2. amps-preamps
  3. 176422-76351

Peachtree GaN 1 Beta

Before I start my post here is my current system for reference:

Auarlic Aries G1 --> Denafrips Terminator or SW1X DAC --> Audio GD HE1 XLR preamp or Sachs preamp --> various tube amps --> Cube Nenuphar Mini's w/ a pair of REL S510 subs. Cables and power conditioning commensurate with the rest of the system.

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As warmer months approach I have been looking for a cool running amp to replace my Line Magnetic LM-518 and other tube amps for a few months as they run pretty hot.

I've been interested in the GaN FET amps and just purchased a used LSA Voyager 350 Gan FET amp which I should receive in a few days. I've tried class D amps before and while they checked a lot of boxes I just didn't feel drawn in. However, I like to explore so I figured I'd try the GanFET and since the amp has zero feedback and my speakers seem to prefer amps with little or no feedback I figured it be worth checking out.

Today, Peachtree Audio sent out an email inviting users to a beta of their new Gan 1 amp. Here are some excerpts from their email:

 

What is the GaN 1?

In basic terms it is a 200 Watts-Per-Channel (WPC) Power Amplifier designed to be the sole interface between your digital audio device with a variable output, like a Bluesound NODE, and your speakers. The GaN 1 is a simple, pure and cost-effective audio solution: connect the GaN 1 to a streamer and a pair of speakers and you have an amazing Hi-Fi system. That's it...no DAC, no preamp and no input switching. The signal path from the music to your speakers is remarkably short and free of artifacts. Want to hear the intricate details in your music that have always been there, but you couldn't quite make them all out before? Then the GaN 1 is for you!

What makes the GaN 1 so special?

First and foremost is the GaN-FET amplifier module. It has several inherent advantages in a power amplifier that even the best MOS-FET designs simply cannot achieve. A GaN-FET power stage provides a precise high-power reproduction of the Class-D PWM signal with extremely high linearity. This linearity eliminates the need for ANY feedback, ultimately allowing for the best possible audio quality providing clean, clear middle and high frequencies and a tight, solid reproduction of low frequencies. GaN-FETs track the complex audio waveforms MUCH more accurately than MOS-FETs, resulting in significantly more transparent and natural sound. The difference is something even a casual listener can hear and appreciate. The GaN 1 is also designed so that it does NOT require a digital-to-analog-converter (DAC). The digital audio signal at the input directs the amplifier outputs to drive the speakers. Although DACs have continued to improve over the years, there is no DAC better than NO DAC! This concept is not new as similar devices known as "Power DACs" made quite a splash in our industry years ago. But this time around, by executing the concept with GaN-FETs, the bar is raised to an entirely new level.

Key Features at a Glance:
▪ 200 WPC state-of-the-art GaN-FET module
▪ ZERO feedback design
▪ Regulated 450-Watt power supply
▪ Coaxial S/PDIF input with native support up to 24-bit / 192kHz
▪ DAC-less design
▪ Power on/off trigger port
▪ All aluminum chassis
▪ No cooling fans

 

This sounded really interesting to me and since I have a good streamer I signed up for the amp beta only. One aspect that intrigues me is to create an extremely minimal signal path. My speakers are single driver, crossover-less design. Employing the GaN 1 will mean the system will be Auralic Aries --> GaN 1 --> Cube Nenuphar Mini's. Will that lead to a more engaging sound vs the full system? Will the Voyager GaN 350 outperform a tube amp in the full system? Who knows, should be fun to find out....

Now, I have no idea how either of these GaN FET amps will work with my speakers. The Cube Nenuphars seem to prefer amps with low damping and no negative feedback, which is more common with SET tube amps and Class A solid state amps. I'm not sure of the damping factor of the GaN FET amps, but both are Zero feedback designs, and both have way more wattage than I need. For reference, I have a 1.5 wpc 45 tube amp that sounds amazing with the Cubes, so high wattage is not required. I am interested though in what these amps will sound like compared to my tube amps, and I am particularly interested in what the streamer direct to amp Peachtree will sound like.

I am also looking to acquire a First Watt SIT-3, which is a great match with the Cubes, but now that they are no longer produced prices have gone above my current comfort level. If I can get one I will throw it into the experiment.

The Peachtree won't be shipped until sometime in June, or possibly later. In the meantime I will get the LSA Voyager in the next few days. I might even be able to get it hooked up this weekend so stay tuned, should be an interesting experiment...
abd1
donnylovely
105 posts
 

@kuribo you’re missing out on a great amp because of your prejudices. Have fun listening to those measurements. Plus if you haven't heard or used it, your opinion on how it preforms aren't valid at all. 

kuribo
524 posts
 

@donnylovely 

Sorry, I have no interest in poorly designed products nor can I talk myself into enjoying their flaws. Get yourself a Sonos class d amp and save yourself $1500. Everyone says it sounds amazing so it must be spectacular!

ricevs
1,543 posts
 

Re Kuribo comments:....We have 7 people commenting here that this thing sounds amazing on THEIR speakers. We have ZERO people saying it does not sound great on THEIR speakers. When the number of praises gets to 100 will you still come on here and say the same thing over and over again? Please listen to the amp and see if it sounds good on YOUR speaker.....the only thing that matters. However, we all know that you will NEVER listen to this amp so anything you say here is meaningless to anyone but you and other (measurements are everything) people. So, why waste your and our time? Are you a kill joy? You can live in praise and gratitude and be happy or live in put downs and righteousness and be unhappy. It is up to you. You choose every moment. We all do.

I have not researched all the possible digital xover options out there. I suggested the Minidsp flex for a two way because it is inexpensive and works at 32bit and 96K and would be easy to implement using two GaN 1’s.

I do not have a GaN 1 here yet........please send me one......I will make it sound much better.

So far, no one has said this amp is bright, grainy, two dimensional, unmusical or anything like that.....If it beats a Holo May KTE DAC with Holo Serene Preamp and Kinki B7 monos........it must be pretty darn good. Only YOU can know what it will sound like in your stereo......30 day money back....nothing to lose.

 

donnylovely
105 posts
 

@kuribo then why are you even commenting on this thread then if you belive that to be true about this product? The fact that you’re posting on here suggests you do have an interest. Plus the fact that you’ve never tested this item means you have no way to know if it is built good, bad, or otherwise. Keep you comments to yourself unless you actually know what you’re talking about. You're just making a ton of assumptions and being annoying to the people that actually have interest in this product. 

kuribo
524 posts
 

@donnylovely 

I think I have as much right to post here as you do so if you don't like my take, ignore it.

@ricevs 

More hype for your mods eh? The shilling never ceases.

 


We have 7 people commenting here that this thing sounds amazing on THEIR speakers.
 

OF COURSE it does! And there are 672 reviews on Amazon of the Sonos amp that say IT'S AMAZING! And it's ONLY $699! And you DON'T NEED a DAC! It's a TOTAL GAME CHANGER! 672 RAVE REVIEWS! It's revolutionary!

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