Correct, the Lumin U2 and other "U" Lumin units don't have DACs and are pure streamers. I'm excited to try the fiber input of the U2. This is the future and the future is now. I think this can simplify the network side of my system. The U2 has a special USB output but I'm doubtful this alone can replace my USB reclocker. I usually find that improvements along the USB chain are cumulative.
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!
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I'll wait for Technics to provide an integrated like their SU-G700 with more power, say 200W. I had that integrated but just lacked power for my Acoustats. Excellent however with their SB-C600 speakers.
Laptop with JRiver and USB is all I'll need to feed it. I do not believe in streaming, so can forgo all the associated nonsense.
Yes, I am aware that the high end Technics amp is only 150W. I can still wait and hope. No way Technics can sit on the 70W spec in the near future. |
@viethluu Get it modded by Ric and then decide if the hype is real, ha ha. This modded amp is amazing. I just bought an amp stand (with wheels) for my CODA #16. That arrives soon. Once it does, I will be doing head-to-head comparisons with the following:
I will be using a KEF LS50 Meta until I sell some speaker cables, then the LS50 will be replaced by the KEF Reference 1 Meta (or maybe Magico A1) At this point I am not sure which setup will be preferred. That is how good the GAN1 sounds in my office system. Now my speakers are not big, and the room is small so maybe the GAN1 is benefiting from that. When I get the KEF Blade 2 Meta in the Fall for a bigger room, I am going to try the GAN1 on it to see if it can hang with the CODA system. That is the CODA systems intended purpose. I am very happy to sell more gear and save money if it makes sense sonically. BTW - the speaker cables I am selling are Audience FrontRow long enough only for monoblocks. I am selling them because they are too short for the GAN1. I sold one of my 2 Benchmark AHB2’s because the modded GAN1 was better. The cables were used with the 2 AHB2’s. BTW2 - the new speaker purchase is the result of the GAN1 not easily incorporating my now sold KEF KC62 sub. The LS50 Meta + KC62 sub are great but the sub failed a few times on me and the GAN1 sounds too good to not use, so out went the KC62. The next speaker will negate the need for a sub in my small room. |
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