Decco from Preachtree audio


Anyone out there have any experience with the Decco? Its a 50 wpc tube hybrid integrated amp with a built in DAC (usb, coax, and optical) It can be used as a dac/pre as well. Very versatile. It looks like its geared toward the ipod generation. Not necessarily a bad thing. . . I'm wondering if it belongs in a high end two channel system. Or could it be a big bang for the buck at $799?
kenmknoxdc
I have been an audiophile all of my life and was a dealer for such noteable brands as Audio Note, Goldmund and more. When I set out to find an audiophile set-up for my personal office, I started as most people, researching audio cards for my high-end computer (QX6850 Quad Core Extreme) etc.
After trying numerous cards and countless hours of research, I ended up with the ASUS Zonar D2X audio card with what most consumers would have considered very good sound through my AudioEngine speakers or Monsoon Planar's. Results for a guy who was used to S.E.T. amps was not satisfactory, especially in the midrange.

I talked with some of my industry friends who told me about the Era speakers and the Decco amp, processor and tube pre-amp all in one box. There descriptions sounded like they had been smoking something as they pretty much made it sound like it was on par with $4000 pre-amp, amp combinations with a killer DAC as a bonus. When I found out that the DAC had no filter or up-sampling I was sold, as this is the hallmark of AudioNote Dac's which I have always thought were the best sounding in the industry, bar none.

The combination arrived beautifully pakaged, I mean beautifully (AudioNote take notice). They were double boxed with protection everywhere. I was impressed already.

Let me just cut to the chase. This combination rivals equipment I have sold costing 5 times as much. Midrange, transparency, soundstage and imaging (oh that imaging) was to die for. I ordered a Siemens 6922 from Tube World to see what kind of a difference it makes and will let you know later. But at this point I have to tell you that I cannot imagine anything sounding better for the money. By the way, I opted for the D4 speakers as I need a small footprint on my desk but was blown away by the incredible soundstage and open transparent mid's and highs. I am using an Earthquake Sub crossing them over at about 70hz.

I am a happy audiophile sittting in my office with very expensive equipment out in my living room being neglected:)
Let me state for the record that I am not a dealer for any product mentioned in this post as these were purchase soley for my personal enjoyment and have no potential gain in this review. Contact your local Decco or Era dealer for purchase of this product.
Hi Jcaudio,

Can I ask what sort of music you used with the Decco. I'm currently thinking about getting one, but live at the bottom of the world (I'm a Kiwi - New Zealand) and if I get one, I need to be sure it's going to do the business.

I listen to a bit of classical, Jazz, and electronic music and am curious to find out how well you felt it handled 'busy' sections in the music. My question arises from another thread where somebody commented that it didn't seem to handle busy sections of music too well and became somewhat garbled.

Would be very interested in your thoughts.

FYI, my setup will consist of some 87db/8ohm 2way speakers, Squeezebox 3, iMac, and an Arcam DV88 as CD source.

Cheers
I listen to mostly jazz, a little classical and every once in a while some Santana or Rippingtons for some spice. I am using the fairly inefficent 84db DR4 ERA speakers with great results in my office, but it would be underpowered in a larger environment. Perfect in my setup though, and honestly can't imagine anything coming close for the money. I ordered a 1960's Siemens 6922 that is being cryoed as we speak and am looking forward to hearing what some tube rolling does with the sonics. My experience with tube rolling is that it can make a huge difference.
Siriosys,

It has done very well so far but have honestly been spending a lot of time breaking in the whole system and waiting on my new tube before I get super critical with difficult passages but at this point I am very happy. I would guess much of that is going to depend on the speaker efficency of your speakers and how hard you are driving them. Low level resolution is good. I have to be careful to keep things in perspective as I am used to power cables costing more than the whole dog gone thing:) I am being totally honest when I tell you that I would have paid much more for the unit. By the way, it is drop dead beatiful. My wife love it. Huge kudos there