds magical and is the best audio experience I've had in 35 years of HiFi.
There's a lot of snobbery and people say some astonishing things about how poor class D is.
My power amp was a quarter of the price of my previous integrated but has 4 times the power and sounds far far superior.
As the snobbery recedes I bet the manufacturers will replace their innards with class D but charge hi end class A , class A/B prices.
Oh no, him again.
@@bilguana11 Yes him again, the electronic engineer who actually designs this stuff. If you can refute what I said the floor is yours. "Oh no, him again" is nothing more than an opinion without substance.
@@mosfet500 I have had 8-9 Class D amps and they do all sound different, four with my current pre-amp. And by far the best sounding one is the Orchard Starkrimson Stereo Ultra, which uses Gans. And don't tell me again that I have tin hearing.
@@bilguana11 I never said you have "tin hearing", I said your information is not scientific, it's anecdotal - we have no idea how good or bad your hearing is. Because you think it sounds better to you does not mean that it sounds better because it has GaNs! Did you hear the same exact amplifier in a double blind A/B test with and without GaN's? No. People do this all the time, they make unsupported unscientific assumptions. Audio equipment has to meet all the criteria of electronics and science that any test instrument does.
I have the 851w amp so I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
What preamp are you using, share with me what you think about the unit. Do you find it too bright?
@@ThomasAndStereo I am using the 851e preamp which has been a bit temperamental. Had to send it for repair but couldnt get spare parts, I think that may be why it was dropped from the range. I don't find it bright but I am using it with some wharfedale diamond 9.6 which are a warm rolled off presentation. I have some monitor bronze bookshelves I should do a comparison with them. Coming from a marantz avr it's my first step into decent 2 channel, detail and imaging was a huge performance jump for me.
@@BJyelhsA Yeah, I have the 851N and issues too. Yeah, the monitor bronze would be a good test because those are bright speakers.
@@ThomasAndStereo I have some time off planned so if I get chance to have a listen I will let you know
I had the 851n and 851w a few years back. Great sound. I moved on to a much more expensive separates but honestly speaking could live happily with the Cambridge. What a great company
Seems no tube in the Pre DAC?
Nope
At half the price you can get the Technic sug700mk2 with the GaN chip.it will "eat a peach"
Lol, but not all Gan amp sounds the same. Just like not all Purifi amp sounds the same.
I'm curious how you came to that conclusion.
Microwave in the chain? Made my day. Great joke.
When you start to talk about tannoy mini?
I might not since it is not a review sample and I have limited time for videos.
Will the Peachtree a good match for the KLH model 5?
I did not try it on the KLH so I don't know, sorry.
This is damning