Intriguing...may have to try it out.
Just sent Peachtree an inquiry. Any details on a return policy for this Beta program?
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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Not sure of the return policy, but they do ask that you don't try and resell it for 12 months. Good info, thanks. Have you heard either of these amps? Based on this info I may continue with the Peachtree even if I'm not thrilled with the Voyager. It will be interesting trying these amps with my speakers as they tend to prefer 0 feedback, low damped amps and don't need more than a couple watts to kick ass. I also have a pair of Salk Wow1 monitors in my office, and those seem like a great match for these amps. I'll probably try the GaN FET amps there too but I listen at really low volumes there so likely overkill. |
I'm intrigued! The only input is digital with a maximum depth of 24 bits. There is no internal volume control. So the only way to control the volume is in the digital domain, within the 24-bit range. On my current system (NAD M12 and M22 V1), I am generally setting my preamp somewhere between −48 and −30 dB for ‘active’ listening (depending on how loud the source has been mastered), and this even though my speakers (PMC fact·12) are quite ‘hungry.’ If I did that in the digital domain within 24 bits, I would effectively end up with a 16- to 19-bit signal. I can imagine situations (listening more quietly and/or with more effective speakers) where one would end up with even less (i.e., less than CD quality in terms of bit depth). Wouldn't that offset whatever benefits this amplifier has? Or do I misunderstand the way volume is handled in that system? In any case I'll be interested in reading what you have to say about this amp when you receive it! (I'm not in the US so can't take part in the beta testing.) |
@newbluesuit Volume will be controlled by the streamer. You will not lose any resolution (signal) going through the GaN1. In theory, this will be the most direct way to amplify a digital source. |