2. amps-preamps
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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
sirnui
83 posts
 

mr_bill, what about the Lumin U1/U2 Mini don't you like?  I've tried a Lumin U1 Mini with LPS, U2, and D1 with LPS. All three have LEEDH volume processing and I think it works very with my VTV D300.  A used D1 may be the most economical way to get LEEDH digital volume control.  The Lumin streamers have volume range from 0 to 100 (whole numbers) so they offer fine tuning of the volume. This is especially important with sensitive speakers like my Zu Audio Soul 6's at lower volume. I've also tried the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition streamer.  Although the sound was great with the Eversolo, the Eversolo's digital out range was 0 to 15 (whole numbers) and this did not allow for fine tuning of the volume at low levels. Anything above "4" was considered too loud to me. I sold the Eversolo. 

sirnui
83 posts
 

Regarding the ADC, I actually have a studio quality ADC sitting idle.  My Lumin D1 has an internal DAC (a very good one, BTW). I'm going to have to play with this DAC and the ADC to feed digital to the D300.  I'm curious to know how this would sound over D1 directly feeding digital to the D300.  

mr_bill
347 posts
 

@simui

I’ll have to look at the Lumin streamers, especially the new U2 mini or the older D1. I was thinking they were all real expensive. I was worried with the fact that it is not wireless scared me away as my router is downstairs. I could get a Netgear wi fi extender.

I really like the volume control of 1-100 idea.

Is the Leedh volume control needed or used/beneficial if you are using Tidal Connect??

sirnui
83 posts
 

My Lumin D1 doesn't support Tidal Connect so I can't test Tidal Connect for you. However, the Lumin U1/U2 Mini do support it.  I've been using Roon happily with my D1. In addition to the 0-100 volume range, I also like the "Max Volume %" feature of the Lumin streamers.  One can set this to say "50", and then if one accidentally sets the normal volume to maximum, then the sound won't be as loud as without any limit. It's a safety feature.  And what's cool also is that the volume range is still 0-100 but now 100 represents 50% so granularity of control is not lost.

I'm currently using a TP link mesh router (1 of 3) to essentially provide wifi to my D1. I'm also thinking about getting a TP Link TL-WR802N "router" as the wifi device for the D1.  The TL-WR802N just needs to be put into "client" mode.  This router can possibly be powered by USB power from the device (don't quote me on this).  My D1 doesn't have USB out but U1/U2 Mini does.

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